o P
guards stood frozen, their guns still trained on me, but their eyes were flickering with uncertain
ors of the main
wasn'
of the steps, his face a mask of cold professionalism. He looked
is voice flat and devoid of emotion. "I w
his was the counter-move. A deeper, more cutting humiliation. He wouldn't
e to rage. To s
aug
w into a full, clear laugh that e
jaw tig
for everyone to hear. "Unwell? I heard Don Valachi was 'The Reaper' on the battlefield.
stone. "Ma'am, I sugge
essing the crowd of shocked faces in the windows. "But it seems I've
mockery that had been aimed at me was now tu
ipping the arms of his wheelchair, his knuckles white. I imagined th
walking up the steps until I was level with Kyl
ny, almost imperc
accept my vows on behalf of Damien Valach
ee a fine sheen on his forehea
to the silent,
ringing with authority. "If he is too much of a coward to face me, then let him announce i
rdly
t an insult anymore. This was a challenge to his very identity, his right to rule. I
ds could do. If he went through with this proxy ceremony, that title would
t make thi
. "Don..." he whispered, his
layed my hand. No
e the house. The sound of somet
mil
wave of relief, mixed with fear, wa
closed behind him, began to o
ged from the
ir, a silver mask hiding half
n Val
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