Page 44 of Omission

There’s a cuddler chair he ordered—one for every room—so that where he sat, I could be comfortable beside him. Always be with him.

Moreover, to annoy them, he waits until I’m settled before reaching for my porcelain flower cup.

“Oh!” The older woman, Lena, exclaims and pretends she is reaching for the same. “I thought that was for me. You don’t mine, do you, Leo—”

“That’s Your Highness or King, Miss Rossi. Do not confuse my graciousness with familiarity,” he grits out, anger coming from him and spreading out into the room. Everyone bows but me; I’m getting better at not following the compulsions drilled into me since childhood. “And to answer your question, that tea is for my mate. If you desire one, it will be brewed but not from this blend. This is hers.”

“I see.” Lena’s face pinched tight, but didn’t she say anything else on the matter.

“I’m glad that you do.” After stirring the two cubes of sugar Isotta always adds for me, Leonardo makes it a point to bring the cup to my lips and waits until I sip and nod, before placing it in my hands. “Now what can I do for you?”

“Your Highness, I’m confused.” Chiara’s expression is perplexed. “You called for me to come. I thought—”

“I’m going to stop you right there.” Lifting me, my mate carefully placed me beside him before leaning forward. His jaw is tight and his eyes are hard. “I never called you. My phone call was to Christopher Rossi, the leader of your coven, to come and meet with me today. You are not him.”

Chiara’s eyes well up with tears, bottom lip trembling. “He hasn’t been home in weeks. We don’t know where he is.”

“And yet you have his phone?”

“My king, Christopher left without a word to either of us. He left his clothes, car—everything belonging to him—were at a loss.”

“How long ago was this?”

“About a month, I’d say.”

“Hmmm.” Through the bond, I sense a mounting anger. The distrust he has for these two. “Why didn’t you inform me of this last week? Why wait until now?”

“He’s done this before. The anniversary—”

“Isotta, please escort them to guest house number 3 and make sure they’re settled in before returning. They won’t be leaving just yet.”

“Yes, my king.” Turning, she waves toward the door. “Please follow me.”

“Leonardo, we don’t need a guest house. I’m sure a room here would be—”

“Chiara, the guest house or a cell. Those are your choices.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. We appreciate the accommodations.” Lena stands, but I don’t miss the subtle elbow jab to Chiara, nor the glare sent her way. A clear message to close her mouth. “We’ll turn in for the day. Please let us know if you find anything.”

Something tells me he won’t, though. That he’s gone.

XXX

“Are you ready?” Leonardo asked me early the next morning after I spent the night alone. The first one, but I understand the circumstances.

He’s been holed up in his office since the Rossi family’s arrival, sending out guards to their home and surrounding areas, but so far the two haven’t located the elder. That’s why not fifteen minutes ago, a tracker was dispatched and we found ourselves on the open training fields before the others were due to arrive for the first class of the day.

The area is large enough that they have a tactical obstacle, sparring section, and burn marked deep into the ground where young witches are tested.

This is also my first since arriving that I venture here. Nature is all around me. From the fresh scent of earth: from large trees to the damp soil with hints of moss, and then light lingering breeze carrying fresh flowers, I’m in heaven.

It’s been so long for me.

Taking in a deep breath, I let it out slowly while the part of me hidden from the world spread. My wings flutter, their iridescent shimmer catching the early rays from the sun as I test their strength.

A bit tight from being unused, but strong. They flap twice and the gust they create ruffles Leonardo’s reddish hair. He scowls and pushes the longer strands back, but there’s no missing the twitch in his lips.

“Brat.”

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