Lyov immediately moved in front of her, defensive.
Isabelle clutched her kitten to her chest protectively, sitting up, wide-eyed. "Wh-what?!"
Caoimhe strode into the room. Her expression was stern. "You dare to use Ceiori's genrosity and friendliness as a cover to murder my gentle father and now you dare to act innocent?!"
Lyov straightened, placing a hand on his sword hilt. He said nothing, but he clearly wasn't taking his eyes off of the guards.
Caoimhe gestured to her soldiers. "Seize the empress first."
Isabelle instinctively recoiled as one of the young men stepped forward, reaching for her.
Rather than Lyov, Alexander was the one who interrupted him. He gripped the soldier with strength that belied his gentle appearance, blue eyes ice cold.
The man hissed just loud enough for her to hear where she sat on the bed. "Lay one hand on her and your entire family will die screaming."
