Why had I not laughed at Lucien’s insult? Being called ugly was far from the worst thing that had been thrown my way. So why did it hurt? Why did my face burn and my throat feel tight and scratchy? “I . . .” Lucien shook his head, dismay etched across his marble face as he stared at me. Ruarc swiveled around, followed Lucien’s gaze. A fierce frown twisted his expression, a low, threatening sound spilling from his throat.
