“Rebonjour, fils.” His eyes moved from Reid to me, and something predatory sparked in them. Something poisonous. A broad, brilliant smile transformed his face from attractive to breathtaking. Quite literally, my breath caught in my throat. That smile belonged to Reid. To Beau. I knew it like the back of my own hand. “Fille.”

Chasseur, soldier, and constable alike parted at his approach, and even Madame Tremblay quieted, finally realizing the precariousness of the situation. People didn’t smile like that for no reason. Especially kings. I hardly dared breathe as he crouched before me. As he too gripped my chin between thumb and forefinger. His touch was lighter than the harbormaster’s. Indeed, he handled me like fine china, his thumb sweeping over the welts as if to soothe them. “Shh, shhh. Fret not, Louise. You cannot know how I have longed for this moment.”

Jean Luc hurried to intercede. “Your Majesty, please allow me to—”

“I will allow you nothing.” Auguste’s coldly spoken words stopped Jean in his tracks. The former’s gaze didn’t stray from mine, however. He studied my lips as he continued. “You are henceforth stripped of your captaincy, Chasseur Toussaint. All future duties will be handled by your new captain, Philippe Brisbois.”

“Philippe?” Jean Luc’s face twisted, and he glanced between the two, his chest swelling with rage. “I have apprehended and incapacitated two of the most notorious witches in the kingdom. I have returned your son—”

“What you have done,” Auguste snapped, “is disobey my direct command. Your presence at the conclave was not requested. It was required. In forfeiting your responsibilities, you have forfeited your title. I do hope she was worth it.” His lip curled as he glanced to Célie. “She is very pretty.”

Jean Luc opened and closed his mouth, near apoplectic now. Even amidst the dire circumstances, I felt a twinge of sorrow for him. In the breadth of a single moment, he thought he’d lost everything. When Auguste dropped his hand from my chin, however, flicking the first syringe, fear surpassed all other emotions. I cast a panicked glance at Jean Luc, willing him to pull himself together.