28

“A month will pass without you even noticing it. Besides, you have plenty of things to busy yourself with. But you’re not to leave the castle until I return. Not even to visit the nearby villages. And Rothan will be here with you. Both Rothan and Harriet.”

“Are you really going to leave Bella as your delegate?” she asks after a few minutes.

“If you don’t want her in that role, I can reverse the decision.” Since when have I been so desperate to please the small woman in my arms?

She shakes her head. “I trust your choice. I’m just being paranoid.”

I play with her hair, and as her breathing begins to deepen, I wonder how I’m going to last a month without her. I have become so used to her existence, and ever since we consummated our relationship, it has grown by leaps and bounds.

I’ll have to make sure to tell Rothan and Harriet that one of them has to stay with Leanna at all times, even if that means Harriet has to sleep in the same room as her. I don’t want my mate alone. I’m sure she’ll be safe here, but…

I glance toward the fire. Maybe I should increase the number of guards.

As I follow her into sleep, I tighten my hold around Leanna. Just one month. It’s not that big of a deal.

 

  

The day of my departure arrives. If it weren’t for Derrick’s urgent letter, I wouldn’t be going. But one of my duties is to protect the Veil. It’s a responsibility that I’ve always honored happily, but now, for the first time, it feels like a burden. And before I leave this afternoon, there are some things I must do.

Bella enters my office in response to my summons. She closes the door behind her before saying, “I thought you were heading out this morning.”

“I’ve been delayed.” I get to my feet. “Before I go, I want to remind you of Leanna’s importance. Nothing should happen to her, Bella. Without her, we cannot investigate the rebels in the Eastern Kingdom. As long as the royal family there believes we have Princess Vivian, we have control over them.”

She rolls her eyes. “I understand, Cedric. Why do we have to have the same conversation again and again?”

“Because you’re a hothead, and you’re petty,” I snap. “I don’t want anything happening to her. She’s an important tool. We need her as Princess Vivian.”

“Fine. I get it. Can I go now?”

I gesture toward the door with my hand, and when she opens it, Leanna is standing on the other side, her face pale.

I feel a sense of unease for some reason. Did she overhear our conversation?

She gives me a trembling smile and steps aside for Bella to pass by. Bella nods at her, but I can sense her irritation.

“I wanted to give you this,” Leanna says, holding a small box in front of her. She doesn’t meet my gaze, and I wonder if she’s unhappy over what she may have just heard.

“What is it?”

“Something to eat on the way.”

Her voice is almost listless. I round my desk and walk over to her, taking her in my arms. My kiss is heated, and she responds as she always does, matching my desire. I could take her right here on this table.

“Make sure you listen to Healer Pat,” I order her once I pull away. “And eat properly. Don’t skip your meals, and don’t overwork yourself.”

She nods. “Okay.”

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Okay.”

She’s still not looking at me. I lift her head by her chin. “Leanna?”

“We’re going to miss the full moon,” she says, a shaky smile on her lips. Her eyes are glistening with tears. “I guess it worked out for the best.”

I frown. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing,” she almost whispers, handing me the box she brought with her. “I know it’s silly, but I was just thinking about whether you would have something nice to eat during your trip. I asked one of the chefs to make some of those meat biscuits you like.”

“Thanks.”

“I should go.” Without another word, she hurries out of the room, leaving me staring after her.

I look at the small box. Carrying it in my wolf form will be a hassle. Maybe I should just leave it here. I set it down on the desk, and after gathering my things, I begin to walk out. Pausing in the doorway, I glance at the box again before sighing and retrieving it.

As I leave the castle, I see Leanna standing on the balcony of her room, looking down at me. She meets my gaze, and for a moment, I think I see tears in her eyes.

“Look after her, Harriet,” I say quietly to the head maid, who is standing by me. “Not even a scratch should be on her when I return.”

Harriet nods, a soft smile on her lips. “Your mate will be fine. Go. Safe travels.”

With one last look at the woman standing alone on her balcony, I transform. As I start to run, my wolf lets out a mournful howl.

Chapter 10

Leanna Avery

It’s been a week since Cedric left. When did I get so used to sleeping in his arms? When did I become so accustomed to his scent?

“She’s an important tool. We need her as Princess Vivian.”

“I have not decided whether I want to have a child with her yet.”

Sitting in the armchair, staring into the fire, I recall his words. Why do they hurt so much? I always knew what my purpose here was, what my place was. So, why does it feel like knives are twisting in my stomach when I think about what he said to Bella and to Harriet?

A tool. At the end of the day, that’s what I am, and that is why I was brought here.

I tuck my legs under me, seeking some warmth. Ever since Cedric left, I’ve felt unbearably cold.

My stomach is in knots. I’ve tried to do what he said. I eat my meals on time. I take the medicine that the healer has been giving me. But I feel tired. I want to sleep all day. Even Harriet has noted my listlessness, and I don’t know how to explain it to her.

I should be getting to bed. Reluctantly, I get to my feet.

Three more weeks.

I know Cedric doesn’t love me. Is it wrong for me to want to believe that he does? He treats me so gently. As the time we spend together has increased, his changing attitude toward me cannot be more obvious. However, I know what I am at the end of the day.

A tool.

But when he holds me in his arms, when he takes me in our bed, when he kisses my forehead, I want to believe that he loves me. That somebody loves me.

My heart trembles when he takes care of me. I miss his presence when he’s gone.

Maybe it’s okay if I delude myself a little bit. Who is it hurting? I’m working hard in this place. I’ve proven to him that I’m worth keeping around.

My heart feels heavy as I drag myself to the bed. But before I can lie down on it, I hear shouting outside. Startled, I hurry over to the balcony doors and open them. Stepping out into the night, I look over the railing and see a group of people in dark cloaks. They are not many, but they’re approaching the castle quickly.

The commotion is coming from the guards. A strange fear strikes me in the heart. What is going on?