Page 51 of Dark Reign

Not only Julian’s.

Shaking off the discomfort that came with letting my thoughts venture to that moment, I turned toward Levi. He cursed to himself, violently loosening the bowtie around his neck until it hung at his collarbone.

“It’s a royal mess,” he concluded. “Literally.”

No sooner than Levi declared it verbally, my father declared it in text.

‘How on Earth did you manage to get yourself involved in Julian’s media circus? Call me immediately.’

I lowered the phone with no intentions on following his orders.

The limousine was silent for a moment. I didn’t thinkanyof us saw the evening ending this way, including our dates. They were incredibly put-off by the abrupt end to what should have been an all-night event. The time and money they’d put into preparing had, in their eyes, gone to waste. We did the gentlemanly thing and escorted them home, or to their hotel rooms before heading here to the palace, but the damage was already done. Each made it clear they didn’t want to see or hear from any of us ever again.

Cecelia, in particular, was going to be a problem, though. I knew it even before she said so herself, stating that she’d never been so humiliated in all her life, and would see to it that Julian paid for disrespecting her. It couldn’t have helped his case any that the woman he’d ditched her for was human.

Onthatissue, I couldn’t have agreed with Cecelia more.

A thought occurred to me, one I couldn’t dismiss as a possibility. Especially seeing as how the alternative was to believe one of my closest friends had honestly started falling for this girl.

“They’ve gotten clever,” I blurted, thinking that might be worth the mention, referring to the ever-growing population of rogue humans. “I’ve heard rumors some have created devices to defend themselves against compulsion, is it so farfetched to think they’ve maybe discovered a way to … I don’t know … compelus?”

Levi frowned at the mere idea of it. “Impossible.”

I got the feeling it was pride speaking and not rationale. Whether he admitted it or not, it was not at all like Julian to behave that way. There had to be more to it.

Silas’ gaze shifted to Levi, and the look they shared left me to wonder if I missed something.

“Maybe it’s time we —” Silas began to speak, but was promptly interrupted.

“Now’s not the time for whatever romantic ideals you were getting ready to spew, Si,” Levi cut in sharply. “I think we can all admit the girl is smokin’ hot, but that’s the end of it. There’s no hocus pocus about it. We’re guys and guys are notorious for making stupid mistakes where women are involved. End of story.”

“End of story?” Silas piped. “You’re certain about that?”

“I’m simply stating that what Roman proposed is B.S. If this girl has the power to persuade the thoughts of Ianite men, she would have used it to save herself tonight when the sentinels nearly stomped a hole through her.”

Silas’ gaze shifted toward the window then, and I sensed how unsettled he was.

“There’s always the chance that what Julian felt was real,” Levi went on, sighing heavily. “I mean, perhaps he just found it within himself to follow his own heart for once.” There was a strange pause. “Wouldn’t you say that’s possible, Si?” Levi asked what felt like a loaded question.

Silas turned again, but this time the look he passed Levi wasn’t as passive as the last. He didn’t bother responding, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was downright hostile.

Julian’s response to this girl was … real. That’s what Levi suggested.

The car filled with a stifling silence. Julian had once been held with high esteem within the Dynasty. And now, in one night, his good name had been ruined.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Levi

“Good evening, Your Highnesses,” Ellenore greeted us, a broad smile nearly stretching ear to ear.

I gave her a nod and entered when she stepped aside to let us pass. “Prince Julian is expecting you. He’s waiting in his study.”

With a muttered, “Thank you,” I crossed through the foyer, the others followed.

I was aware of another cold glare from Silas as we passed the staircase. It was clear we needed to have a conversation before going forward. Otherwise, he’d do something reckless like take the attention off the issue at hand, probably choosing to confess what we’d done. Yes, we would eventually have to fess up, but the timing was all wrong. Telling Julian now wouldn’t absolve our sins, it would only muddy the waters. For now, Silas would just have to bear whatever guilt he felt until things blew over.

“We’ll be in in a moment,” I said, ushering Roman past us as I pulled Silas aside.

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