Chapter 19 · I do not answer to you

"I do not answer to you."

"You answer to the crown."

"The crown assigned me to protect her until her status is confirmed."

"Her status is failed."

Selene finally turned to Tess. Her eyes were cold, but her breathing was not. "Stand behind me."

Tess looked at the line of her back. "You are not a shield."

"Today I am."

"You are also blocking my view."

"Good."

"I hate when you make sense."

"Then you are going to hate the next part."

Selene reached for Tess's wrist.

Tess jerked back. "What are you doing?"

"Showing them the mark."

"Absolutely not."

"If they think the bond is unstable, they will take you to the discipline wing."

"And if they see the timer?"

"Then I lie."

Tess stared at her. "You? Lie?"

"I have lied for the crown since I was sixteen."

The admission slipped out so quietly Tess almost missed it.

Selene caught Tess's hand before she could ask more. Her fingers were bare now, the burned glove hanging from her other hand.