Page 129 of Sky’s Edge

There was more silence from Tanyn, but this time, it didn’t end.

So I filled it.

“She’s exactly where she wants to be, closer to him, which is killing her, Tanyn,” I snapped. “She’s happy, and she’s desolate. Tugged one way by her fate, only never to have what it is she needs when he’s living in the same castle as her. It’s…it’s…fucking diabolical.”

“Leave this with me.”

My back shot straight at his tone, one I’d never heard from him, but it sent chills over my skin.

“What are you⁠—?”

“Leave it with me, Cat,” he bit off. “Is Laura going to speak to Aleksei about it?”

“Yes, we both⁠—”

Again, I didn’t finish because he gritted. “Fine. Good. I’ll let you go now. I’ll comm you tomorrow. Oh, and Nayden is on his way down to you. His team will relieve Aleksei’s in the morning.”

“Tanyn—”

“Sleep well. Dream of me. My dreams will be of you.”

And with that, he ended our comm.

I stared at my Palm.

I gave a moment’s thought to Tanyn being pissed and doing something about Gayle.

I then approved of Tanyn being pissed and doing something about Gayle.

And with that, I headed up to bed with my tablet and read for a while before I fell asleep.

And dreamed of Tanyn.

The next morning, the lift doors opened while I was deep into coffee number two and eating some yogurt and berries.

I was not surprised when Nayden walked in because I’d been informed by the head of my RS detail that the handoff would be at eight, Nayden had been given access to my flat, and he’d report in at eight fifteen.

Which was now.

I sipped from the other side of the island and watched him walk toward me.

His expression was blank and he offered no greeting when he stopped moving.

So I said, “Hey.”

“Catla,” he said low.

I swung my coffee cup out and offered, “You want a cup?”

“No,” he replied shortly.

“Sorry you were pulled away from your life to do this.”

“The only higher honor I can have other than protecting our future queen, is protecting our king, something I will never be able to do because of my relationship with Tanyn.”

That didn’t make sense.

“I would think that would make you perfect for the job,” I noted.