"You, nothing. Stay here."
She frowned. "You expect me to do that while people are dying?"
"I expect you to stay alive."
"You're not my..."
"Don't say it," he interrupted. "Because if I were, I wouldn't be letting you out of my sight right now."
The silence was thick. But Liora didn't argue. She understood something in his voice was protective, not controlling. Perhaps even fearful.
Lucien turned to Samuel. "Double the guard on every border-facing post. I want messages sent to Alden discreetly. Let him know we need to discuss Petra immediately."
Samuel nodded and exited the room swiftly.
Lucien remained where he stood, hand resting against the edge of the map table.
Liora moved beside him quietly. "This isn't just about the border, is it?"
"No," he admitted. "It's about whoever's inside the palace feeding them these details."
Liora swallowed. "You think there's a spy?"
Lucien's expression hardened. "I think there's more than one."
