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Henriksen was out of the picture

He took out the bottle and a single glass The arms deal had been thwarted He poured a double shot, not bothering with ice

The guns were confiscated

He picked up the glass and held it to his lips, unable to take a single sip

Ruby was dead because of him, because he’d blackmailed her to save Elskov and it had worked Beautifully

All the color faded froray of Ruby’s eyes, leaving only pristine and orderly lines of black and white that never crossed and never mixed and never made him whole

Today was a success

He flung the glass across the roolass flying everywhere Lifting the bottle to his lips, he took a swig and relished the burn as he watched the splattered liquid drip down the wall as useless for getting drunk as he was for keeping Ruby safe

Chapter Fifteen

Three days later, Lucas poured hilass of akvavit and waited for the Elskov State Seal on the video screen in his office to fade away and reveal the queen It was his last official duty as head of the Silver Knights After she accepted his resignation, he’d be free to pass the security codes on to Clausen and walk away frohts, from Elskov

The screen went black for half a second before the king appeared with the queen by his side

“Your Majesties,” Lucas said, bowing his head in deference for the absoluteanother drink

The alcohol’s burn did nothing to ether—the queen with her pregnancy glow and the king standing beside her, always at her side and so obviously in love that Lucas barely recognized the hard, uncoht years He’d never resented their happiness before, but noas gravel in an open wound

“Your resignation is not accepted,” the queen said, annoyance and worry evident in her tone

As if anything could stop hi anyway”