“I’ve known you since I was a pup, about time things change around here.”
Sinclair raised his gray brows. “You really want my opinion about her?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be honest. She has never treated her lower ranks and servants with much kindness. She was cruel to my den sister who once worked at her castle.”
“Sorry.” He met his eyes. “You don’t think I should mate her?”
“Sir, the king has commanded it.”
“Just between us, what is your answer?”
He lowered his gaze. “No.” He shook his head. “Kiara is not your soul mate.”
“Thank you.” If only Conan agreed or rather cared. Only Gaby, a human and wolf charmer held his heart. Was his family name and title worth a life of misery?
They ate in silence.
A servant ran in and handed him a mobile. “Prince Steele, King Conan wishes to speak.”
He frowned. Was now the time to tell him he would forsake all to be with Gaby? Would his life and hers be wrought with danger and assassination attempts? Or should he, as Slade recommended, leave and hide for the rest of his life? “Hello.”
“Myra and I are flying home.”
He had told him he would stay for at least two weeks. His hackles rose. Something was wrong. “Why so soon?”
“Margo was almost killed by venomous sna
kes. Two of her guards on Wildwood Island died protecting her and the third managed to get her off the island.”
“What kind of snakes?”
“Rare exotics. The type Dr. Becker says we are not immune to.”
Steele stiffened. This sounded like the work of Project Sabertooth. How did they know of Wildwood Island? And why strike the queen and princess? “Does Rylee know?”
“Yes. She sent a team to kill the snakes.”
“Where is Margo?”
“At LIA headquarters. She is all right, but traumatized.”
“Why would anyone want to kill Margo?”
“And Myra. No one, except you and our pilot knew we were in Norway. The snakes were left in Myra and Margo’s dens.”
“I’ll leave immediately and talk to Rylee.”
“Good.”
“Why don’t you stay in Norway as planned? I’ll head the investigation.”
“Very well. I’ve talked to Margo and I know she is in safe hands.”
“Agreed.”
“Kiara as overseer should be at the LIA by now.”