"I… I swear, Your Royal Highness. It's not true. There's absolutely no such thing," Warren stammered.

His face drained of color, sweat rolling down his forehead. He waved his hands frantically and hunched over, trying to make himself smaller.

His voice cracked with desperation, saying, "You've misunderstood. Just a… It was just a small misunderstanding. I was worried my two foolish nephews were being mistreated at the police station.

"I got flustered and spoke too harshly, but I never meant to threaten Chief Wolfe. Right? It was a misunderstanding, wasn't it?"

He pleaded with his eyes at Cedric, silently begging him to speak on his behalf.

Cedric didn't dare to say anything. He kept his head down, staring at his toes, as if he'd heard nothing.

Grace's lips curved into a faint, cold smile. "A misunderstanding? Speaking too harshly? Warren, did you really think you could fool me?"

"No, Your Royal Highness. I—"

"Then tell me," she cut him off, her tone sharp and unforgiving. "You