Page 300 of Reign

I glance over my shoulder.

“No,” I say. “She’s hers.”

Then I leave.

Nico is waiting near the bottom of the stairs, phone in his hand.

“Nine tomorrow morning,” he says.

“So I heard.”

“I’ll be there.”

“I’m sure you plan to be.”

That hint of amusement returns to his face.

It won’t survive the morning.

I walk outside and take out my phone before I reach the car.

Casimir answers on the second ring.

“Castillo.”

“You owe me a life.”

“I do. Who am I killing?”

“No one.”

Silence lingers before he sighs. “That’s disappointing.”

“You’re refusing Angelo’s arrangement.”

“Elena.”

It isn’t a question.

“He said it was nearly settled.”

“It wasn’t.” Casimir sounds bored by the entire subject. “He offered territory and a position within the alliance. I don’t need either, and I’m not looking for a wife.”

“Tell him no.”

“I was going to.”

Some of the tension leaves my shoulders.

“But Byrne might say yes,” he adds. “He wants a place among the Sovereigns badly enough.”

Killian Byrne.

“Redirect him.”

“That will cost me.”

“You owe me a life.”