My posture stiffened. “My apologies Queen Grace. I am unsure what I have done to upset you.”
She pointed at the infirmary doors. “Thatshould never have happened,” she accused.
My eyes jerked to the doors and back to her. I rubbed the back of my neck. “I agree. She should not have gone to the marketplace alone.” Grace’s gaze pierced through me, making me feel both exposed and vulnerable.
“Didn’t you tell Clor to keep away from her?”
My jaw clenched, and my lips formed a straight line.
“Yes, I did have a conversation with him,” I answered, crossing my arms in front of me. She also believed I was at fault for Olivia’s injuries, which intensified my guilt.
I already knew I had shared some of the blame. But I never expected Olivia to go to the marketplace unescorted.
The Queen readjusted her stance and tapped her foot, eyeing me. “Can I ask you a question?”
I gave a single nod and frowned, curious about where this was headed.
“Do you like Olivia?”
My brows lowered, and I dropped my arms to my sides.What kind of question is that?“Yes. Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Olivia has feelings for you,” she said.
My head jerked back.Oh?Queen Grace had a skill for addressing my fears that made me think she could read my mind, but I knew humans couldn’t do that.
She continued. “Why do you avoid her?”
Her unexpected question startled me, and I blinked in surprise. I thought about our few interactions, but I already knew why I was avoiding Olivia.
At first, I thought it was simply a fear of rejection, but it ran much deeper than that. My biggest challenges were my self-doubt and insecurities about not being good enough or a suitable mate. Grimacing, I stared at the Queen, unable to find the correct words to say.
Grace grumbled under her breath. “Men.” She folded her arms. “Would you like a bit of advice on human women?”
Her decision to discuss such matters with me left me puzzled, so I shrugged.
This conversation seemed highly inappropriate, especially given that she held the title of Alara’s Queen. On the other hand, if she could assist me in communicating with Olivia and developing trust, I was open to listening.
Queen Grace dipped her head releasing a sigh, then looked up. Her eyes searched mine, waiting for a response.
“Okay,” I croaked, then cleared my throat. “Yes.”
“Still the strong, silent type, huh?” She smirked.
I tilted my head, trying to interpret thetruemeaning behind her comment.
The Queen shook her head, a smile appearing on her face. “Look, we females are an emotional bunch. But in Liv’s case, being pregnant has enhanced her hormones. She tends to bemore tender at times. I’m sure she would like it if you spent time with her. Your lack of communication is hurting her, to be honest.”
My chest seized tight with pain. “That was never my intention.” The thought that I could be hurting her hadn’t occurred to me. My stomach twisted in knots just thinking about it.
Queen Grace rested her hand on her hip. “I want a straightforward answer.”
“Always.” My voice was firm.
“Is there someone else, and that’s why you don’t speak to Olivia?”
I flinched.What is she talking about?Olivia was the only female I wanted. And had ever wanted.
It felt like I was on trial at a Protectorate tribunal, defending myself against accusations I didn’t deserve. I’d always admired Grace, even before she became Queen, but this aspect of her was less pleasant.
