Chapter 212

In the logical part of my mind, I know that Caleb is fine. The sun is out, I have no idea how long I’ve been passed out. Caleb is likely in the Hall or in his office, and he’s probably fine. He hasn’t left for Gladys’s pack lands yet. I was sure. He wouldn’t do that without telling me goodbye, or this soon.

Gathering my courage, I rise out of bed, ready to rush to get ready.

At just that moment, Caleb walks out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. His hair is wet. He was just in the shower.

Relief strikes me so fiercely that I flop back down onto the bed.

As I do, Caleb gives me a curious look. “What’s wrong? You alright?”

It takes me a moment to catch my breath again. I feel like there isn’t enough air in this room. Caleb walks toward me, and peers down at me with a hint of concern in his eyes.

I don’t want to tell him about my dream. With his unwavering confidence, I don’t think he’d understand my concern. He didn’t last night either, before he’d successfully distracted me with sex.

I was tired and sore – pleasantly so, but not ready to lose myself to pleasure again so soon.

Still, Caleb is looking at me expectantly. I can’t just say nothing was bothering me. He would know immediately that I’m lying.

“Can I stay by your side today?” I ask.

His expression softens slightly. “You are still worried.”

“Sorry,” I say.

He gives me a long look. Then, with a sigh, he says, “Yes. You may accompany me today as I continue on my work.”

“Thank you,” I say.

After dressing, I go with Caleb to the Hall while he handles the issues of the day. I stay to the side, out of the way, as he speaks with his advisors and handles everything else. I’m contented, keeping Caleb in my line of sight, knowing he isn’t disappearing yet.

Still, I can’t get the dream out of my mind. My heart races on its own, thinking about how scary it was for Caleb to disappear like that.

I’ve gotten used to having him around. To seeing him and loving him, to always having him within reach.

When he leaves me to go to Gladys’s estate, deep in those enemy pack lands, it will be the first time we will be parted in such a long time. Perhaps that’s the cause of my unease. I want to be near him always, and now, for the first time, I won’t be.

The danger he is sure to be in isn’t helpful either. I will worry about him every moment he is gone, and I have no idea how I’m going to cope with that.

While I am watching, a guard steps into the Hall from outside of it. He walks swiftly, with purpose, up to Caleb on his throne. He doesn’t seem to mind that he’s interrupting the proceeding.

Caleb considers him. He’s looked bored all morning, but for the first time, there is a spark of interest in his eyes. Something is finally happening.

“My King, there is a messenger here from Gladys’s estate,” the guard says. “He’s requesting an audience.”

“A response to my message, so soon?” Caleb asks.

“It appears so, my King,” the guard replies.

This could be good news or bad news. Truly, I have no idea. A response this quick meant that Gladys did not need any time to think about anything.

“Show him in,” Caleb says, and straightens in his chair.

The guard agrees and retreats back down the length of the Hall. At the great doors, he opens them and allows the messenger to enter.

The messenger is dressed in a simple tunic with a sash bearing the colors of Gladys’s pack lands. He waltzes confidently through the Hall, seemingly uncaring that everyone in the room is looking at him. Or perhaps he thrives on that.

Regardless, he walks the walk to the base of the throne, then bows his head in reverence of the king.

“You came here to deliver a message,” Caleb says. “So speak it.”

“My lady Gladys is honored by your request to visit her estate,” the messenger says. “She would be pleased to welcome you but insists on one condition.”

A condition? What could that possibly be? Typically when the King wanted to visit someone’s house, they wouldn’t be able to say no. It would be majorly frowned upon. In today’s political climate though, with the civil war brewing, it seems as if making waves is preferable to falling in line, at least for some.

“And what is this condition that this woman would demand of her king?” Caleb asks, clearly annoyed by this demand. It balks at tradition. The advisors seem frustrated too, their faces scrunched up in disgust.

“My Lady Gladys will welcome you with open arms, King Caleb, if you agree to bring along your favored consort, Harper.”

I blink. Me?

“Absolutely not,” Caleb growls on reflex.

The messenger tilts his head. “Is that your official answer?”

“No,” one of the advisors say. “We need time to discuss this.”

“There is nothing to discuss,” Caleb says. “Harper is not going.”

“Now, wait a minute,” I say, stepping forward.

“Give us some time,” one of the advisors steps in, leading the messenger to the door. While that is happening, I step in, coming forward to speak with Caleb.

Caleb glares right at me. “There is no way I will allow this.”

“What if this is the only way to get into the pack lands?” I ask. “What about Tristan? We can’t just leave him there. We need intel.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Caleb says. “She would only invite you if she wants something from you. You cannot do this, Harper. I forbid it.”

“The danger didn’t stop you,” I say.

“I’m an Alpha werewolf,” he says. “You are just a human.”

“I’m not helpless.”

“Harper, we are not discussing this. The answer is no.”

I refuse to accept this. Yes, it will be dangerous, but if the alternative is either Caleb goes on alone, leaving me behind and miserable, or we leave Tristan to his fate.

Neither of those are acceptable, not if the solution is simple and plain.

“If I come along, you will protect me,” I say. “I trust in you. And if you don’t bring me, you might not get another chance. Gladys can bar the pack lands and keep you out.”

“I will still get in,” Caleb says.

“By force? You can’t start the war without knowing what waits for you within,” I say. “You need me, Caleb. I can help you. I know you will protect me.”

“Harper…” Already I can see he is starting to crack. His desire to protect me is waging war with his need to get information about that rebellion stronghold.

He wants to keep me safe, and I respect that. I love him for it. But in wartime, we can’t play it safe.

“We both have to take risks in war,” I say. “For the kingdom. For Tristan. I’m even doing this for you, Caleb. We don’t need to fight. Let me help. I can help.”

His jaw clenches, but I know I’m winning.

“You will never leave my side,” he commands. “From the moment we cross that border until the moment we leave it.”

“I promise,” I say, and it’s decided.

We are both going to visit Gladys’s estate.