If Vikram's intention was to provoke Hadrian, he had succeeded spectacularly. The future king looked like he was seconds away from losing control.

“Hadrian... please... calm down,” I whispered softly, hoping my voice would reach him before his fury boiled over. I could already picture his claws slicing Vikram’s throat in a fit of rage. My only hope was that he’d focus on me instead of unleashing disaster.

His blazing eyes locked onto mine, and my silent plea seemed to ...