Indeed.
Recovering with fully crimson cheeks, Brielle shot him a glare.
“Then why are you stopping me?” she asked.
Shouts sprang to life down the hall just beyond the door, stilling all of them.
Yet none of the Vencia line seemed the least bit concerned. In fact, Lucien winked at her and said, “That’s why. If you behave, you can listen, which was what I was trying to do before you barreled down the hall like a wild banshee.”
“I know we shouldn’t, but I want to listen too,” Gladys said, slinking by and pressing her ear to the door.
“That is exceptionally childish,” Max said, crossing his arms.
“Come on, little dragon,” Lucien said, turning Brielle towards the door.
By some miraculous force, Brielle didn’t force open the door but instead listened beside Gladys.
“I think I’ve lost my mind,” Luci murmured.
“You might as well go listen to. It’s about you anyway.” Max said.
Luci pointed at herself. “Me?”
He rolled his eyes and knelt next to the door, listening beneath Gladys. They looked ridiculous. Three royals and a noble, all with the ears to an ornate white and golden door. Meanwhile, the shouting grew in intensity.
The smell of cinnamon ran through the air, and Luci threw her hands up.
“Now you want to show up!” she said.
The smell grew, singing her nose, and she knew by now what that meant.
“Fine!” Luci ground out.
Lucien shot her a white-toothed smile and gestured to the spot next to him as if he’d left room for her out of the kindness ofhis heart. Good thing it was a big door because Luci didn’t argue despite the fact that she should have packed her stuff and run away while they were distracted.
“You are out of your mind if you think any of us will let that happen.” Lord Treveon’s voice shot through her straight to her heart.
She’d heard that tone once before, and it was something she tried not to remember. The hatred in his voice was as poignant as the day he threw her onto Picadilly Street.
“I’m not interested in what you think the limit of your power is, Lord Treveon. I appreciate all you and everyone else here have done for Meridea, but I am not asking you anything.” Ira said.
His voice was iron-clad and without a hint of indecision. Despite the horror of her situation, there was a pride deep down in her at hearing him like that. It only reinforced her conviction, though. She was doing the right thing. He was meant to lead.
“You forget,your highness, the crown cannot function without the nobles. We are your army and your treasury. Without us, you will be facing revolts within the month.” Lady Annabeth’s father said.
“I am well aware which is why I am giving you the courtesy of discussing my decision with you before I formally announce it to the kingdom,” Ira said.
Luci’s stomach flipped, and her head felt fuzzy.
“What is he doing?” she whispered.
“Being a lovesick idiot,” Lucien said.
“I’m proud of him,” Gladys said.
“Don’t let Luci mess it up,” Brielle said to whoever.
“You can’t mess up an already stupid plan,” Max said.