I took a step closer, desperate to regain control of the situation. “On the road, you sneered at me constantly.”

He tilted his head, feigning confusion. “Sneered?” He looked back at his warriors, then back at me. “Does anyone here think I have a habit of sneering?”

His warriors exchanged glances, then, in a perfectly synchronized chorus, replied, “No, Your Majesty.”

Jason turned back to me, an apologetic expression on his face. “Forgive me, Lady Ollivara. It seems my ...