After overhearing Deneve’s chat with Saya, Lord Red followed her to the King’s chambers. He realized he was stalking her, but his curiosity to see what she would do next was getting the better of him.

Placing himself just above one of the many windows, he could listen in on the conversation between Deneve and the King. Lord Red almost snickered out loud that the fool of a king thought Deneve’s visit was for a fling.

He almost shoved his hand down his throat to keep from laughing at her snarky reply. Deneve had changed, but at the same time, she was still the caring, sweet person he remembered.  It was then he realized he had changed too. He wanted to be with her.  To stand by her side no matter what she faced in the strange world.

His heart almost stopped when she said she cared deeply for him. Ugh, he was like some lovesick youth. 

 Lord Red was so busy berating himself. He almost missed another moment of hilarity when Deneve choked Sahazad with his sheets. She was savage, and he loved it. The old Deneve would have never done anything like this. Or perhaps she forgot about this side of herself.

How she still exacted a promise to keep the child-king and his country safe after threatening Valencia’s King was beyond him, but somehow she did it. 

Lord Red knew Deneve’s following location as he had taken it upon himself to check up on the Prince to see what he knew about Deneve’s disappearance.  He didn’t trust the royal family.

The ice in Deneve’s voice, when she responded to Barhan’s question about the key, made Lord Red shiver. Deneve took no excuses from him and made sure she got a few digs in along the way. 

Barhan was strangely subdued by her outspokenness which Lord Red thought was odd, and then it hit him. Barhan loved Deneve. He was remorseful of his actions but did what he felt he had to anyway.

Lord Red had to admit he was disappointed that Deneve would agree to a political marriage, but when the terms were given. He felt he might have the chance to tell her how he felt. 

The joy in Deneve’s voice when Barhan informed her of Lord Red’s presence at the Villa made his heart speed. What was this woman doing to him? Did she care for him the way he cared for her? He needed to step away should his emotions get the better of him.

Later that night, when he went back to the Villa, he found Deneve asleep in her bed. He thought she had the right idea and headed to his room but was stopped by a familiar panicky cry. Shit, hadn’t she been through enough? 

And how many times had she suffered alone since they separated? The thought saddened him. He hurried to her bedside and pulled a struggling Deneve into his arms as he repeated the mantra he learned seemed to work for her. “You’re safe. I’m here.”

After one final scream, she seemed to wake up. She was startled at first. “I’m glad you made it back alright I was so worried. Barhan told me you were here, but when I returned, the Villa was empty. That said, I’m sorry I probably woke you.” 

“No worries, I just got back and was headed to my room.” He explained, releasing his hold on her slightly. She had lost weight. Most likely from her illness. Lord Red made a mental note to make sure she was well fed in the morning. 

She smiled wistfully, “I appreciate it, but I’m probably just a huge pain. I still don’t know why it happens.” 

“Deneve, you are not a pain. It’s not your fault,” He tilted her chin, so she was looking at him. “As long as I am around, I will try to help you with this.”

She looked at him speechless in her surprise. 

“This is about the time you are supposed to say, yes, Lord Red, whatever you say,” He teased lightly.

Deneve chuckled, “Keep dreaming. But thanks.”