Chapter 26
Leandro stood before his mother in her private quarters, his arms folded across his chest, still fuming from the breakfast earlier. Queen Lucia paced slowly, her steps deliberate, her eyes cold as they considered their next move.
"You need to get closer to Azalea," Queen Lucia finally said, her voice measured. "Make sure she trusts you."
Leandro's brows furrowed, his mouth twisting with distaste. "How do you expect me to do that? She barely knows any of us, and Federico is all over her. The girl is nervous around him."
Queen Lucia stopped in her tracks and turned to face her son. "Exactly. She feels isolated and confused. If you play your cards right, she'll cling to anyone who shows her warmth." She gave Leandro a pointed look. "That's where you come in."
Leandro sighed, h
