17

17.

He stood before his father, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"I don't understand, father," he said through gritted teeth. "Why didn't you send Miranda away? Why did you leave her there, even as a maid? You know how risky it is if she reveals our plan to Aurora."

Ragnar, seated on his throne, looked up at Derek with a cold, steely gaze. "You don't understand, boy," he said in a low, menacing voice.

"Keeping Miranda under my surveillance is the best option. It's easy for witches like her to send messages even from miles away. And now that her powers have been weakened by you, it's easier for us to watch her closely."

Derek frowned, a deep sense of unease settling in his stomach. "But father," he protested, "I didn't go as far as hitting her magic mole just to have her still roaming around in the Royal arena. I thought that would be the end of her interference."

Ragnar leaned forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Don't question my decisions, boy," he growled.

"I am th