Leigh is mine.
Alden’s smile thins to a razor’s edge, the kind of expression worn by someone who views “no” as a temporary inconvenience. When he grips my hand, there’s an unmistakable intent to dominate in the squeeze, but I stand steadfastly. His fingers might as well be trying to crush titanium.
“Wilder, care to join us for lunch at the palace?” he inquires, voice honey-smooth steel.
“Wilder is on the next train out,” Leigh says. Her gaze darts between us.
The train’s whistle pierces my ears as if on cue.
Alden’s façade of disappointment barely conceals his delight. “What a pity. But rest assured, I’ll look after Princess Leigh while you are away. As if she were mine.”
But she’s not yours.The words are on the tip of my tongue. I force them back with a smile.
“Queen,” Ravi corrects. “She is thequeen,Your Highness.” Leigh’s attention snaps to him, but he remains emotionless and professional. Is he seeking her approval or putting Alden in his place? Either way, he’s just drawn a clear line about Leigh’s status.
Though I’m leaving, Leigh can handle herself.
Alden laughs as Leigh purses her lips. “Ravi, you’re invaluable.”
The train whistles again.
“Wilder and I need a moment.” Leigh grabs my forearm, hauling me away.
Though my luggage is already aboard, a part of me hesitates to embark.
“I don’t like him,” I confess to Leigh.
She laughs, and I glare at her until she sighs. “Neither do I.”
Good. Then he can go the fuck home.
“But,” Leigh adds, “it probably wouldn’t bode well to send him home without settling the score between our nations.”
“We could take them,” I offer, though we both know I’m lying. She’s right. She needs to see if there’s an opportunity to make peace, even if I don’t like how Alden’s watching her as if she’s a pawn to be possessed. “Make sure Janus is there during your negotiations with Alden. I don’t want you alone with him.”
“Are you jealous?” Leigh teases.
My brows lift. I’m jealous, and I’m not stupid. Falling for a queen means others will want her too. I can’t make it easy for them. “He shouldn’t have touched you.”
Leigh sighs wistfully as if my protectiveness amuses her. The final horn whistles.
“You better hurry, or you’ll miss?—”
I take her face in my hands and kiss her deeply, knowing she’ll feel it between her trembling legs.
I step back, and Leigh touches her swollen lips. “Play nice while I’m gone.” I sling my backpack over my shoulder, salute a glaring Alden, and head onto the train.
I navigate to my compartment in the first-class cabin. It’s over the top and unnecessary, but the train ride is nearly six hours, and the rumor is they have better food in first class.Plus, it is a luxury afforded by my status as commander.
As soon as I slide the door open, I freeze. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Gianna barely glances up from her phone. “Heading to Aurora. Isn’t it obvious? Why else would I be sitting in a tiny compartment that stinks of stale cheese?”
I hadn’t the faintest idea she’d be here. “Did Leigh send you to keep an eye on me?” I wonder aloud. Is this some form of payback for Isolde? I peer out the window. Leigh stands where I left her, shading her eyes from the bright sun as Alden waves to me condescendingly.
Asshole.
Gianna sighs. “If you want to know, I’m following a lead on my birth father.”
