Page 77 of The Pawn

“What about Malek?”

I look out the window as we approach her street. The road leading up to the house is congested with cars parked on either side, slow traffic as family is dropped off and drivers exit the property.

I turn back to her. “He has nothing to do with this.”

She studies me. I think she understands. Does she understand? Whoever does not stand with us will become an enemy, but this is her family. I need to keep that in mind.

“What if they disagree?”

“Then they disagree and I’ll deal with it. I don’t want you involved in that part.”

“What will you do to them?”

I tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear, touch the placewhere her skin isn’t quite healed from the bruise. I won’t let her be hurt again. I will stand between her and danger.

“Do you trust me, Allegra?”

“I just… They’re my family.”

“If they are not loyal, they are your enemy, family or not. Blood is not the be all, end all.” I hear myself say it and my uncle’s face floats before my eyes. When the time comes,ifit comes, will I eat my words?

“Cassian—”

I cup her face. “Do you trust me?”

“You’re going to take over my family, aren’t you? Those who will bend the knee to you. The others…”

“The others are your enemies as well as mine. And this road was paved the day I decided to keep you. Possibly the moment I laid eyes on you that first night, Little Moth. I will protect you. I will keep you safe. I will make you my queen. You only have to let me. Will you let me?”

It takes her a long moment, but finally, finally, she nods.

A few minutes later, we pull through the open gates of her house. The driver brings the SUV to a stop.

“Ready?” I ask Allegra.

She turns from the house to me. She nods.

“I’ll be with you every step of the way. I won’t leave your side.”

She takes a deep breath in, exhales it out, nods.

When we enter, the house goes quiet, not a whisper to be heard, not the clink of a single glass. It’s like everyone in that room is holding their breath as all eyes turn to us.

I see Jet at the far end watching. He’s standing at the mouth of the corridor that leads to her father’s study. Her study now.

Allegra takes her first step and the crowd parts. I seehow their eyes move to me, though. Would they so easily let her through if I wasn’t at her back? If my soldiers didn’t fill her house?

I stay close by her side, soldiers flanking us, more soldiers just outside the study door. People are lined up waiting, eyes suspicious. Wary. Angry.

They won’t bend to me easily. I don’t expect them to. An example will be made. It always is.

At our approach my guard opens the door. Two soldiers are already stationed inside. They stand behind the imposing desk which has been cleared off. Chairs are set in a semi-circle facing it. Jet enters behind us and closes the door. It’s just us and the two soldiers.

Allegra glances at the whiskey in the corner. It’s the same bottle I helped myself to when I was first here. I walk over, pour a glass and walk it back to her. She takes it, drinks it, closes her eyes and steels herself.

“Ready?” I ask.

She hands me the glass. “I’m ready.”