Page 46 of The Heir
Pulling at my lip, I thought about her words. “I guess you have a point.”
“Look, for as long as I can remember, I’ve known that you were going to rule the country one day and that my role was to help you in any way that I can. You and I were born into roles as public servants and just like Dad relies on Mom for advice and support, I’ll be here for you.”
With Freya sitting next to me, I reached my arm around her and pulled her closer. She leaned her head on my shoulder and for a moment we sat without speaking.
“You’re the best sister anyone could have, you know that, right?” I kissed the top of her hair.
“Yeah, I know,” she mumbled.
“I missed you when I was gone.”
“I missed you too. Don’t leave like that again.”
“I won’t.” After a pause, I added, “I wish I could tell you the same, but I know it will sound selfish. That thing about you staying here to work with the French is bullshit. Victor is in charge and he doesn’t appreciate you. He’s gonna steal the glory of that work of yours and Shelly’s.”
Freya sighed. “I told you. Victor has issues.”
“They’ll probably rename their country after him at some point. People here are so blinded by him. Then we wouldn’t go to France but fucking Victorland.”
I loved that I made Freya laugh, and soaked up the moment with the new morning announcing its arrival in the distance. “Look, the sun is starting to come up.”
Freya and I got off the bench and walked to the railing to admire the first glow of the sunrise.
“We should get some sleep,” she said. “Tomorrow will be another long day.”
“It’s already tomorrow and in five hours we’re supposed to discuss trade agreements.”
Freya backed away from the railing and headed toward the door that led down to the apartments. I followed next to her.
“You know that the French did it on purpose, right? They placed the most critical thing on the agenda the morning after they took us dancing and drinking. They’re counting on us to be slow-thinking and tired tomorrow.”
“That’s a stupid plan, as they were partying with us.”
“Victor enjoyed a few drinks but passed on the after party. He’s sly.”
I grinned. “Maybe, but he’s forgetting that we’re bloody Northlanders. We can hold our booze and still be sharp the next day. Besides, you don’t seem drunk at all.”
“I’m not.” With a quick shoutout to the last people on the rooftop, telling them goodnight, Freya led the way down the stairs. “I’m excited about giving Victor a hard time tomorrow. It’s what I do best.”
CHAPTER 12
Yawn Fest
Linea
The meeting on Sunday was boring with all their talk about trade deals.
Indiana and I sat next to each other and didn’t say much. Mason yawned several times and made doodles on a pad in front of him.
“Hey, Linea.” Indiana leaned in when there was a short bathroom break.
“Yes?”
“Wanna skip this place and come see where Aubri and I used to work?”
My whole face lit up. “I would love that.”
Indiana reached across me and tugged at Freya’s sleeve. “You’ve got this, right? Linea and I are bored. I’m taking her to see the Exploration Headquarters.”
