From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

I pulled my hand back and moved toward the small kitchen. “Want something to drink?”

Caelan stood, his gaze shifting to the window. His expression turned serious as he surveyed the darkened street beyond the glass.

‘As a security expert, I think I need to check the protective measures in this place.”

I bit back a smile while reaching for two glasses from the cabinet. “Oh? When did you add that to your resume?”

He moved to the window with purposeful strides. His fingers tested the lock mechanism with the focused attention of someone conducting a military inspection.

“Just as I suspected.” He shook his head gravely. “This lock rates maybe a C-level security classification.”

I filled the glasses with water, eyebrow arching. ‘Let me guess your place has better locks?”

–

A+ grade minimum. Military standard.” He turned the latch again, frowning. “These wouldn’t stop a determined teenager, let alone a professional.

The water nearly went down the wrong way as I tried not to laugh. “Professional what exactly?”

Caelan pivoted, his expression switching to lecture mode. “According to criminal psychology, attackers typically strike again within twenty-four hours. It’s a pattern.

I nearly choked on my sip. “Criminal psychology? When did you earn that PhD?”

He scratched his nose sheepishly. “I read about it… online.”

“So now His Majesty is an internet expert?”

“Absolutely.” He straightened with renewed confidence. “I also specialize in nighttime patrol techniques. I could provide professional security services for one evening. Special rate.”

I set down my glass and crossed my arms. “What’s the fee structure?”

His eyes lit up. “One cup of hot tea plus sofa privileges.”

I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “Royal protection services must be expensive. This little apartment can’t afford premium rates.”

–

‘New customer discount.” He held up a finger. “Tonight only ninety-nine cents.”

Laughter bubbled up before I could stop it. “Ninety-nine cents? That cheap? Is there something wrong with the service quality?”

The sound of my laughter seemed to break through his act. His own smile emerged, genuine and slightly embarrassed.

‘Okay, you caught me.” His voice grew softer. “I just… I’m not comfortable leaving you alone.”

The sincerity in his tone made something flutter in my chest. “Today scared me. If I’m not here and something happens again…”

My resolve wavered for a moment. The concern in his blue eyes was real. But I forced myself to stay firm.

“We have the mink link now. If anything happens, you’ll know immediately.”

He put on an exaggerated pitiful expression. “But I’ll lie awake all night worrying. Then tomorrow I’ll be exhausted during important state meetings. I might fall asleep and cause an international incident.”

I laughed despite myself, placing my hands on his shoulders to guide him toward the door. “Come on, enough with the puppy dog eyes. Time to go home.”

His feet dragged dramatically as I pushed him forward.

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The fate of diplomatic relations rests on me getting proper sleep.”

Im sure the kingdom will survive one night.” I opened the front door. “Out.”

As he stepped into the hallway, his expression grew more serious. “Wait – give me your mother’s necklace. I’ll take it to the restoration specialist first thing tomorrow morning.”

My chest tightened. I went to the bedroom and retrieved the silk pouch containing the broken pieces.

I placed the small bundle in his palm.

Caelan’s fingers closed around the pouch. “I’ll guard this with my life.”

The solemnity in his voice caught me off guard. I searched his face, seeing nothing but absolute sincerity.

‘I believe you.”

He leaned down and brushed a soft kiss against my forehead. The contact sent warmth spreading through my entire body.

‘Goodnight, Sabi. Lock the door behind me.”

‘I will.”

I watched him walk down the hallway until he disappeared around the corner.

Sunlight streaming through the bedroom window pulled me from deep sleep. I blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling, momentarily disoriented.

My phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand. Scarlett’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hello?” My voice came out rough with sleep.

“Thank God I finally reached you! I tried calling you last night but your phone was dead!” Panic colored her words. Are you okay?”

I sat up, pushing tangled hair out of my face. “I’m fine. Just got home late and forgot to charge it.”

‘I knew I should have insisted on calling you a cab. Did you run into any trouble walking home?”

My stomach clenched as last night’s attack flashed through my mind.

‘Nothing major. Just some… stray cats. Startled me a bit.”

Technically not a lie. The attacker was definitely a predator.

Scarlett’s voice brightened with obvious mischief. “Well, speaking of surprises – I’ve got major gossip to share! About a certain king we both know.”

“What kind of gossip?”

The juicy kind that requires face-to-face delivery. I need to see your expressions!” She paused for dramatic effect. “Coffee at Luna’s Café in an hour. Don’t even think about saying no.”

Before I could respond, the line went dead.

I stared at my phone, a mix of curiosity and dread churning in my stomach.

I slid into the leather booth across from Scarlett, who was practically vibrating with excitement. Luna’s Café buzzed with the usual morning crowd, but she

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Chapter ५

looked like she had news that could power the entire city.

“Good, now I can finally spill!” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “Last night, Caelan called me!”

My stomach dropped. I focused on stirring sugar into my coffee. “Did he?”

“You should have heard his voice!” Scarlett dropped her tone to mimic his deep baritone, complete with barely controlled panic. “Scarlett, where is Sable? Is she safe right now?”

I couldn’t help looking up. “He really said that?”

“That’s not even the best part!” Her hands gestured wildly, nearly knocking over her cappuccino. “He sounded like… like a husband worried sick about his wife! The tension, the anxiety I could feel it through the phone!”

–

Heat crawled up my neck. “You’re exaggerating…”

I swear on my grandmother’s grave I’m not!” She held up her right hand like she was taking an oath. “And when I mentioned you were walking home alone, he gasped actually gasped then hung up on me!”

From Substitute To Queen