Chapter 42.5

(This is a teaser for what will come in July)


"Jeannine, you can't be serious. Please tell me this is some sort of sick joke."

I stare at her through the screen of my phone, as she walks through the busy streets of the city. Her eyes dart around as she navigates through an unfamiliar area.

"What would you do if someone you care about fainted twice in the span of three days? Mom is too stubborn to see a doctor without me. I need to go, Nick."

"Is there no other way you can solve this problem without leaving us?"

"I will only be out of town for two days. Surely you can survive without me for two days?" She excuses herself after accidentally bumping into someone. She then continues walking. "Mayor Rin has everything under control. The city will be fine."

"You know that isn't what I'm complaining about!"

She sighs, giving me a sympathetic look. "She is not who you think she is."

"I vehemently disagree."

"She is only there in the case of an emergency. You and Rin are still in charge."

"That's not the point!" I yell at her, not meaning to be harsh. "Sorry. This is just stressing me out a lot..."

"Listen, I would never intentionally put the city at risk, or you for that matter. I trust Sara wholeheartedly. She has changed." Jeannine brings the camera closer to her face and gives me a serious look. "You trust me, don't you?"

I grimace, the anguish visible in my expression. There is only one answer to this question and we both know it. "Of course I do. Fine. Fine! I will suck it up until you're back."

"Thank you." She smiles. "She should be there in a hour. Text me if you need anything. See you soon."

"See you. Safe travels."

I end the call and pinch the bridge of my nose. It looks like I have about an hour to leave City Hall, get home, pack two days worth of clothes, and get to the cabin before our 'guest' arrives. It is too late to change the fact. The Queen's decision is final, after all. Mayor Rin will be making the announcement shortly via television. 

"I should get going."