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“W-we need your approval for the guest list—”

“We both know you’ll invite whoever you think should attend, regardless of my input, which you already received.”

Marco snickered at the way I shut down every protest Ricks threw my way. My five-foot-five counselor shot him a deadly glare over his bright red, flustered cheeks, and Marco raised his hands in surrender, turning his amusement into a forced scowl.

“Sire, I really don’t think it’s wise for you to be leaving the castle, let alone the kingdom during this time.”

I closed the gap between us, clapping my hand on his shoulder. “I think this is the best time. After all, what if my new wife never lets me leave the house?” A scoundrel’s grin took over.

“I—”

“Good,” I interrupted before listening to another excuse that wouldn’t hold. “We leave within the hour.”

I brushed past Ricks, leaving the poor man pacing in circles. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. Rarely did I ever disagree with his recommendations or requests. This certainly wasn’t punishment for his blunder regarding the treasury, but that had definitely helped tip the scales for me. Marco and I strode side by side through the castle's spacious halls, heading to the carriage and convoy that’d been prepped an hour beforehand.

“Do you think his head will explode?” Marco said, possibly enjoying the thought.

I laughed. “I certainly hope not, I don’t want to have to plan that ball.”

“Fair,” he tittered.

Rushed footsteps echoed behind us. “Your Highness, wait,” Commander Druller said, nearly out of breath from wherever he’d come from to catch me before I left. “You haven’t briefed me on what’s happening. Also, I heard you dismissed two of my guards?”

Shit. I’d been swept up in a hurricane of emotions over the past two days, on a rampage of actions to try to make up for letting everything fall through the cracks. I hadn’t waited for Sebastian to discuss the best course, and talk out all the options, as we usually did. I decided to take the same approach with him as I had with Ricks.

“I am leaving with Prince Marco. Camping trip, to clear my head before continuing with the hunt for a new queen. My personal guards are escorting me, meaning you needn’t worry about changing any postings. And yes, I dismissed two of your guards.

“I suggest that before I return, you deal with them swiftly. I will not have my citizens brutalized to the point of death before their right to a fair trial. Do you disagree, Commander?” My eyes narrowed on him, watching him become slightly taken aback by my assertiveness. I hoped he wouldn’t think I’d taken to being like my father, demanding control and making brash decisions.

“Of course not, Your Highness. Shall I place them in the dungeons until you return?”

I appreciated that he didn’t fight me on leaving like Ricks had. A separate exchange was occurring between us at the same time. I could tell he wanted to object from the softened look in his eyes, to send more guards with me in the convoy, to coordinate where I wanted guards stationed during my absence. “I’ll defer to your judgment for the example you wish to set as precedent for your men.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Just—” He fought with choosing the right words. Instead, he opted for approaching, pulling me into his muscled embrace. “Just be careful. If I lose the prince on my watch to a bug bite in the woods, they’ll demote me for sure.”

I clapped his back twice, and we stepped apart.

“I don’t recall any requests for me to be careful during my trip?” Marco just had to poke at Sebastian once.

“If anything happens to him…” Seb seared Marco with his gaze, and I was surprised Marco didn’t combust on the spot. He knew better than to finish the threat in my presence.

“Reeelaax, Commander. He’ll return in one piece.” Marco flashed his roguish grin, bearing his pearly white teeth.

Sebastian and I locked eyes. Without words, he told me to be careful, to watch my back around Marco. I nodded softly. “Also, I’ve been made aware that the guards on patrol by the docks have forced the strip merchants to shorten their business hours. Why?”

Seb’s forehead wrinkled. “What do you mean?”

“Businesses have been ordered to close early. I want to know why.” I crossed my arms.

“Your Highness, I was following your orders. You didn’t want guards posted down there. So to keep the citizens safe from potential kidnappings, I had my men clear the area before sundown, when there would be no protection.”

Heat crept up the back of my neck. I’d just blatantly ridiculed my most decorated Commander for my own doing.

“Just making sure you’re staying on your toes, Commander.” Marco stepped forward and clapped the boulder of a man’s shoulder.

Sebastian glanced down at the connection like Marco’s hand was smeared with feces.

“We’ll discuss the strip’s operating hours upon my return. Thank you for your service, Commander Druller.” I dipped my chin, swallowing my embarrassment for causing a scene.