The Proposal and the Threat
"That idiot?" Natasha laughed, a low, amused sound. "Please. I work with the King, not for the King."
She leaned forward, her eyes flashing with something between scorn and pity. "I'd sooner die than take orders from that power-hungry, paranoid fool. He can't tolerate the little picture: someone bigger, smarter, more admired than himself.
Her voice fell, words cutting now. "To him, a talented warrior isn't a resource—it's a threat. A precious weapon? Hazardous. If it doesn't kowtow to his ego, it doesn't have any place in his kingdom."
Leon's jaw clenched. He said nothing, but he didn't have to. He knew what she was saying. He'd seen it too.
Nova blinked, caught off guard. "Wait… so you don't really work for the King?"
Natasha rolled her eyes, tone strangled with annoyance. "No, I don't. Was I unclear?"
