#Chapter 443- A Drink

“Please,” the shadow says, his voice awkward and apologetic.

I’m still rigid with fear when Conner storms out onto the balcony, his hand smacking the shadow-person in the chest, slamming him against the wall. ” Who the hell are you!?” Conner demands.

“Please!” the shadow says again, “I’m so sorry! I was just standing out here, also getting fresh air! This is a complete accident!”

And suddenly, the voice snaps into place in my memory. “Conner!” I call, Rafe fussing in my arms, not liking the sudden change in my energy and the fear spiking through me, though I’m calmer now. “Please – it’s the Atalaxian Prince. He is – I don’t believe he means us any harm.”

And even though something about that concept doesn’t match up – an Atalaxian? Not meaning us any harm? Especially after the meeting I just had with my uncle?

Still, somehow, I know the truth of it down in my bones. He doesn’t.

Conner glances at me and then backs up a little, removing his hand from the Prince’s chest. “Should I escort him out of here, Luna?”

“No,” I sigh, shaking my head. “Not unless he wants to go, of course. But the night air is for everyone. I can’t have it all to myself just because I’m the Queen.”

The prince looks between Conner and I for a moment, stepping further into the light so I can see his pale features and the details of his chic black suit. “I would…stay, for a moment, if that’s all right? Have a quiet word with you, so that we don’t leave this evening on bad terms?”

“That’s fine,” I say quietly, somehow a little pleased that he will stay. I’m still terribly curious about him, perhaps despite myself.

prince, his voice tight. “If

prince says, spreading his arms wide and allowing Calvin to

nods to me, his face quite serious, I nod back to him and

the door, standing

to me not too close, but close enough to be conversational. “As he should be. Your men

I am to them,” I say with a little shrug, studying Calvin’s face carefully. As I do, I wonder a little how did he blend so seamlessly into the shadows? It’s not that

something else going

ceremony today was very moving, as was the vote. It is inspiring to

ask, turning my head a little. “Do you…not get this kind

question we ask them,” he says, his voice a little chagrined. “My father’s policy is instead to…tell the people how they feel about the royal family. And then punish them if they show any evidence to the

that he’s being so candid with

is wise,” I murmur, wanting to shout from the rooftop

closer at me and studies my face for a moment before dropping his gaze to Rafe

he says, smiling at Rafe. “I’m sure he’ll grow to be a strong King, like his

quietly, looking proudly down at Rafe myself. Then I look up at Calvin, curious. He’s young, I think my own age – certainly younger than

have children of

nods and smiles, bringing his gaze up to mine. “Two,” he says, his smile growing as he thinks of them. “My Luna gave

I know he’s a father. There’s something about that – the alliance between parents who love their children. And damn it, even if I was determined to hate the Atalaxians… well, I can’t hate

suppose, is perhaps

about what he said…I turn my head a little, curious. Something about his words strikes me as…wrong. And I can’t put my finger on it

your other child?”

just turned three,” he replies, his smile increasing. “She is…well, she makes me laugh more than I

I say quietly, smiling up at this man who is such a surprise. Because he seems – honestly, he seems like he could be a friend. ” Dominic

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