Lucien's POV
"I did no such thing."
Arabella's voice was as smoother than the finest of silks. She looked at me with wide eyes, her hands clasping her tea cup as if it were the only thing keeping her anchored to the earth.
"Do not lie to me, Arabella," I growled, taking another step into the room. "I am not the Emperor. I am not blinded by the memory of your mother or the 'grace' you perform for the court. I know exactly what you are."
"Lucien, you're frightening me," she whispered, a single, perfect tear escaping and rolling down her cheek. "Roxanne is my sister. Why would I ever wish harm upon her? I've been here all day, praying for her safe return."
