[Luca can practically taste it in the way she describes the bread. He has a horrible feeling, though, namely from the moment she mentions servant's quarters. It's the kind of place that the Aurelius home had never had. And under the wrath of the Empress, who had molded Kiera so intently, he can only guess how it will end.

Only guess. Which means he doesn't expect where the story winds up. He knows the child she describes, only from Even if only from Kiera's own memories. It makes his stomach churn angrily.]

If I ever meet her... [He doesn't finish the sentence, knowing far too well how upset Kiera would get at the mere idea.]

I'm sorry. The things she put you through, the way she warped you... cruel is too light of a word.