Page 17 of Dark Reign

William made quick work of lifting the piece to my father’s head, placing it gingerly before adjusting an earpiece small enough that it would go undetected to the audience, and those watching from home.

My stare lingered on Jenna a moment, not thinking anything in particular about her, but Mother noticed the look before I’d been able to turn away.

The smile she wore turned cynical.

“See something you like?” she asked, turning away just as I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s not do this today, Mother. Not here,” I sighed.

“What?” She gave a weak shrug, feigning innocence. “I was simply asking a question.”

“Of course you were,” I replied with a smile.

We stood in silence while watching the production around us.

“Drat! I nearly forgot.” She clasped her hands when she remembered something, and I turned to face her. “As fate would have it, my trip to Wakeshire will be sooner than expected, which means I won’t be able to attend the gala.”

My brow tensed. She wasneverone to miss social events, but she certainly wouldn’t dream of missing one as monumental as the Quincentennial Celebration.

I’d heard her mention this trip several times over the past few weeks—another philanthropic effort I was sure—but knew little in regard to its purpose. Even now, as she noted how my interest piqued, she donned a dismissive look to deter me from asking questions.

“Will you be lodging with the Duke and Duchess?”

She patted my hand. “No. They’ve recently welcomed their first child into the world, and I wouldn’t want to be a bother.”

The idea of her making the journey alone was unsettling.

“If you need someone to accompany you, I’m available,” I offered. An offer she immediately responded to by scoffing.

“Don’t be silly,” she laughed. “Your name is on the lips of everyone who’s anyone. I wouldn’t deprive you of being the center of attention at your first gathering since your big announcement.”

Little did she know, I wouldn’t have minded the excuse.

My lips parted to ask another question about her travels, but I wasn’t given the chance.

“It appears someoneelsewould like a word with you. We’ll chat more after the Address,” she stated mere seconds before making a quick departure.

Jenna was coming this way after having finished fussing over my father. It was up to her to get him camera ready, and apparently, she’d made it her job to dress me as well.

I blinked hard when the lapel of my suit was lightly adjusted, and then the knot of my tie. A deep stare peered up from beneath blonde bangs when she brushed her fingertips over the silk.

“Blue always looked excellent on you. I think it’s the eyes,” she stated with a quiet laugh, acknowledging their silver color that stood out from the typical red. Somehow, her gesture hadn’t garnered my father’s attention or William’s, but I was certain Mother hadn’t missed much from wherever she’d scampered off to a moment ago.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied with a subtle nod. “Congrats on your decision. I’m sure you’ll be as great a Presiding Emperor as your father has been. Maybe better,” she added, placing a hand over her lips immediately after. “I … I didn’t mean to imply that he’s not … um.”

Watching her flounder, I couldn’t help but to smile. “It’s fine. I know you didn’t mean any harm.”

Pristine teeth sank into her lip, and I was certain she would have run off if it hadn’t been her job to oversee things backstage.

“Well, before I somehow put my foot in my mouth again, I’m gonna go over here and … you know … do my job,” she rambled, gesturing to the opposite direction before taking clumsy steps toward my father again.

I smiled as she all but hid behind her clipboard. Every now and then, our gazes caught one another’s before I forced myself to look away. My father deserved my full attention, deserved hers as his employee.

A heavy arm slipped around my shoulders and I glanced to my right. All three of my Dynasty Brothers, freshly shaven, and suited just for the occasion, stood there. When they left my home late in the afternoon, I assumed they’d flown back to their respective kingdoms and would return in a few days for the gala. However, there they were.

“Don’t look so surprised,” Levi grinned, tightening his arm around me with the words. “You didn’t think we’d miss the opportunity to hear our treasured, Presiding Emperor deliver his final address, did you? Especially seeing as how some smug, know-it-all bastard will be taking his place next year,” he joked, releasing me from his grip.

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