“I guess there’s only one concern left to discuss,” Liam says. “Do you intend to have physical contact with the queen this month?”

“No. Though I’m certain the queen and I will get to know each other, it will be on a platonic level.”

Liam seems relieved, and I wish I could warn him about the bomb Landon’s about to drop on him.

“If no one has any objections,” Liam begins, “then I don’t see an issue with Landon bowing out of the auction.”

With the exception of two that appear unpleased by Landon’s news, most of the members nod in agreement while a couple wear masks too impenetrable to read, including Sebastian.

Landon clears his throat. “Elise and I plan to visit her home. She would like for me to meet her parents.” Pausing a beat, he takes my lady’s hand in his. “We’ll return in time for the annual Astor Charity Ball.”

“I’m assuming the queen will stay here at the estate?” Liam asks.

“Yes. And that brings me to her gift.” Landon withdraws a key from his pocket and turns to me. “This opens a room I had renovated just for you. You should have plenty to do while we’re gone.” He hands me the gold key, and as my fingers grasp the ornate bow, I’m fascinated by the design—a delicate “A” sitting in the middle of the Gemini symbol.

“It’s beautiful. What does it open?”

“I’ll show you tomorrow. It’s a surprise.”

“When do you leave the island?” Liam speaks up.

“We leave in two days.” Landon takes a sip of his wine, his focus on the chancellor. “I have one final announcement. I’ve chosen someone as a proxy for the House of Gemini. He has my full, unrestricted permission to spend time with the queen, regardless of my presence in the tower.”

Liam’s mouth takes on a displeased line. “Who?”

Now it’s Sebastian’s turn to speak. “That would be me.”

“This is absurd,” the chancellor says through clenched teeth.

“This is what I want.” Landon arches a challenging brow. “No one besides Sebastian has my permission to touch the queen. On this, you will not sway me.”

Liam stands, his hands balled at his sides as he passes a glowering gaze between Landon and his rival. Sebastian is the epitome of passion, but Liam Castle doesn’t have that thick, coppery hair for nothing.

“You can’t just hand her off to someone else for the whole month. That isn’t fair to any of us.”

“I’m not handing her off. She’ll remain in the House of Gemini, but Sebastian will have free access to her at his discretion.”

“Essentially giving him double the time with the queen.” Outrage drips from Liam’s words.