a cynical

Jules nearly gasped from sheer outrage. A good story? Westcliff wanted to pursue Liam because it would make a good story? What a cynical, manipulative dick of a—

“Don’t tell me you don’t find him attractive,” Terlaine said, sounding stunned.

Westcliff shrugged again, some emotion flickering in his eyes. “He’s beautiful,” he said without any inflection whatsoever. “He’ll do. It’ll be a PR win, a stunt to distract people from the distasteful news that a Xeus will be inheriting the throne. You know the common folk like romanticizing the royals’ courtships and weddings. He’s beautiful enough to be a good distraction from the bad news.”

Distraction? A stunt?

Over my dead body, Jules thought viciously.

He must have made some noise, because Westcliff suddenly looked right in his direction.

Jules froze.

Carefully extinguishing his cigarette with his shiny shoe, Westcliff said, “You can come out now, whoever you are. Don’t make me drag you out of the bushes.”

Jules clenched his hands into fist