Page 49 of Omission

Leonardo

As you grow up, I want you to remember the lessons I’ve taught you. Never forget that volatile emotions are uncontrollable and will kill you from within. That you must always be fair and just, and lead our people without prejudice over what’s happened here today—don’t place the blame on an innocent’s head because of mere association. Not everything is as it seems.

Words I’ve been repeating in my head for the last hour as I make my way to my mate. We’ve been without the other for days—hundreds of miles apart—yet her end of the binds sings for me. It’s inside my chest and alive, always present and when I close my eyes at night, it’s a small light that pulses with one of my heartbeats.

Not diminished, but stronger. So precious to me, and I understand my father’s words now more than ever. Being without her is torture, and I couldn’t wait any longer.

So I had a little help from my sister who created a private dinner for us out on one of the upper level balconies. It’ll be away from everyone, just the two of us, and what I need after spending the last few days tracking Chiara and Lena through Paris.

Because they’d been Silla’s accomplice, but the building Uncle Roberto mentioned was empty and deserted. The ones nearby are occupied by people who work, own a business nearby, or commute to Paris on the regular. If she’s hiding in plain sight, it’s not in Neuilly.

Close? Yes.

I’ve scented her close, a trail that’s maybe a week or two old, but in the end, I’m back to square one.

“Are you ready, love?”

“I am.” Leading her out the door, I find the castle empty outside of guards and they remain in the lower levels. They make the rounds and give me a nod in passing, while I ascend past the second left and then another set of stairs. This one leads to an area of the castle where no one is allowed without the king’s approval.

There’s an old Victorian key that opens the gated door and I hand it to Anaya who grins at me. That tug inside my chest is a happy one. She’s almost jumping from the excitement, opening the creaking door and stepping through as I turn on the sconces that lead the way.

There’s only one room here; Gabriella claims it as her mediation room, but what we walk into is more than just a cozy dinner set for two. This is perfection; I’d brought things from home to help set it up and explained what I wanted, but that’s as far as the woman let me help.

My sister did this for us and I can’t thank her enough for it. The look in Anaya’s eyes, the way her perfect lips part into an O shape as she takes everything in, is one I will tuck away and hold onto for the rest of my days.

She’s glowing. Her beautiful blue aura expands as tears form in her eyes.

Those violet eyes sweep across the room once—three times—memorizing the most minute detail. as she takes in the room fully down to the most minute detail. From the Parisian rug to the cozy table set for two with golden goblets and a meal beneath round domes that I cooked in their kitchen.

Nothing too fancy, but I know she enjoys the food of my country. The pasta dish I made for her Isotta taught me to make, pancetta is the star accompanied by a cream reduction and a few peas to add a touch of sweetness. There’s bread and wine, and for dessert, I baked a two-layer chocolate cake because that’s what I smell like to her.

“I love it, Leonardo. Thank you.” A breeze sweeps in then and shifts the linens on the table, causing Anaya to roll her eyes and right them while I pour us each a glass of wine. This one is a bit more on the sweet side than I would normally drink, but the way she licks her lips after the first few sips makes it an automatic favorite of mine. More so when she leans over and places her lips on mine in a chaste kiss. “This is perfection.”

“I’d do anything for you, Anaya Larue.” My heart races inside my chest as I take her hand in mine, and she picks up on my nerves. On the way my end of the bond vibrates.

“You okay?”

“I am.”

“Then why are you so nervous? This is my first date and everything I’d ever wished it to be.”

“Because of this.” Placing my glass down, I use my grip on her hand to tug her against my chest. She stumbles a bit from the sudden move but laughs while placing her other hand on my chest, right over my heart. Automatically, my lips seek out hers and this kiss is everything I’ve missed about us.

It’s soft and sweet, but then she moans and I take it without pause. My mouth plunders hers, reacquainting myself with her taste—the feel of her cures against my much harder planes. I seek her little whines between nibbles. I touch and caress every single inch of her within reach as the priceless possession she is.

Mine. Always.

I slow our kisses down to a few sweeps across her lips. Calm my breathing down, and then speak against her lips, “I accept you as you are, Anaya. The good, the bad, and every moment that you gift me in between. I’m going to take care of you, precious one. Always.”

“I love you, too, Leonardo. Always.”

We stay like that for a few minutes, just hugging and enjoying the moment, but then she grimaces. It’s followed by a cough and she steps out of my embrace while her eyes turn red and she points to her throat.

Anaya’s breathing gets labored and I lay her down on the ground, my lips moving to give her CPR while sending my sister a text, but then I see it. Nestled in the side of her head is a dart made out of iron and dripping in wolfsbane, with the name Prince Ruben engraved at the end of it.

“That’s it, baby. Slow breaths.” My finger is on her pulse and it’s low. “Follow my lead…that’s it.” My phone chimes then, I’m sure it's Gabriella, but I don’t look away from Anaya to check. This can’t be happening. I cannot lose her. “Good girl, we’re going to get you help.”

“I’m okay.” A wheeze. Chocking. “Healing myself, but going to be slow.”

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