#Chapter 145 - False King. Coward. Liar.

Damon The guards opened the chamber doors without a word, and Ella swept in like she’d been given a choice in the matter. Her gown was pearl-colored silk, too fine for a war room and too soft for the cruelty she carried. Her hair was pinned with mother-of-pearl combs, her lips curved in a smile I would take pleasure in breaking. She dipped a shallow curtsy. “Your Majesty.” I didn’t return the greeting. “Close the doors,” I said, eyes never leaving her. “No one comes in.” The guards obeyed. The latch clicked shut with finality. Ella’s smile didn’t falter, but I saw the flicker of tension in her shoulders. Good. I stood behind the oak table like it was a battlefield map and she was the last enemy standing on it. “You’re not here for pleasantries,” I said. “Of course not.” She adjusted a ring on her finger with deliberate slowness. “These are tying days.” “I want the antidote.” Her eyes sparked with interest. Not surprise. Just calculation. “So it’s true,” sh