Page 56 of MidKnight
“Because you don’t want the job. You’re not power-hungry. Because you take it seriously. Because even with all these responsibilities weighing on your neck, you don’t forget your sister.”
I sighed again, “She’s not technically—”
“She’s still your sister. You still love her.”
I pressed my lips together. It was true. I did. But I pushed the tears down, unwilling to get emotional right before I faced a roomful of snapping turtles.
Ohh, snapping turtles. That’s a good one, Dove.Quinn sent me a mental picture of snapping turtles dressed in court gowns, trailing jewels and biting each other’s tails.You should bring your menagerie to the meeting.
I could hear Quinn’s mental laughter in my mind as he pictured the bear encounter from the night before. He’d made me tell him the story four times before allowing me to fall asleep. Clearly, the shine hadn’t worn off that experience yet.
I couldn’t help a grin as I scooped up the scroll for the meeting and turned to Connor. “Quinn’s being ridiculous.”
“As usual. Do you have any questions?” Connor caressed my arm.
I looked up at him, truly taking him in for the first time that morning. He looked amazing in a royal blue ensemble edged with gold. His mop of curls was brushed more to one side this morning. It was too neat. I had the urge to take him to my chamber and muss his hair, so that he walked into that meeting looking well-sexed. Looking claimed. Looking like he belonged to me. I stepped closer and bit my lip seductively.
But I was cut off at the pass.
“I know that look, Bloss Boss. We don’t have time. We need to get through this introductory meeting with your nobles. I’ll do the talking. You just need to sit.”
“I feel like a useless fool.”
Connor kissed me. “You aren’t useless. You’re just …”
Not tactful,Quinn cut to the point.
Shut it, or I’ll set my bear on you when you get back.
It’s true. You’ve got too much tavern wench in you now.
I rolled my eyes. “Connor, what is the point of this meeting? We aren’t announcing any changes.”
Connor took the scroll from me, tucking my arm into the crook of his elbow, “Thatisthe point. We want to reassure them.”
“Why couldn’t that be done in a letter?”
“It’s not how things are done. Now, we have a meeting with them this morning, while Isla’s entourage packs. Tonight, is a dinner with all the duchesses. Isla’s group will finish getting ready and officially leave sometime before that dinner.”
“Thank goodness. We’re basically at a stalemate on the hills, yes?”
Connor smiled and shook his head. He ran a hand through his brown curls and said, “You do remember offering Declan up on a platter to build them a tributary, don’t you?”
“I said slowly, over time.”
“We’ll see. Isla’s man is drawing up some documents for me to review after they depart. He and I will sort the details out from there.”
I sighed. “So, the point is, keep my mouth shut.”
Unless you’re opening it for my cock, then yes, Dove.
Don’t you have spying to do?
Doing it. Breaking into Cheryn’s palace as we think.
WHAT!!My hand flew to my heart. My eyes grew wide. I turned to Connor. “Did you know Quinn’s at the—”
Connor’s hand clapped over my mouth. “Yes. And that’s not something we speak about.”
