“I told you, doctor, I will have your friends brought to you. When you would like to leave, tell one of the guards, and they will arrange it.”
Kyle’s features pinched. “Are we allowed to leave?”
Nadia arched an eyebrow. “Normally, I’d say no. This lab has living quarters, yes—but…”
She flicked her gaze to me. “Since you have a special connection, I’ll make an exception.”
“Gee, thanks,” Kyle said dryly.
I wondered how much more he’d take from my sister. The constant secrecy that would be expected of him may be too much for him to bear.
Although, he was already slipping away from me.
“I guess that means a steady supply of knock-out drugs, huh?”
Nadia’s stared at him, her features unimpressed. “You could stay here and avoid it.”
“I’m not…look, it’s just not going to be great to constantly put my system or Alex and Ava’s through that, but…I guess I’m not going to change your mind.”
“You are not.” Nadia’s voice turned sharp.
“Easy,” I said, stepping between the two of them.
Kyle shook his head. “Have I really not proven myself to you at all by agreeing to do this?”
Nadia took a threatening step forward, her features pointed. “No, you haven’t, doctor, and the way you’re pushing to know the location of this lab makes me all the more suspicious.”
“I’m not pushing–“ He threw his hands in the air, shaking his head. “I’m not pushing to know the location, just for a…gentler method of moving to and from it.”
“I think we can arrange that, can’t we, Nadia?” I asked. I didn’t want to see Kyle harmed or his friends either.
“I will consider it. Until then, the current method stands. You will stay here while your friends are brought to you. You can explain to them. Natasha has pressing business.”
I slid my eyes closed as I considered the business ahead of me. I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to throw my arms around Kyle and allow him to wrap me in his arms. I’d found it so comforting earlier, but those days would rapidly come to an end.
I needed to marry, and I needed to do it quickly. I could not thrust this on him. So, I would end up in a loveless marriage with a man vetted by my security team.
“Wait, I have another question,” Kyle said as Nadia grabbed my arm and tugged me toward the door.
Nadia clicked her tongue. “What is it now, doctor?”
He crossed to me, his eyes searching mine. “Nattie, I just don’t understand what the rush is for this. I–I mean, I’ll do this as quickly as I can, but…why the big rush? Is it really so bad if you become queen? Once he’s back, I’m sure it can all go back to normal.”
I fluttered my eyelashes at his innocence. Unfortunately, Belvaria’s problems were not so easily solved. My father’s resurrection would send shockwaves through the kingdom as it was, but we had to protect the crown at all costs prior to that.
“Oh, I’m afraid it’s much more complicated than that,” I said, my voice just above a whisper.
His features pinched. “What do you mean?”
“We don’t have time for this, Natashka. We must discuss our next steps.”
“Please, Nadia, give us a few minutes,” I begged of my sister, my eyes pleading.
Her dark eyes bore into me, disappointment mixed with understanding in them. “Fine. Ten minutes, not a second longer. We have far too much to discuss and deal with and too little time to do it in.”
My stomach twisted at the words, but I nodded in agreement. “I understand.”
My sister stalked to the door, grabbing hold of Stefan’s lapel and dragged him into the hall.
