Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 19

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I opened my eyes to a room full of familiar faces. Their smiles were soft and rehearsed enough to almost pass for relief. But I knew better. None of them were glad to see me breathing.

And as I scanned their faces, I couldn’t help but wonder, were they already planning their next attempt… or just trying to figure out how to make sure it worked this time?

Maybe even both.

I shuddered inwardly.

“Atasha… how could you scare your mother like that?” Genevieve murmured, clutching my hand like it meant something. I let out a weak, gentle cough.

Hearing this, Mendez stepped forward. “As you can see, the Lady is fine, but she’s not—”

“Do not interrupt when I’m speaking to my daughter!” Genevieve snapped.

To anyone else, she probably looked like a mother fraying at the edges with worry. But now I could see the truth. Just like Celeste, Genevieve wasn’t worried. She was performing. And she was very, very good at it. Currently, she was trying to let everyone see how caring she really

was.

“I almost died with worry. These people refused to let us in. Even your sister had to kneel outside of the tent under the rain just for Lord Cassian to allow us to come,” Genevieve said, tears pooling in her eyes like a mother on the edge of heartbreak.

Right. Of course. She was worried, worried her plan didn’t work. Now I could see it as clear as day. The disappointment in her eyes wasn’t for what almost happened to me… it was for what didn’t. They must’ve chosen the perfect assassin. And still, it failed.

It was almost laughable how obvious their regret was now. Almost.

Genevieve shifted her weight and turned to Mendez. “You may leave now. We’d like a moment alone with Atasha.”

“Apologies,” Mendez didn’t budge. “I’m under the Prince’s direct command,” he said evenly. “The consort is still recovering. I will remain by her side.”

Genevieve’s jaw clenched. “Atasha, dear, tell this man it’s fine. You need rest, not strangers hovering.”

11:06 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 19

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I knew this was coming. Of course she’d try to clear the room. I forced a tired smile and nodded once toward Mendez. “It’s alright. I just need a private moment with my mother and sister.”

He frowned. “With all due respect, my Lady… that goes against Lord Cassian’s instructions.”

I held his gaze, letting my voice tremble just enough. “Please. I won’t be long. I just… I want to speak with them before anything else happens.”

Before they were ever allowed inside this tent, Cassian had already warned Mendez what would happen. They’ll want to be alone with you, he’d said. Let them believe they’re in control. “Let them believe you’re weak. Mendez will act offended, just enough to make it believable,then leave. The rest is up to you. But I want you to make them think they’ve won a small battle. Let them.”

It was all part of the performance. And I was the centerpiece.

I let out another cough, but this time it wasn’t for show. It clawed up from my throat and dragged a fresh ache across my chest. My whole body felt like it was sinking into the bed, pulled down by something heavier than pain.

Exhaustion.

It wrapped around me like a wet cloak, suffocating and inescapable. I’d only healed seven people.

Seven.

And I was already this weak.

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