Chapter 16: Honesty

The Judge looked up from her desk as Asher entered, her expression impassive as always. He felt his heart tighten, hoping to catch even a flicker of acknowledgment for what had happened between them last night. Instead, she merely gestured for him to sit, her demeanor as composed as if they'd shared nothing but formal pleasantries.

"Thank you for coming, Court Consort," she began, voice as steady as ever. "Lord Evergland has requested a meeting with you. He was… intrigued by the events of last night."

Asher's chest sank, the hint of frustration quickly rising. So this was all it would be—a discussion about political consequences and posturing, with not a word about what had happened between them. He shifted in his seat, his gaze hardening.

"Is that all you wanted to talk about?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. She looked up, a hint of confusion in her eyes, but he pressed on. "After last night… that's all you have to say to me?"