Chapter 75

[ 1,005 words ]

Lucien Volkov:

“The eastern patrol has doubled since the last rogue attack,” Elder Rowan said, sliding a map across the table, “If we move another twenty warriors north, the villages will be left exposed.”

I studied the map for a moment before tapping a point near the river, “Move ten instead of twenty. Have the southern patrol rotate every three days. That should cover both routes.”

The elders nodded and began taking notes. The discussion then shifted to grain supplies and winter preparations.

I did answer each of their questions, yet somehow my thoughts kept wandering to Arabella.

Did she like the dress I picked for her? Will she ever call me Lucien? How will she look in her silver hair once her black hair dye wears off?

A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it.

“Lucien.”

Bradley’s voice echoed through our mindlink, “Wipe that stupid grin off your face. You look like an idiot.”

I straightened in my seat, “What?”

“You’ve been smiling at absolutely nothing for the last thirty seconds.”

I cleared my throat and tried to speak. The elders exchanged puzzled looks before returning to the discussion.

I tried to focus. I needed to get done with this meeting so that I wouldn’t miss the family dinner.

They all discussed security measures, and then one of them got up, “That concludes today’s reports, Your Majesty.”

Ah! Finally!

I pushed back my chair, “Dismissed!”

Tonight, everything was going to change.

***

After I stepped out of the council chamber, a voice stopped me, “Your Majesty.”

Jasmine was walking toward me with that same usual confidence that had always been part of her personality. She stopped a few feet away and gave me a respectful bow.

“Thank you for entrusting me with tonight’s security, My King.”

I nodded at her.

She used to be my Head Warrior, and I intended to give her that position back. I couldn’t afford to make enemies within the palace anymore. I’d be needing as many loyal people by my side as possible if I wanted Arabella to be with me.

For her, I was ready to put my pride aside.

Jasmine straightened and unfolded a small parchment, “As per your orders, I’ve increased security around every palace gate. The Southern Gate has the highest number of guards, followed by the Eastern Gate. I’ve also doubled the patrols around the banquet hall and stationed archers on the rooftops.”

I took the parchment from her and scanned it, “Any blind spots?”

“Not at all,” She pointed at a corner of the map, “The patrols will rotate every thirty minutes, so no one gets too comfortable.”

I rolled my lips between my teeth, “Hmm. Good job.”

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before adding, “I don’t expect any trouble tonight, but I don’t believe in taking chances.”

“Neither do I.”

I handed the parchment back, “Well done.”

She tried to maintain her professional stance after receiving the compliment, “Thank you, My King.”

She rolled up the parchment, but instead of leaving, she stood there.

“Something on your mind, warrior?”

She hesitated for a brief moment before speaking, “Forgive me for asking, Your Majesty … but why so much security all of a sudden? Is something special happening tonight?”

I nodded with a smile, “Yes,” Without offering any further explanation, I walked past her, but then I stopped, “Jasmine.”

She looked up immediately, “Why don’t you join us for the family dinner tonight?”

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, “Me?”

“Yes. You’ve been a part of this family for years,” I shrugged, “You should join us at the table tonight.”

She lowered her head, trying to hide her excitement, “It would be an honor, Your Majesty.”

I gave her a small nod, “I’ll see you tonight then.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

***

For the first time in weeks, I actually found myself looking forward to this dinner. Not because of the food, of course. Because Arabella would be walking beside me.

Tonight, I was done hiding. I’d spent days telling myself it was too dangerous to reveal the truth. That my enemies would use her against me. That my family needed more time to recover from Anika’s death.

Enough.

To hell with danger and to hell with holding back.

After dinner, I was going to tell everyone that Arabella Toussaint was my fated mate. If my family didn’t like it, that was their problem. But whether they had accepted her or not, they would give her the respect she deserved.

I had failed her once already. Or maybe more than once.

I not only dragged her into this palace, but I also handed her over to my mother as though she were nothing more than an object.

The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth. Never again.

I stopped in front of the mirror of another bedroom and buttoned up my shirt.

“From this day forward, no one will treat you like a slave,” I whispered to myself, “No one will humiliate you. Not while I am alive.”

Whether they liked it or not, she was going to be their next Queen. She was not only under my protection but was also a part of me.

“Oh, a part of you?” Zorro snorted inside my head, “That’s the cheesiest thing you’ve ever said.”

“Shut up!” I muttered before running a hand through my hair.

“Are you in love, Lucien?”

My hand froze in my hair, “What… did you say? What do you mean?” I demanded, irritation creeping into my voice.

Asshole!

He got quiet and moved back in my head with a smirk.

That’s not love. I told myself. She is my fated mate and deserves respect. Why would I fall for her?

Yeah. She is cute when she is angry… the way her hazel eyes lit up…

And the way she responded to my touch.

Shit!

I wasn’t supposed to think about her like a lovesick puppy.

I needed to check on Arabella to see if she was ready.

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