Chapter 15 · Why Are You Doing This?

"Why are you doing this?" I kept my voice low, even with half the city watching us.

Carson's hand locked around mine. Warm palm. Hard fingers. Our rings pressed together between us while his body blocked the tribunal floor.

For one stupid second, I forgot to pull away.

Then I remembered where we were—and who had just chosen my side.

That had to be another trap.

"Because Vale's warrant is forged," Carson said.

"That's not the whole answer."

"It's the only answer you're getting in front of an audience."

"Coward."

His mouth tightened. "Careful, wife."

The word slid beneath my skin.

I yanked at my hand. He didn't let go. His grip only tightened enough to keep our rings touching.

Vale stepped toward the core. "Chief Rook, stand down. By order of the council—"

"You don't have the council's order," Carson cut in. "You have a counterfeit stamped over a detention notice."

Vale stopped.

Just for half a second.

His eyes jumped toward the upper gallery.

Someone else was watching.

I leaned closer to Carson.