"I'm afraid that's not possible. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Kayleigh grabbed for his arm but missed. Her nails scratched the skin on his forearm. "Do not walk away from me until you've explained yourself."
Luke kept walking. He owed her nothing, and he had nothing further to say. He knew he was just postponing the inevitable showdown with her, but he had to make arrangements for his father's body. He gestured for one of the butlers who hovered at the edge of the room. "Show them to their rooms. I'm sure my father had you prepare them."
"He did, your highness. I'll see to it right away."
I wonder if he planned my wedding, too.For all he knew, that's why Kayleigh was there.
Larisa sat in their father's sitting room when he returned. She glanced up at him. "Everything okay?"
"Ever throw a cat in water?"
"Uh-oh."
"Exactly," he responded in a droll tone. "Exactly what I just did."
"Did they leave?"
"Oh, no. Our illustrious father invited them to stay here. I almost bet if I went to the kitchen, they've baked the wedding cake and are preparing the feast."
"I'm sorry, Luke. This mess is just getting worse."
Dr. Seneel appeared with two burly looking men. "We're going to remove the king's body and take it for preparation."
Luke gave a curt nod. "Please keep his death quiet until Larisa and I can make the announcement."
"Of course," Dr. Seneel responded. "I wouldn't want to set the kingdom into turmoil."
"Because I'm now the king?" Luke didn't feel like he owned the title, but the doctor's attitude was annoying him.
They carefully wrapped Ardec's body in his blankets and carried him out. Seneel directed them to use the back passages to avoid running into anyone. "When you're ready for the ceremony, let me know." He followed the men out the door.
"That man is really annoying me."
Larisa nodded. "He's acting like he's in charge, and we're just here to do his bidding."
Or maybe it was what Tuva had said, but either way, he now wore the crown. Speaking of. "Where did Grandmother go?"
"I believe she left to go to the chapel." Larisa shook her head. "She really does not like Seneel at all."
"I get it. I'm right there with her, and I barely know the man."
"How are we going to do this?"
Luke knew what she was asking, but he had no answers. "I suppose we need to do it big like Father would have wanted. Make a complete spectacle out of announcing me as the new king." He cut his eyes at her. "Or you could be the queen. That offer stands."
"I'm going to be a doctor, not tied down with the responsibilities of being an upper royal."
"The rules won't be as stringent as you think."
She smiled at him gently. "You can't break tradition overnight. Not even the king."
I just need to get Sarah, and then I don't care what happens.
He started to head out, but Larisa grabbed his arm. "Are you going to bring her here?"
"Who?"
