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“He’s the best choice. With him as your mate, you’ll be accepted immediately as my lieutenant.”
“But I’ll never bond with him.”
“You don’t know that. Give it time. The mate bond may come.”
“Please don’t make me do this.” My hands balled into fists. “I want what you had with Father. Is that so much to ask?”
Her expression softened. She took one of my hands, smoothed out the fingers.
“Trust me,ma chère. This is the best way. Otherwise, you’ll be open to a challenge.”
“You think I don’t know that?”
I hated that she was right, but she was. I was very young to ascend to lieutenant. Étan would be within his rights to challenge me for the position. It might never come to that, since Victorine would consider a challenge to her only daughter a personal insult, and Étan knew it.
But if Victorine squelched Étan’s challenge, I’d appear weak, the woman who’d been appointed lieutenant only because her mother was Prima.
And I was done appearing weak.
I’d worked for this. I deserved it.
Victorine was ignoring one thing: I was the brains behind the Tremblay Syndicate’s recent growth. I might be young, but I’d been blessed with a sharp, analytical mind. Backed by her ruthlessness, my strategies had doubled the Tremblay Syndicate’s wealth in the seven years.
She’d grown to depend on me.
It was time I reminded her of that.
“I’ll choose someone,” I said. “Maybe it will be Étan, and maybe it won’t. But it will be my decision.”
Her face hardened, the brief softness gone as if wiped away by a giant eraser.
“Or?” she returned.
I returned her gaze, letting herOrhang there, unanswered.
I wouldnotlet her back me into a corner. It was enough that we understood each other.
She adjusted the strap of my dress. “Don’t let it come to a challenge. Étan won’t easily give up his position.”
I lifted my chin. “He wouldn’t dare.”
“Don’t be silly,ma petite.” A sharp scarlet fingernail tapped my cheek. “If it were anyone but you, he’d remain my lieutenant. Of course, he would dare, and if he challenges you publicly, I might not be able to stop it without shaking up the entire hierarchy. And we both know Étan would win.”
My chest clenched.Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mother.
“Come.” She glided out of the conservatory, sure I was right behind her. “Our guests will be wondering where we are.”
My jaw tightened, but I followed.
Étan stood at the foot of the stairs. “Where have you been?” he demanded. He didn’t wait for an answer, just held out a hand. “People have been asking about you.”
My hackles rose. Since when did I answer to him?
But I placed my fingers in his.
Play the game, I told myself. But my inner voice had a desperate edge.
He tucked my hand into his elbow. My mother came up on my other side.
