“Between you and Damien telling me what to do, I don’t get to make many of my own choices,” Leo joked but the humor fell flat.
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll have lots of opportunities.”
Leo picked at his croissant, pinching off one bite at a time. “I missed you yesterday.”
Okay, so we’re not talking about King Gerard right now. Got it.
“It wasn’t a great day,” Evelyn said.
“What happened with Councilor Ritter?”
“Nothing important.” Evelyn fidgeted with her hair. “I heard your fight with Damien on the stairs.”
Leo winced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you could hear us.”
“He’s your friend.”
“You’re my friend, too. Right?”
Evelyn nodded.
“Please don’t hide from me anymore,” Leo pleaded. “I couldn’t bear it yesterday.”
“Don’t lie to me again,” she said, staring directly into his eyes.
“I promise.”
This can work. Leo and I can be friends. I can help him cope over the next few days.
But I don’t think I can watch him with Hannah. Is he going to court her again now that he’s a king? His father wanted him to get married before he took the crown, but it’s too late for that. So what happens now?
28
The Crown
Lord Grégory was the third of the lords to arrive at the palace for Leo’s coronation.
“Your… Majesty,” hesaid, tripping over his words as he bowed to Leo in the ballroom.
Leo’s expression was blank. “Thank you for coming.”
“I’m so very sorry for your loss, Alexander. Your family has endured more grief than any house should.”
He’s talking about Prince Christopher, Leo’s older brother who died a few years ago. Oh gods, I didn’t even think about that. Leo and Queen Camille shouldn’t have to attend another funeral so soon.
“Is it time?” Lord Grégory asked.
“Not yet,” General Savatier answered. “We’re still missing Lord Robert. But you are the longest-serving lord, so you will lead the ceremony later. Do you know the vows?”
“Yes.” Lord Grégory nodded. “We just need a crown.”
Leo stared at the floor, putting all his energy into breathing in and out.
“Does it have to be today?” Evelyn asked. “Can’t the Ducasses have one night to mourn?”
“A new king must accept the throne as soon as possible,” Lord Grégory explained gently. “The kingdom needs an official leader.”
“But that didn’t happen when King Nolan died in Carrowmore,” Evelyn argued. “It took days for the lords to make a decision.”
