Chapter 0387

Cora and Roger take a moment to look over all of us with fond eyes. "Damn, you all look so cute," Cora sighs, putting her hands on her hips. "Roger really did this nation's women a favor when he designed these uniforms."

"All for you, my love," Roger murmurs, leaning close and giving her a peck on the cheek. I grin, looking Roger over too and noticing that his own military uniform is cut in much the same style as the Cadet's - though of course, much fancier. Chic, slimming, black, and with lots of medals to display his many triumphs.

"Mommm," Jesse groans, pretending to be upset. "Stop checking out my friends."

Cora grins, wrinkling her nose at him - she always does get a kick out of her son - and nods to me and Daphne as well. "You two also look dashing, though I'd expect no less. Daphne, your designs - they're so beautiful. Do you think you could whip something up for me?"

"Hey!" Roger frowns, turning towards his mate. "I'm the designer in the family-

Cora Ignores him completely as Daphne's face brightens. "Really?" Daphne asks, her hands clasping eagerly below her chin. "What are you thinking?"

"Something that will make Ella really jealous that she didn't get to you first," Cora says, reaching an arm out for Daphne and pulling her away a little so that they can converse. Roger nods to us and then goes with them.

The rest of our eyes tum to Luca. "You okay, bro?" Jesse asks, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

"I'm fine," he murmurs. "Don't...fuss. Or I'll puke on your shoes."

"Don't you dare," Jesse growls, even while he grins. "These were expensive."

"I have like, twenty pairs just like them now," Jackson murmurs, crossing his arms and leaning his weight into his back foot as he studies Jesse's shoes. "You can have some of mine if yours get ruined."

Jesse laughs, opening his mouth-surely to tease Jackson about his newfound shoe collection, or the size of his feet, or whatever - but a loud clap comes from the front of the room.

Instantly we all turn to see my dad standing there with his hands pressed together, likewise dressed in his military regalia and crown. My mom stands stoic at his side, and next to her are Juniper and Mark also wearing their crowns. I'm a little surprised by this, actually - they usually don't come to important functions. But, well, I guess mom and dad have decided that they're big enough now.

"If we're all gathered," dad says seriously, looking around at us, "then let's get started." When no one protests, he nods once and opens the door to the council chamber, gesturing for us all to enter before him.

I take a deep breath and glance at both Jackson and Luca before stepping to Rafe's side. Luca, to my surprise, meets my eyes and gives me a serious nod. I smile at him, nodding back and passing a warm pulse down our bond, letting him know that we're okay.

But then I tum my attention to the task at hand, filing into the room.

I'm looking around a little anxiously, wondering where I should sit or stand - with my family. amongst the royals? Or with my fellow Academy Cadets? But my thoughts are interrupted with the sound of a slamming door.

I jump, spinning, to see the door to the room shut behind me but..wait, where is my dad?

I look around, but he's not here - and...

Well, he's not the only one, is he?

My mouth drops a little when I realize that we're all in the room together-

Except for Luca. Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org

Who is currently trapped in the antechamber alone with my dad.

The antechamber rings with quiet as Luca stares wide-eyed at his King. "S-sir?" He sputters out, not knowing what else to say.

"I wanted to take a minute with you, Luca," the King says, his voice so low and dangerous that Luca almost has to strain to hear it. But he doesn't dare lean forward to try to catch the words - not with the rage that's obviously pulsing through the King right now. "To have a little chat about your behavior."

Luca gulps anxiously, his stomach turning over, acid climbing up his throat. God, shit, he was going to puke before - but now staring down the most dangerous man in the kingdom? A man who tore the last monarch's throat out with his own teeth?

God, he really is in danger of puking all over someone's shoes.noveldrama

"The correct response," Sinclair snaps, "is yes, sir. Can you say that, Luca?"

"Yes, sir," Luca instantly responds, nodding and working to stand up straighter, shame pulsing through him with every heartbeat. Shit, this is bad. Really bad.

"Good. Now. On to the matter at hand. Do you think that it's appropriate, Luca? For you to go running through my palace early in the morning? Shouting at the top of your lungs? Not only shouting, but screaming for my daughter, demanding that she appear? Demanding that she corne skittering to your side at your beck and call, like some kind of whelp under your command?"