56 What Would I Do Without You?

Laina looked directly at Carson. She did not glare at him, merely a gaze. But he felt as if Laina was staring him down, looking into his soul to look for an answer. There was a moment of silence as everyone turned their attention to him. 

They were waiting to hear his reply. 

"No… no, nothing of that sort, your Highness. I simply think this painting has far more potential than you're making it out to be."

Margaret bit her lip. Carson's choice of words was getting a little out of line and everyone in the ballroom felt it. As soon as he realized what he had said, his hands began to shake. Laina could not help but wonder just how much fear had she instilled in him. 

She had not even begun to chide him, yet he looked ready to confess all of his sins. Even the ones she was not after.