Page 38 of Cold Heir

I shook my head. “They’ve been tightlipped regarding how they’ve operated in the past, but I do know our present interests are aligned. They want what’s best for Corina, just like we do.”

Levi’s attention stayed trained on me a moment longer. “I suppose that’ll have to do for now.”

There really wasn’t much more for me to say about it than that.

“Well, gentlemen, I think it’s safe to say we’re all royally screwed,” was his final conclusion, letting his gaze volley between Julian and I as he raised his near-empty glass into the air. “I suppose if I’m going down with a sinking ship, there aren’t better men with whom I’d rather meet my demise.”

There was an odd blend of acceptance and euphoria behind his tone. I guessed it came from the realization that, literally, everything was at stake, and nothing was in our control. Some might consider that delirium.

Clinking my glass against theirs, it became clear we’d all arrived at the same conclusion and were alarmingly at peace with the many potential outcomes. So, with that, I gave in, and decided to leave it all in the hands of fate.

“I’ll drink to that,” I saluted them, my brothers in rank.

My brothers in chaos.

Chapter Thirteen

Corina

Seeing me comfortably seated at a monarch’s table must have been a strange scene for my friends to witness tonight.

At first, I fully committed to dialing back how content I was in Julian’s palace, interacting with him, Levi and Silas, but upon realizing my team’s acceptance of the princes was genuine, I was able to relax. I’d gotten bits and pieces explaining how such an improbable coalition had formed in my absence, but I had a feeling I wouldneverfully understand it.

Julian had arranged for a feast to be prepared, but his staff was dismissed for the evening before the team arrived—to protect all parties involved, I imagined. Doing so meant that the responsibility of waiting on us had fallen onhisshoulders. However, he’d handled it so graciously, you never would’ve known he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

There was never an empty glass or plate, never a lull in conversation, and he served everyone humbly, no sign of entitlement or resentment to be seen. He went out of his way to ensure that all felt welcomed, further proving to me that the impossible was, in fact, possible.

I couldn’t remember ever seeing Liv more lighthearted, more carefree. From what she shared, even the orphans we rescued were well-fed—those who remained anyway.

After requesting an update on how things had been since I was forced into this life, she explained that there hadn’t been another rescue. They were only able to take care of those we had already saved, transporting them to the cargo ships where our contact, Spencer, saw to it that they were safely delivered to Pitcairn Island. While I was pleased to hear they’d been transported safely, it wasn’t lost on me that so many whoshouldhave been rescued had sat in orphanages well past their expected extraction date.

In short, I knew I had to find a way to pull my weight.

Still, I wasn’t the only one with questions, wasn’t the only one desperately seeking updates. It was only natural that, upon seeing how at ease I was with the princes, Liv wondered what it was like, if it was real, if I was simply putting on a show to avoid having my throat ripped out—her words. As soon as Liv, Shay, and I got a moment to chat alone, I filled them in on the details.

Well, all of them except that Levi and I had given in to temptation. That might have been a bit much for them to process.

Mostly, they wanted to know how the blood bondreallyaffected me. I explained it as best as I could, sharing that the chemistry they witnessed was as genuine as anything else. Including the few times Shay caught me eyeing Silas. I was fairly certain I’d developed somewhat of a crush on him. Believe me, that was hard to admit. Not because he was somehow beneath me, but rather, because I was too old and evolved for such things.

A crush?

At nearly twenty?

Unacceptable.

Only, every time our gazes caught across the dining room table, there was no other way I could describe it. Without spells or magic or … whatever all this was, he’d managed to earn my attention.

The good, old-fashioned way—by being a good guy.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s devastatingly handsome to match, but I digress.

Much to my surprise, I thought of him quite a bit as I readied myself for bed, off and on, in between thoughts of my team. I had a feeling I’d sleep better than I had in a while, knowing they weren’t only surviving, butthriving.Taking care of the ones I loved had solidified my feelings for Julian, and awakened them for Silas. Meanwhile, Levi taking care ofmewhile we were apart from the others, had pretty much etched him on my heart forever.

To sum it all up, I was a lost cause. The princes had my heart, and it was clear I had theirs.

Turning off the bathroom light, I yawned, unashamed that I indulged in a second bath that evening, while the guys escorted my team to safety. The plush towels and rich bath oils were a reminder of how this life was beginning to spoil me, but I wouldn’t let it go to my head. According to Liv, I’d done more than my share in the past to have earned a bit of a breather. Although, to her, my being here in the Capitol to fulfill the blood bond, was still a vital part of the mission. I suppose to some degree, I was beginning to see it that way as well.

I slipped into the tank-top and dark, silk shorts Elle had left. After pulling my hair into a bun, I sat on the edge of my bed, alone with my thoughts. My gaze wandered toward the device on the nightstand and I smiled. Silas brought it to me before leaving with the others, to see my family out of the city safely. He might have known how grateful I was to have it—a secure line on which my team and I could communicate whenever we wanted. No more wondering if they were okay, no more missing them as I lie in bed on the verge of tears.

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