Page 176 of Reign

The word is barely audible.

It doesn’t need to be louder.

I take out my phone.

Her gaze cuts to mine. “What are you doing?”

“Keeping my word.”

“We can’t just leave.”

“Yes, we can.”

“Luciano—”

“You used your word, princesa.” I unlock the screen. “The rest is logistics.”

Her mouth closes.

I call Rafael.

He answers on the second ring. “Boss?”

“Call me in two minutes.”

A pause. “Why?”

“I need an emergency.”

“What kind?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

He sighs. “Got it.”

I end the call.

Elena stares at me. “You’re manufacturing an emergency.”

“I’m delegating.”

“That is not what delegating means.”

“It is tonight.”

She almost smiles.

Her shoulders begin to loosen, though she looks annoyed by the relief.

I offer my hand.

“Come.”

She looks at it, then at me. “We’re going downstairs?”

“Of course.”

“Why?”