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“Wisteria, we should head to your room,” Natalia says softly. “It’s getting late and you need your rest.”
I nod, giving Stellan’s hand one last squeeze.
I love you, Stellan, I tell him through our bond, hoping that he can hear me. I bend over and kiss him on the forehead, trying to tell myself that this isn’t goodbye. It’s just a goodnight. And hopefully this will be the last night I ever have to spend apart from my husband.
Natalia whispers something to Dove before turning around to face me. “Are you ready?”
I nod, turning to look at Stellan one more time before Natalia leads me from the room, my heart breaking a little more with each step.
…
Last night I slept horribly. After a few hours of tossingand turning, I eventually moved to the couch so Natalia at least could get some sleep. Sometime after midnight, the medicine the doctor gave me finally kicked in and I fell asleep for a few hours. I’m up by six and head straight to Stellan’s room.
There is no change from last night. Stellan is still pale, but his cheeks look a little more flushed. I’m hoping that’s a good sign.
As I’m sitting by his bed, Warrick walks up beside me.
“How are you doing?” he asks.
I shrug, not sure how to answer. “To be honest, I’m not sure. Everything just feels so uncertain right now. And my heart…” my voice trails off.
Warrick pats the top of my head in a gesture I’m sure he means as comforting. “I’m afraid that I must ask something of you that you’re not going to like.”
I stiffen at his words and turn to face him. “What is it?”
“The council has called for an emergency council meeting.” He rubs the back of his head, looking uncomfortable. “In times like this, they always panic and want to discuss backup plans. Unfortunately, Evander is their backup plan. But Evander…”
I shake my head. “No. Evander would hate that. He wants nothing to do with the throne.”
Warrick nods. “Exactly. So I’m hoping you will come. I know you wanted to wait to talk to the council about your pregnancy, but I think the time for secrecy has passed.”
I chew on my bottom lip, looking from Warrick to Stellan. I know that Stellan would want me to do this. He would want me to protect his younger brother. As much as I don’t want to leave his side, Ihaveto do this. It’s my duty as Stellan’s wife and crown princess.
“Who will stay with Stellan?” I ask, glancing back to Warrick. “I don’t want him to be here alone.”
His face softens at my question. “Dove is on her way now. She will stay with him. You need not worry—he will never be alone. Neither will you. No matter what happens, you are one of us now.”
My heart swells at his words. At one time, I really thought Stellan’s father hated me. I was wrong—he never hated me, he just wanted to protect Stellan. I can’t fault him for that. But him accepting me into his family like this means more than I ever thought it would.
Dove comes into the room, so I say a quick goodbye to Stellan before going with Warrick to the council meeting.
“The council will not be happy to see you,” he tells me, as he opens the passenger side door to his car for me. “They do not want women there for the meetings.”
I smile at him. “That is something I plan to change when Stellan gets better.”
He chuckles. “It’s a change I will gladly accept. I’ve been trying for years myself, but they’re stuck in their ways. If anybody can change their mind, it’s you. Dove never wanted anything to do with politics and I don’t want to push her to get involved.”
I can imagine that. She’s so kind and soft hearted. It’s a good thing, but the dragon shifters need a change. Maybe I can do some good while I’m married to Stellan.
Thinking about his name causes my chest to ache fiercely.
Warrick stays quiet for the rest of the drive and I keep my focus out the window. I know that if I start thinking of Stellan, it will only make me cry. Instead, I focus on the beautiful views the island has. I never imagined a place as beautiful as this could exist and I’m extremely lucky to call this place home.
When the car comes to a stop, I look at the familiar building. I’ve been here once—when the council wanted tomeet me. It was after they found out that I was a hybrid. Once they realized how strong my blood truly is…
And today, I will remind them that I am strong.
I unbuckle my seatbelt and get out of the car, following Warrick inside. The parking lot is already full of cars, and I imagine all the council is here, waiting for us. I take a deep breath, focusing on keeping my heart rate steady.
