Alexis was caught cold with that remark. It made sense. Maybe putting Katie’s happiness first was more important than her fear of getting involved with a human again. She needed to think about it more. “It’s all academic anyway. I am Katie’s least favourite person, and after what I tried to do, even less so,” Alexis said.

She thought about being in Katie’s room the other night, angry at her for putting herself at risk, and they’d shared something so deep it shocked Alexis. Katie asked to kiss her. Did she truly share her feelings?

Byron said, “She doesn’t know what happened. The Principessa and I decided to leave that to you. You can explain it to her, and I’m sure she will be more than understanding.”

Alexis almost wished someone else had told Katie. How she was going to do that, she didn’t know.

“So, Duca, on to the second reason why I wanted to see you. Amelia and I have decided to take Magda’s advice and go to the New Forest. Try to find some answers about Amelia’s past.”

Alexis was relieved. At least she’d get away from here, away from facing Katie and her own guilt.

“When would you like to leave, Principe?” Alexis said.

Byron returned to her chair and said, “Soon. When Katie is strong enough to travel.”

“Katie? Why—”

“Katie is going to take time to recover and get her strength back, and Amelia thought it would be nice for her to have a break with us in the country.”

Alexis gulped hard. “Is that wise? It could be dangerous.”

Byron looked up and smiled. “We’re not expecting a battle, Duca. This is a fact-finding expedition.”

What could Alexis say without letting Byron know what a coward she was? It was pathetic. She had been in huge bloodthirsty battles, the odds against her, nearly dying more than once, and she was more frightened of one human lying upstairs.

“Yes, Principe. We’ll be ready to leave whenever you are.”

“Thank you. That’s all for now.”

Alexis bowed her head and left her office. She was about to head downstairs to her own office in the basement when she heard Amelia shouting her name. She looked up and saw Amelia running down the stairs.

“Principessa, how may I serve?”

Amelia smiled, “Good morning, Duca. I’ve just been in to see Katie.”

“How is she?”

“Oh, bearing up. She tells me you haven’t been in to see her yet.”

What could Alexis say? Yes, I’ve been hiding from her like a scared child?

“Yes, I’ve been busy.”

“I think she’d really appreciate if you did, Duca. Give her some closure on the whole event. Bhal’s been to see her.”

That was because Bhal was a hero, not a coward like her.

“Would you go and see her? For me, Alexis?”

Dear God. She couldn’t get out of a direct request from the Principessa.

“Of course, Principessa.”

Chapter Eight

Katie hugged the bedcovers up under her chin. She just couldn’t seem to get warm, despite the three hot water bottles, the central heating in the room, and an electric heater Amelia got for her.