Empress Seraphina looked at Elena. "After the Phoenix incident, I don't want anything like that happening again. Elena, you're the Empire's hope. We must keep you safe."
"I suggest increasing Imperial Guard protection at the Duke's mansion." Lucien's voice came through. "Have Ryan send more people."
"I'm against it." Caelir said immediately. He didn't want Ryan having any excuse to get close to Elena. "More guards will just make Elena a target. Right now low-key is our best strategy."
Across the table, Ares had been watching Elena since she walked in. He saw her sitting beside Caelir, spotted the faint hickeys on her neck barely hidden by her collar.
Then he caught the scent.
His sharp senses picked up the same body wash smell on both of them.
Caelir had spent the night
