You weren’t proud when I built a life from nothing, without a dollar of your wealth. You weren’t proud through the brutal nights you couldn’t imagine.

You’re only claiming it now because important people are watching.”

Griffin swallowed. “People are watching, Maren,” he muttered, terrified of the scandal.

“Yes, Griffin,” I said, looking at my brother with pity. “And that is the only reason you care.”

Liora and Calder appeared beside me before I noticed they’d moved. Without her veil, Liora no longer looked like a bride; she looked like a commander holding her ground in a hostile zone.

“Admiral,” she asked softly, a hand on my arm. “Are you all right?”