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To my surprise, Octavian handed over control of the council meeting as soon as I arrived, and after he told me he’d be out of his office by the week’s end. I hated how easily he turned things over. It felt like a farce, and I spent the rest of the day waiting for the other shoe to drop.

After my meetings were done for the day, I found Zaria in her rooms with Luka. She had her feet draped over his lap when I walked in.

I growled, letting it rumble in my chest.

“That’s my cue.” Luka got up and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “We’ll finish catching up tomorrow.”

“Goodnight,” she said, stepping around me to walk him out. She closed the door behind him and turned on me. “That wasn’t very nice. Did you have to be so”—she waved at me—“tall, dark, and douchey?”

“Where did you get that term from?” It didn’t sound like something she would say.

She laughed, and then it turned into a sob. “Kol.”

I caught her as she half collapsed. “That makes a lot of sense.”

She kept laughing and crying. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?” I hugged her to me.

“For being a mess when I should be here for you,” she said into my chest.

I pressed my face into her hair. “You loved him, too. You’re allowed.”

“But who will take care of you if you’re taking care of me?”

“Having you here is enough.” I fought tears.

“How did it go?”

“Smoother than I expected.”

“That’s good.”

I let out a breath. “No, it was too easy. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“Do you think it will?”

I kissed her forehead. “I hope not, but something just feels off.”

“You can handle Octavian. I have every faith in you…General.” She looked up with a smirk.

“You’ll be helping me handle him. As my ryder, you’ll sit on the council with me.”

“I know. I’ve been mentally preparing.”

I walked her backward toward her bed. “Now, tell me why your feet were in Luka’s lap.”

She laughed, going with me easily. “I was taking comfort in my friend.”

“Friend?” I pressed. “Only your friend?”

“Yes, Mister Tall-Dark-And-Growly. He’s nothing more.”

“He’s not the guy...” I didn’t want to say it.

“No!”

“Good. I’d hate to have to kill him since you seem so fond of him.” I rolled my eyes.