Evelyn continued for him. “Leadership in Carrowmore needs to know Ritter was behind the death of Emily Brightwood, and the Connolly family mourns her.”
Rowan wrapped an arm around his sister appreciatively.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss?” Evelyn asked the group.
“That’s all for now,” Magalie said gently. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Evelyn and Rowan left the room.
“Evvy, is it okay if I find you later?” Rowan asked. “I want to be in my room for a while.”
“It’s fine. I need to find Leo, anyway,” Evelyn said.
Rowan gave her a hug and headed back upstairs.
Evelyn turned to Viviane. “Do you know where Alexander went?”
The guard bit her lip, clearly not wanting to answer or lie.
“Viviane, please,” Evelyn begged. “I have to talk to my husband.”
“Last I heard, he was on the beach,” Viviane said slowly. “But it sounded like he didn’t want company.”
On the beach… Is this when the vision from the Invenion comes true? Is this when Leo screams at me and leaves? But Moeller said the future can change.
What can I possibly say so that my husband doesn’t become my enemy?
75
Loved
Leo stood at the edge of the water, soaking the hem of his trousers as waves rolled over his feet. His shoes and an empty bottle of wine were stuck in the sand nearby. He swayed with the breeze while he stared at the ocean.
Evelyn had been taught to stay away from sick animals in the wild, and her instincts screamed at her to follow that advice now.
He’s not an animal. He’s my husband and he’s hurting. He loves me.
I can’t lose Leo now. This is about so much more than just us. We’re married, but we’re also a king and queen. We have to rule together. We have to fight against Heinrich and Tasia together.
Evelyn approached him from the side, not wanting to startle him. “Leo?”
At the sound of her voice, Leo’s head fell back and he closed his eyes.
“What do you want?” he growled.
Evelyn stopped moving. She stoppedbreathing. She had never heard such contempt in Leo’s voice, especially not directed at her.
No, gods, please don’t let him hate me.
“I’m sorry.” Her words were barely more than a whisper, but Leo heard them.
“Sorry forwhat?” he spat, finally looking at her.
The animosity in his eyes should have burned Evelyn’s skin.
“I didn’t know what Haydn was doing,” she said.
Leo’s nostrils flared. “You were fucking him and making deals this whole time, and you expect me to believe you didn’t know what he was up to?”
