Page 134 of Alpha's Impostor Bride

I’m about to thank him when I recall how it feels when his fingers wind in my hair during sex. Lowering my gaze to my plate, I try to keep my voice even. “I’ll grow it out.”

After all, some things have to be for both of us.

As we eat, I notice how distracted Cedric is. The ball is in two days, and we have taken up residence in the royal suite at the palace. The event itself is only for one night, but attendees typically stay for a week. Things are moving faster than I anticipated, but it’s probably for the best because I want to be near Finn.

I have a lot of things on my mind, but what I’m most concerned about is Vivian being here at the palace. I understand Erik’s logic, though. If we take the direct, cut-throat approach, the North will be thrown into turmoil. Cedric has launched a hardcore investigation into his parents’ murders in the East, and Vivian cannot be dealt with before it is complete.

But what if she tries to harm Finn? What if the elders go after him? Harriet, along with Cedric’s most trusted people, will be guarding Finn at all times, but I can’t help but worry. We have made a lot of progress in the investigation, but as the day of this ball draws closer, a strange anxiety is building up within me. All the players will be in one room. Something is bound to happen.

My gut is screaming at me.

“Leanna.”

I look up when I hear my mate’s voice.

He is watching me steadily. “There’s no point in overthinking this. Just leave it all to me and Erik.”

“I don’t want to be shielded from anything.”

“I know. But when the time comes, your voice will be meaningless in the mix. It is Erik and I who have the influence to force this change. You will face off against Vivian, but when it comes to establishing your title…”

He’s right, I realize. Even if I don’t like it, it is true. I have to depend on Cedric for this.

My mate misunderstands the meaning behind my expression. “Leanna, I know you’re used to doing everything for yourself, but we are mates. You don’t have to fight every battle by yourself anymore.”

“I know.” I frown at my plate, gripping my fork and knife. “I know what you mean. It’s something I have to unlearn.” I lift my head. “But in this situation, I understand that I can’t do anything. I’m not upset about it. I’m just worried about Finn. We have people guarding him, but what if Vivian gets to him somehow? What if she decides to take revenge? You don’t understand how much she hates me. The idea of me having a child with a man she thinks belongs to her—” I lean back in my seat, shuddering. “You’ve never seen her throw a tantrum before. She doesn’t think of the consequences.”

“If you truly think that the danger is too great, we can move Finn elsewhere. However, the safest place is going to be the palace. I can ask Erik to assign more guards, if that will help you feel better.”

I set down my utensils and run my hands over my face. “I’m just being paranoid. Even if she wants to do something, how is she going to take on your strongest men? And we won’t be far from him. I need to stop obsessing about this. But what are you going to do if the elders refuse to recognize me or him?”

My mate is suspiciously quiet, and I give him a long look.

“Cedric?”

“I’m planning to dilute the power of the noble families,” he finally says, his tone heavy. “When it was just me, I could handle their manipulations. I didn’t have the time to deal with them nor were they so significant. But after everything that happened with you, and even now, I think it’s time for changes in the North. They will be the ones to resist the most when you bring in progress. They like the archaic system because it gives them more power and wealth. When you start making changes and adopting human technologies—”

“I see.” They’ll become even more vicious, and Cedric realizes that. “So, what are you planning?”

“I sent all the heirs of the noble families to the border. A majority of them have returned to their homes, citing various excuses. In response, I’m going to seize fertile land from the noble families, which will decrease their wealth. Those seized lands will be given to the soldiers who have been fighting consistently near the Veil. These are the same soldiers whose families will benefit from whatever technology you bring in. They will also be seated at the same table as the nobles.”

I stare at Cedric, fascinated. “That is really well thought out.”

He shrugs, looking pleased. “My initial plan had been to execute the elders. But Harriet mentioned that you might not like too much bloodshed.”

I’m silent for a moment, thinking it over. “If they try to harm Finn, I don’t care how much blood is shed.”

Cedric’s eyes darken, and his smile is ruthless. “Understood.”

I’m not foolish. I’m already anticipating that rumors about me have reached the North. Finn’s identity has been limited to the palace staff only. However, the whole purpose of publicly calling in designers and choosing dresses and accessories was to spread rumors. There is no way that Vivian is aware that I’m alive. However, she might think that Cedric has found a lover on this side of the Veil, and she’s definitely going to come and cause a stir.

Cedric and I part ways after dinner. He has to discuss security with Edgar and Derrick, and I go to check on Maya after making sure that Finn is fast asleep. Maya has been staying in a cottage on the palace grounds. Erik gave her the choice between a cottage with its own garden or living in the palace along with the other staff. She chose the cottage because her mother likes nature.

The cottages are on the edge of the woods. They are carefully designed and well maintained, with several cottages in a row but at a good enough distance that the residents have some amount of privacy.

I knock on the door I know to be Maya’s, and when she opens it, I’m surprised to see how relaxed my friend looks.

She puts a finger to her lips. “Mom just went to sleep. Want a beer?”

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