“We were teasingyou, not me.”
Damien faked a glare at her, not quite hiding his smile. “If you weren’t the queen, I would ship you back to Carrowmore!”
“Liar.”
“I’m not taking her back,” Rowan said. “Not now that I’ve finally experienced some peace and quiet in that castle.”
“I missed you, too, brother,” Evelyn replied sweetly.
Damien went to the door. “When you get hungry, tell one of the guards in the hallway and they’ll have breakfast sent up here.”
“Where are you going?” Evelyn asked.
“I have work to do. You need to rest.”
He left, and Evelyn turned to her brother.
“I like him,” Rowan said.
“Not surprising. I thought you two would get along.”
“What about your husband?”
“What about him?” Evelyn asked.
“Would I like him? Will I get to meet him soon? What is he like when he doesn’t have a sword pressed to his throat?”
“He’s… Leo is kind. I just don’t know if he’ll forgive me after what happened.”
“He married you, so he loves you. It might take some time, but you’ll be okay.”
I really hope you’re right. Because we aren’t just married… we’re king and queen.
74
Queen
Viviane knocked on Evelyn’s door later that morning. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty. General Savatier is requesting your presence in a meeting.”
“Why me?” Evelyn fidgeted.
“King Alexander is unavailable. You are the only royal in residence at the moment.”
Because Camille is dead and my father is at the hospital with Hannah. Where did Leo go?
“You can do this,” Rowan said encouragingly. “You’re the queen.”
That’s technically true, but I do not feel worthy of directing an army. Not after I nearly destroyed the kingdom last night. How do I even apologize for that?
Viviane led Evelyn and Rowan to a conference room on the second floor. General Savatier and Commander Magalie were reviewing plans and maps laid out on the table. Damien leaned against a wall. He wasn’t high-ranking enough to be officially invited to the meeting, but he was too involved to be excluded.
Evelyn approached the table with Rowan at her side.
“Queen Evelyn,” General Savatier said with a sigh of relief. “Thank you for joining us. We want to give you an update and get your opinion on next steps.”
“Of course,” Evelyn said. “Is it all right for my brother to be here?”
“Absolutely,” Magalie agreed. “It may be helpful to have Prince Rowan as a representative for Carrowmore.”
