(Catherine POV)
I'd been returning from the rose garden with sketches of winter preparations when I heard their voices through the partially open door of Kieran's study. Not shouting exactly, but the kind of heated discussion that made smart people pause before announcing their presence.
"—can't seriously be considering this." Lucas's voice carried the particular strain of someone who'd been arguing the same point for hours without making progress.
"I'm considering everything." Kieran's response held edges that spoke of control maintained through sheer force of will. "Seventy-three lives, Lucas. That's what we're weighing against one woman's safety."
One woman's safety. My breath caught in my throat as understanding crashed over me like ice water. They were talking about the envoy's vi
