Chapter 442


    #Chapter 442- A Private Chat


    E


    My face falls into stern, cold lines as I see my uncle step forward. He was invited to this party, of


    course, as part of the delegation – but honestly, after our stern message to the Atxians about how


    he was not wee, I’m surprised that he was willing to attend.


    I look up at Sinir and follow his hard gaze towards his security team, which nods to him, assuring


    him that they fully vetted Xander, ensuring that he held no weapons or means of hurting us.


    And considering that my mate is a weapon himself and could tear this man to pieces as easily as


    breathing, I suppose that there’s nothing to worry about either way. Still, I tighten my arms around my


    child and feel Sinir bristle behind me, his hackles rising.


    Inside me, my wolf has her teeth fully bared, snapping, eager to sink her teeth into this terrible man.


    I don’t bother to calm her. Her rage is justified.


    Perhaps sensing the effect he has on us, Xander smiles a little smugly and steps forward just one step,


    giving us a deep bow.


    “Your highnesses,” he says, his voice clear and precise. “Ie to offer you my congrattions on


    your ascension to the throne and the naming of your heir. It is…quite an aplishment.”


    “Not without its obstacles, of course,” Sinir says, a bit through his teeth. ” But yes, it is a wonderful


    day – though one darkened by your presence. I’ll ask you to leave now, Xander. You are not wee


    here, despite the protection of the Atxian government. If you refuse, I’ll have you removed.”


    “I’ll go,” he says, straightening, his eyes going immediately to Rafe in my arms. “I merely wanted a


    chance to see the child I arranged to bring into the world. He is…as handsome a specimen as I hoped


    he would be.”


    “But no desire to see me, or acknowledge my presence?” I snap, riled despite myself. “Your own


    blood? Your brother’s child?”


    “My brother’s daughter,” Xander corrects, not bothering to be vicious with his words or to look at me,


    his eyes still on Rafe. “My focus rests on the male line.”


    Slowly, I turn and pass my child to his father, who takes him willingly. Then I take two steps forward,


    interposing myself between myself and Rafe so that Xander forced to look at me. When he bends to try


    to look around me I shift my weight so that he cannot.


    “No.” I snap, my voice as cold as ice. ” You will look at me, Xander. I am your Queen.”


    “You are not my queen,” he hisses, his eyes finally meeting mine, flinty and dark. “I am Atxian now.”


    “It does not matter to me,” I say, dismissive, and then – without really realizing what I’m doing – I


    ess my gift. I don’t close my eyes to do it this time, instead allowing thevender calmness to


    radiate from me, to reach out towards him. I can see it, thevender tint that the air around us takes,


    but I’m not sure if everyone can. Not that it really matters.


    “What,” Xander breathes, hissing as my gift touches him, as he feels it begin to work, to sweep through


    is body.


    I don’t let it heal, merely seek. And I see…all of it, inside of him.


    “You will die,” I say, quietly and calmly. “No matter who your Queen is, or what country you call home. I


    can see it within you – the cancer is taking hold, spreading throughout. Even if you had gotten Rafe


    away from us, you wouldn’t have lived long enough to enjoy any real time on your throne.”


    “Lies,” Xander hisses, taking a frightened step from me. “You are a witch – like all women -”


    “Enjoy the rest of your short life, Xander,” I say with a sigh, turning away from him and returning to


    Sinir’s side, taking my child back into my arms. “We need not bother killing you. You’ll be dead


    soon.”


    “You have cursed me – ”


    “I didn’t need to,” I interrupt, my voice bored. “Now go away. We have celebrations to attend. I’ll tell


    Sarah and Jessica you said hello,”


    Xander stiffens at this, his eyes shing as he looks between Sinir and I. “My property – “he growls.


    “You will return them immediately – ”


    “People aren’t property, you horrible old fool.” Then I sigh and turn my eyes to Sinir’s guards and


    nod. Instantly, theye forward and grab Xander by the arms, dragging him away. He makes a fuss,


    drawing some gazes, but he’s removed from the room quickly enough that the disturbancergely goes


    unnoticed.


    I sigh then, letting my shoulders slump for a moment as I turn towards Sinir, resting my head against


    his chest. “Are you all right?” he murmurs, running aforting hand down my back.


    “I am,” I say, nodding and taking a deep breath. Then I look up at him. ” I’m sorry – did I…I don’t want


    to cause an international incident. I hope I did right there.”


    A little smile turns up his lips. “You did perfectly, Queen,” he says, running his knuckles down my


    cheek. “Do you need a moment?”


    “Would you mind?” I ask, looking towards the open door to a small balcony nearby. “Just to…collect


    myself.”


    “Not at all,” he says, reaching for the baby. But I hold Rafe close.


    “I want him with me,” I say, grimacing a little.


    “Of course,” Sinr murmurs, dropping a kiss to my lips and pressing a hand to my back, urging me to


    take what time I need. “I’de with you, but-”


    “No,” I say, smiling up at him. “The people need their King. We won’t keep them waiting.”


    He nods, proud of me, and I whisper again that I’ll only take a moment before heading directly for the


    balcony and the fresh air it promises. I hear footsteps behind me and look curiously over my shoulder,


    a smile lighting my face when I see that Sinir has sent Conner to keep an eye on us if we need him.


    Conner smiles back at me, giving me a little nod, and feeling more peaceful already I step out into the


    dark of the little balcony. It is instantly quieter the moment I step through the doors and I take a deep


    breath of the fresh night air, closing my eyes for a second as I let the breeze rush over my skin. Rafe


    burbles a little in happiness, and Iugh, looking down at him. “Do you like the peace and quiet too,


    baby Prince?” I ask quietly, and he grins and waves his hand, telling me he does.


    Iugh again, lifting him a little to press a kiss to his face before stepping to the edge of the balcony,


    leaning against the rail and letting my body rx.


    My mind turns, predictably, to my horrible uncle – and all of the terrible things that he said to me just a


    few moments ago. I mean, none of them were a surprise – Henry has long suggested that Xander


    would feel that way about me, about Rafe.


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    But still – hearing it from his own lips? It was still a blow, to hear someone be so horrible, so callous.


    I scowl a little, considering that I perhaps shouldn’t have mentioned Sarah and Jessica at all that that


    was a slip and a mistake that I tripped into because I was so mad


    But I don’t get very far into the consideration as a shadow peels itself from the wall, clearing its throat


    awkwardly.


    I jump and give a little shriek as the shadow steps forward.