Malrik’s POV

I drew in a slow, deliberate breath, wrestling my temper back under control.

“I want her released to me immediately,” I said, each word sharpened to a point. “Ysolde has broken no law. She is not the Mad King’s daughter, and sharing his blood does not grant her the right to claim the throne. She is no danger to anyone.”

My tone hardened, my grip on the phone tightening.

“This is an overreach a direct challenge to my authority. To detain someone under my ...