There was no other seat empty. Everyone in the room glanced toward Val.

Did that mean she was supposed to stand as a punishment?

"Sir, but there's no other-"

"Sit in the one behind me," he cut her off tartly, his voice devoid of humor, like a strict father reprimanding a stubborn child.

That was his seat. Did he actually want Val to sit on his almighty lord throne?

"Sir, but it's yours..." Val protested, her voice soft but steady.

The rest of us sat there like silent potatoes, watching as though we didn't exist.

Mr. Prince walked over to our side, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her toward his...