While everyone took their seats, Mr. Johnson still stood there with his petite height, unsure of what to do. He threw me another helpless look, but again, I tore my eyes away.

“Uh, actually, Mr. Valencian, Ms. Hutton requested me to—”

“I don’t like to repeat myself, Mr. Johnson. You know who sits here in every meeting. So go sit in your own place. Everyone is waiting for the meeting to start.”

At his sharp tone, Mr. Johnson scurried away and rounded the table, standing beside me. His expression was pained, sneaking a glance at the displeased king.

“Ms. Hutton, as you heard what Mr. Valencian said, uh, could you please go back to your chair?” His request was humble, aged brown eyes were pleading.

Everyone’s gaze was set on me, waiting for my adamant ass to move.

Can’t I even sit somewhere of my own choice?

Caleb threw a helpless shrug, and my brother turned away from me. Traitor! I let out a huff. Scowling at the king, whose hawk eyes were set on me, waiting for me to go near him, I stomped over to the chair beside him and plopped down.

When I was finally in my usual place, his form relaxed. His tensed jaw eased. The moment his heady cologne hit my nostrils, the warm fuzzy feeling returned inside me. My resistance again threatened to fall weak.

But I couldn’t just let myself sway so easily.

He nodded to everyone. “The meeting may proceed now.”

His beautiful, devilish features didn’t hold any remorse that he again dictated me with his orders. Instead, he seemed at total ease now, inching his chair closer to mine.

Pressing my lips together, I typed on my phone.

What’s wrong with me sitting in some other chair? It’s not compulsory to sit beside you always, is it?

His phone buzzed on the table, snatching his attention. With long, lean fingers, he picked the phone up and checked the message. Without giving me a glance, he started typing.

My phone vibrated.

A queen’s place is always beside her king. Not anywhere else.

My heart skipped at the text. Butterflies erupted in my tummy as heat crept up my cheeks. But not wanting to show him the effect of his message on me, I managed a stern face as I narrowed my eyes at him.

This time, he looked at me. His gaze roamed slowly over my face before meeting my eye.

Not being able to hold his stare, I turned to the conversation of the meeting. Though my mind ran the opposite way. To him.

His queen?

I bit my lip as I felt the sensation of his gaze roaming over me, pouring water on my concentration on the meeting. That’s why I didn’t want to sit beside him. His eyes would never leave me during the whole conferences. And the curious stares I got from around the table were embarrassing.