That means GryonandCarrowmore. That means my home and my family are in danger. Who is doing this? What the hell do they want?
“Is there anything else?” Leo asked. “Blood,eyes, and the message. Is that all?”
Evelyn turned in a very slow circle to make sure. “I don’t see anything else.”
Leo left the room. Evelyn reread the message on the headboard.
The kingdoms will fall.
“We should go, Princess,” Savatier advised. “Nothing can be done here.”
Evelyn and the general exited the apartment and found Leo at the top of the stairs. He held the railing, his gaze unfocused.
“Alexander,” the general said tentatively.
“What happens now?” Leo asked gruffly.
“The army will use every resource we have to find out who is responsible. The lords of the four courts will arrive soon to formally announce you as the new king. I recommend moving you, your mother, and the Connolly family to a different location. The royal residence on base would?—”
“No,” Leo said. “I’m not leaving.”
“But, sir?—”
“I’m not running away. We can figure out security, but this is my home. King Tristan and my mother are free to make their own decisions. I will be here.”
“I’ll stay with you,” Evelyn told him.
I may be angry about him lying to me, but this is so much bigger than that. I can’t even imagine what he’s going through today. Leo and I were friends, and we could be again. I can’t leave now.
Leo didn’t say anything, but his grip on the railing tightened.
“We will need to bring in Spell Breakers, at the very least,” Savatier added. “Ideally, we would request assistance directly from Lochmatten.”
“Send word to them now,” Leo said. “And send Commander Magalie up here.”
“Yes, sir,” the general agreed before descending the stairs.
Leo and Evelyn were alone for the first time since their fight on the beach.
“Did you mean it?” he asked, staring at his shoes. “Will you stay?”
“Yes,” Evelyn reassured. “I’ll be right here with you.”
Leo held her hands. “I’m truly sorry, Evelyn.”
“I know,” she said, squeezing his hands. “Me too.”
I would promise anything to make the pain in his eyes go away.
A tall woman with blonde hair in a tight bun reached the top of the stairs, flanked by several Gryon guards.
Leo let go of Evelyn. “Princess, this is Magalie Bourdillon. She is the Commander of the Royal Guard.”
Commander Magalie bowed. “It’s nice to meet you, Princess Evelyn.”
Evelyn curtsied to her. “I’m surprised we haven’t met before this.”
“My work is mostly behind the scenes, organization and logistics. If my guards are doing what they are supposed to do, I’m not generally needed in person.”
