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“No sleep?”
“Some. I’ll sleep in a bit.”
“What did my brother do again to get you in that mood?”
Her gaze hardened and her mouth formed a thin line. But she gulped in a breath and let it go, then smirked. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
“Pearl…”
“I don’t want to talk about him.”
“Fine. Did I do anything embarrassing last night?”
At that, her smirk grew bolder.
“You mean other than getting buck naked and being such a weakling that I had to drag you back to your mansion?”
He knew a roast when he heard one, and normally people would be quaking in their boots before they got away with it. But his wall of defense didn’t come, and he found himself matching her light tone.
“I’m not a weakling, just a man with a rare off moment. And nakedness isn’t an embarrassment—Pearl.”
Henry’s hand switched from her elbow to her waist, catching her when she swayed on her feet. Hers went to his chest as if to push him away, but he held her firmly and refused to let go.
“False alarm,” she insisted, but her voice was shaky.
“Don’t tell me you used magic on me all night?”
“You and the throne room. Triple protection.”
“Pearl…”
“Stop saying my name all sweet and soft like that,” she protested. “I’m used to you scolding me—Henry!”
He ignored her pushing hands and shifted her until he was fully carrying her in his arms. Her body was rigid, but he could tell it was a futile fight and her muscles were already relaxing.
“I am scolding you now,” he clipped out. “You need sleep. Every magic user who has overused their energy needs proper rest and recuperation.”
“Then put me down and let me go home.”
“And risk you falling on your face and me losing my most valuable asset?”
“Oh, gee, thanks for the lack of confidence in my grace. And for admitting that I’m precious.”
“I meant for this family problem,” he returned, which had her grumbling. “You’re our weapon.”
“Put me down. I’m going home.”
“No. You will rest here.”
“No, I won’t. I’m not. Henry!”
“Would you listen for once?”
“I listen all the time. Put me down, Henry.”
“No.”
“Put. Me. Down.”
