Ella

“You look radiant.” Sinclair’s father is beaming up at me from his wheelchair, “how’s my grandbaby treating you?”

“Oh he’s certainly making his presence known.”I laugh, sliding my arms into the sleeves of my coat.

Sinclair is holding the garment up for me, then straightens it around my shoulders as if worried I won’t be warm enough. He’s been particularly on edge tonight, and though I understand his agitation, I’m beginning to tire of being treated like a china doll. “Stop fussing, Dominic, I’m fine.”

“I’m still not sure this is a good idea.” He grumbles. “

Your blood pressure was much too high this afternoon and you didn’t get nearly enough rest.”

“You’re the one who keeps telling me how important these events are.”i remind him. “And I feel perfectly well.

He’s still muttering to himself, and Henry chuckles,

You’re fighting a losing battle, my dear. There won’t be any reasoning with him – I was the same way when his mother was breeding and we weren’t campaigning.”

“It’s too much stress.” Sinclair agrees. “All the media and the royal family, on top of the crowds.”

“Not to mention your brother.” Henry adds darkly. It’s true that this is the first time l’m going to be encountering all of these people together, but it’s also far from the last. The Yuletide Feast is only the third night of the festival, and we still have four more high profile events to get through before we can relax. Even then it will only be a temporary reprieve – we still have the rest of the campaign to get through.

“I’Il be fine.” l insist. “You don’t have to coddle me. “

Both men raise their eyebrows, as if to say that this isn’t my decision and I absolutely do need to be coddled.

Sure enough, Sinclair shakes his head and overrules me.

“We’ll come home at the first sign you feel overwhelmed – and that isn’t up for debate.”

can’t see my face. However as I begin to step towards the door, Sinclair pulls me back against his chest. The big Alpha lowers his lips to my ear, his deep voice like rough velvet. “I saw

excitement and apprehension, and I try to make my voice sound stronger than I feel. “And?” I challenge

me affectionately. I’m only too aware that his father is only a few feet behind us and can hear every word. I feel my cheeks

we’re

us. I’m deeply curious to know more about Henry’s relationship with Roger, especially given the way he warned us about his presence. “Do

man’s features. “No, I’m afraid my son has

shouldn’t have asked.” I apologize, realizing

son as any father should,” he shares thoughtfully,

for the pack as well as him. Neither would have thrived under his leadership, and I haven’t ever regretted passing

died, and becoming

reaches over to pat Sinclair’s shoulder, “l just can’t help thinking that there might have been a

grief blinds

like these cards were already on the table from the start. I’m sure you did the best you could and that’s all any of

Ella.” Henry proclaims, managing a dim smile. “I

city yesterday. I was too preoccupied fighting with Sinclair to notice when we departed the festival, but the old

Fair, and though I wish we had time to explore

they remain persistent in their demands for questions and photos. So we head

bowing and curtseying to the King, Queen and Prince and making polite conversation – at least, as polite as one can be

myself to sit down. “Oh no,” I gulp, holding my breath when I see a large platter of grilled fish on the table.

at a waiter. “Can you remove the fish,

over my mouth, and my face is

on the uptake. “Get it out of here, can’t you see what it’s doing

the very same second. I shake my head, knowing I’ve probably turned green and whimpering when

bathroom just as another woman is exiting. I can barely hear their confrontation over the sounds of my own retching, but when Sinclair doesn’t enter I know the stranger must have insisted he not set foot in the lady’s room. Propriety must have won out,

clicking across the floor. “Oh you poor dear.” A feminine voice sounds behind me, and gentle hands pull the hair back from my

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