26
700 Words
Cedric Raine
The day of my departure arrives. If it weren’t for Derrick’s urgent letter, I wouldn’t be going. But one of my duties is to protect the Veil. It’s a responsibility that I’ve always honored happily, but now, for the first time, it feels like a burden. And before I leave this afternoon, there are some things I must do.
Bella enters my office in response to my summons. She closes the door behind her before saying, “I thought you were heading out this morning.”
“I’ve been delayed.” I get to my feet. “Before I go, I want to remind you of Leanna’s importance. Nothing should happen to her, Bella. Without her, we cannot investigate the rebels in the Eastern Kingdom. As long as the royal family there believes we have Princess Vivian, we have control over them.”
She rolls her eyes. “I understand, Cedric. Why do we have to have the same conversation again and again?”
“Because you’re a hothead, and you’re petty,” I snap. “I don’t want anything happening to her. She’s an important tool. We need her as Princess Vivian.”
“Fine. I get it. Can I go now?”
I gesture toward the door with my hand, and when she opens it, Leanna is standing on the other side, her face pale.
I feel a sense of unease for some reason. Did she overhear our conversation?
She gives me a trembling smile and steps aside for Bella to pass by. Bella nods at her, but I can sense her irritation.
“I wanted to give you this,” Leanna says, holding a small box in front of her. She doesn’t meet my gaze, and I wonder if she’s unhappy over what she may have just heard.
“What is it?”
“Something to eat on the way.”
Her voice is almost listless. I round my desk and walk over to her, taking her in my arms. My kiss is heated, and she responds as she always does, matching my desire. I could take her right here on this table.
“Make sure you listen to Healer Pat,” I order her once I pull away. “And eat properly. Don’t skip your meals, and don’t overwork yourself.”
She nods. “Okay.”
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay.”
She’s still not looking at me. I lift her head by her chin. “Leanna?”
“We’re going to miss the full moon,” she says, a shaky smile on her lips. Her eyes are glistening with tears. “I guess it worked out for the best.”
I frown. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing,” she almost whispers, handing me the box she brought with her. “I know it’s silly, but I was just thinking about whether you would have something nice to eat during your trip. I asked one of the chefs to make some of those meat biscuits you like.”
“Thanks.”
“I should go.” Without another word, she hurries out of the room, leaving me staring after her.
I look at the small box. Carrying it in my wolf form will be a hassle. Maybe I should just leave it here. I set it down on the desk, and after gathering my things, I begin to walk out. Pausing in the doorway, I glance at the box again before sighing and retrieving it.
As I leave the castle, I see Leanna standing on the balcony of her room, looking down at me. She meets my gaze, and for a moment, I think I see tears in her eyes.
“Look after her, Harriet,” I say quietly to the head maid, who is standing by me. “Not even a scratch should be on her when I return.”
Harriet nods, a soft smile on her lips. “Your mate will be fine. Go. Safe travels.”
With one last look at the woman standing alone on her balcony, I transform. As I start to run, my wolf lets out a mournful howl.
- Writer
