The kings nodded. “All known sirens are documented in our court. They are a dangerous species, we try our best to keep a tight leash on them but?—”
“There is only so much you can do,” I finished for them.
“Exactly,” Ceto agreed.
“We don’t hold Sidna’s transgressions against you,” I told them.
“Speak for yourself.” Lennox crossed her arms over her chest.
“Lennox.” I gave her a stern look.
She sighed. “But I might be able to find it in me to forgive you. But I demand to be kept in the loop about Sidna’s trial. I want to know her fate.”
“Done,” the kings agreed.
Lennox nodded. “If this is settled for now, we will see you all in the morning.”
36
LENNOX
What a fucking disaster.I fell onto the bed, covering my face with my hands.
“Lennox.”
I grunted a sound in response to Luka. “Lennox,” he said again. His hands braced my knees, rubbing up and down slowly.
“What?” I peeked out through my fingers.
“Everything is going to be okay.”
I removed my hands. “You don’t know that.”
“Yeah, but I know you.” I finally met his gaze, blinking back the tears forming in my eyes. He fell onto the bed next to me, and I turned and faced him. He lay with his head resting on his hand, he had changed out of his water suit when we returned and was now dressed in a thin linen shirt and pants. I didn’t have the energy to change. My suit was dry anyways and it was comfortable.
“And you’re not alone. You’ve got me.” He kissed my nose before shifting back. “Take a few breaths. Take tonight to rest—let your mind rest. We’ll talk strategy tomorrow.”
“But—” He slapped a handover my mouth.
“No buts. We’ll figure this out. Together. You’re an amazing queen, Lennox, you’re doing your people well.”
“But am I though? Look at all that has happened. Your grandfather was killed—the Blood Court is now being run by your psychopath uncle and the leader of the group who wants to eliminate vampires, who’s also the female who took delight in torturing me. Two of Lethenia’s most dangerous groups are now working together against us. My sister was fucking kidnapped after our wedding and then I willingly became a prisoner where I discovered that my brother had not been dead for the last three years but a prisoner. And then, and then a siren compelled me to stab you, before attempting to trade me to the Vanir.” I gulped in air. “Are you still going to say that I’m a good queen?”
“Yes,” he said without missing a beat. “Without a doubt. None of those things are your fault, Lennox. You couldn’t control those things even if you tried. We’ve been over this. You’re trying your best. That’s all that me or anyone asks of you, Lennox.”
He cupped my face, swiping his thumb over my cheek. “I love you, Lennox. Let that be enough,please.”
“I’m trying.” I forced the words out of my throat. “I want that to be enough, but what if it’s not? What if I still let everyone else down?”
“They love you too, Lennox. Our friends? They love you. Your people, they love and respect you. No matter what happens, I promise, it will be enough. Even if we lose this battle, it will still have been enough. Yes, people might blame you, but they will never be able to say you didn’t try your best—that you didn’t give enough. Because, Lennox, you always give more than enough, so keep being you and that will be enough.”
I sighed, pressing into his hand. “What did I do to deserve you?”
He smiled. “I ask myself the same question every day,Sweetheart.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine, softly at first, before moving back an inch, his eyes searching mine.
“Tell me what you need right now, Sweetheart.”
“I need a bath, but first, will you lay with me for a while?” A moment, I just needed a moment to center myself. And Luka—Luka centered me.
