Lena’s lip wobbled, and one of her Links took her arm to hold her steady.
“If the Crown is doing nothing, then why is the Heir Apparent here? Why is one of the Crown Princess’ Links here? I know you’re grieving, but think logically.”
Lena was shrinking under my rebuke, and Rafe had slowly inched away from her so that he was now beside me…or slightly behind me.
“Not only that, but mourning doesn’t mean you’re allowed to speak to a prince that way,” I went on, deciding to play up some of the arrogance Rafe liked to use.
He sniffed.
“Y-you’re right. I’m s-so sorry. P-please forgive me.” Lena turned in her Links’ arms, sobbing into his chest.
“When can we see our son?” The man asked.
“As soon as they’re done checking him over,” Rafe replied, smoothly taking back the lead. “The Palace’s best Healer is here, checking each victim personally. She will compile her findings into a report, and then we will meet with you to discuss. Please…” Rafe shook his head. “I am doing my best. This attack was important to me. My own Key was here.”
Lena sniffled before turning back to look at us again, something I couldn’t read flashing in her eyes before she went back to sobbing.
“Are you coming with me?”Rafe asked in a low voice.
I’d migrated over to the coffee machine and the staff had promptly scattered. I was wearing my bad mood like armor at this point, praying no one threw themselves onmeto sob about my lack of action. My phone vibrated, and I chewed my lip before looking up at my friend.
“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice just as low.
Rafe let out a small sigh. “The Gulf, Wyatt. I need to see her. And I think you do, too.”
I swallowed a hot gulp of coffee, grimacing as it burned down my throat.
My phone vibrated a second time and I glanced down at the message, grimacing again when I saw who it was from.
Carissa
I’m safe, I just got home. Are you okay? What about Wilow?
Will I be seeing you over break? The room is still ready for you
“That better not be who I fucking think it is,” Rafe growled.
I ran my hands through my hair, keeping my eyes on my sad cup of black coffee.
“She can’t even spellWillow? Wyatt–”
“I know,” I ground out. “I know. It’s done. It’sbeendone. She won’t listen to me.”
Rafe sighed deeply, though he tried to hide it. He shook his head.
“I’m leaving for the islands. Are you coming with me or not?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but someone else spoke first.
“The islands, huh? Who’s there, I wonder?”
Rafe went rigid, turning slowly to face Coach, who’d seemingly appeared out of thin air.
“Can I help you? This is a private conversation.” Rafe said, back to being the arrogant Royal prick.
Coach snorted. “Then do your mind-speak, don’t talk out in the open.”
“What do you want?” I muttered, still looking down into my coffee.
