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Drákon to ápeiro den koimátai pia.
Drákon the infinite no longer sleeps.
If I weren’t hiding under the table, I’d slap myself for not making the beyond obvious connection sooner. Sure, the fact they spoke words only a Drákon should know threw me off. But it shouldn’t have, I shouldn’t have allowed it to derail me. In truth, it should have been the thing cementing the evidence that was right in front of me.Of us.
“Go on,” Kai prompts.
Ana clears her throat. “It’s said the Tribunal is in charge of the Drákon Legacy, the bloodline… everything. If the tales are to be believed, no Leader can ascend without the Tribunal’s acceptance. I honestly don’t know how much of this is the truth, Kai. I only know what I’ve picked up during my travels and studies.”
Right… Ana has studied pretty much all over the world. Seeing as her sister was married to the Ruler to-be, I can only imagine how many doors she managed to open and gain knowledge that was never meant for her. I’m not sure I envy her, though. Knowledge might be power, but it’s also a dangerous tool that can cut deeper than any of Liam’s knives.
“I have a question for you,” Ana says. “How do you know that girl is really Acacia Drákon?”
“Excuse me?”
I really wish I could see Ana’s face to try to understand this line of questioning.
“How do you know that’s really her? Do you know there are rumors she died that night at the auction?”
Everything and nothing is making sense, and I’m once again cursing the fact I’m stuck on my knees under the fucking desk where I can’t ask my own questions. That might be a good thing. With the way my thoughts are all over the place, I’m not sure I’m able to form full sentences. I need Kai to keep the conversation going.
As though he’s sensing that I’m about to pinch him a second time, he scoots his chair so far back I can’t reach him while staying hidden under the desk. My angry god is infuriating at times.
“I know because I’ve spent a lot of time with her. So have you, Ana. Don’t tell me you can’t see both Gemma and Alexander in her looks,” Kai seethes.
“Looks can be altered,” Ana shoots back. “But it doesn’t matter. If you’re sure it’s her, the rumors are clearly false.”
I have to dig my nails into the palm of my hand to stop myself from jumping out to shake answers from Ana. What kind of rumor is that even? And… why? What would anyone stand to gain from claiming my death?
“Just trust me,” Kai says, sounding calmer. “It’s her. She didn’t die that night.”
As they both stop talking I can all too vividly imagine them staring each other down.
Shattering said silence, Ana bluntly asks, “So is your sudden interest in the Drákon family because of Acacia or not?”
“Look, if I tell you, you can’t—”
Ana’s chair squeaks as she abruptly moves it back. “Stop. Don’t you fucking dare say what I think you’re about to say.”
Is my jaw touching the floor? I think so. I’ve never heard anyone speak to Kai like that, sure. But what really gets me is the hurt in her tone.
“I’ve never once given you any reason not to trust me, Kairos. Never. Through everything, I’ve supported you. When you’ve asked favors of me, I’ve never questioned them. When you daily drank yourself into a stupor after losing Nadia, I was the one to defend and help you. And I… I…” Her voice cracks, giving way for a sob. “I really care about you.”
Shit, I feel bad for her. Ana legitimately sounds upset at the prospect of Kai not trusting her. Fuck, I don’t even know the woman, and I’m close to crawling out of here and giving her the answers she wants just so she can stop crying. If she’s—and I suspect she didn’t exaggerate—been there for Kai to that extent, she deserves better.
My husband needs to do better. Simple as.
Kai walks around the desk, making it impossible for me to see where he’s at. It sounds like he came to a stop approximately where I’m estimating Ana is standing.
“Please don’t cry,” he croons.
When Ana answers, her words are muffled. “I-I’m sorry for g-getting so emo-emotional,” she hiccups.
I don’t like the way it sounds like she’s talking into fabric. That distortion didn’t appear until Kai moved out of my line of sight. I might feel bad for the woman. I might feel that she deserves more than what Kai was giving her, but that doesn’t mean he gets to hug her.
I know I shouldn’t, but my body reacts on its own accord and before my mind can fully process what I’m doing, I’m out from under the desk, standing. A possessive hiss rips free of me as my eyes land on Kai and Ana. Hugging.
“Get your arms off of her,” I snarl.
