Page 190 of Bride By Coronation

In less than five minutes, we're off the ground and in the air. I try to call Fiona again.

Her sweet voice on her voicemail greeting sends a pain to my chest."Hi, this is Fiona. Leave a message."

A long beep sounds in my ear.

Sadness overpowers me. I try to soften my tone, stating, "It's me again. Please call me. I'm sorry. I don't know what to say, but I'm sorry. I loveyou, and we need to talk. Please. I promise you, I'm not my father." I squeeze my eyes shut, taking a few deep breaths.

Then I add, "I love you more than anything. Please call me." I hang up, hating how desperate I sound, how out of control I feel, and the chaos surrounding me I can't seem to get a hold of.

How the hell can I have a Zenith Mandate out, yet there's no intelligence?

My gut tells me this is bigger than just one person or maybe even two. Maybe the majority of The Underworld's in on it, and they're all out to get me. Who knows? But then again, I'm the king, and everybody always wants my spot.

A new realization hits me.

I named Sean and Zara successors.

I pick up the phone again.

Sean barks, "Kirill, I don't have time to argue with you all day."

"Shut up and listen, and that's an order, not a request," I demand.

He goes quiet.

I continue, "The Zenith Mandate isn't working. Ask Brax if you don't believe me, but there's no intel. That means this is larger than we thought, and if that's the case, they're after you and Zara too."

"You're paranoid, Kirill. There have been no threats against Zara or me," he says.

I point out, "I named you successors. Somebody wants to be king and queen."

Tension fills the air.

"Are you there?" I ask.

He lowers his voice. "Yeah, I'm here."

"Are you still in New York or back with Zara?"

"New York," he replies with a hint of fear.

My stomach spins. I advise, "You better get home to your wife and kids. Send Brax over to stay with them until you're back."

Again, he says nothing.

"Sean, did you hear me?" I ask, worried he's not taking this seriously or I lost the call in the air.

He clears his throat. "Yeah. Thanks for calling."

"Go take care of your family," I say, hanging up. I sit back in my chair.

Arina cautiously approaches. "Sir?"

I glance up at her.

Concern floods her expression. "Can I get you anything?"

I soften my tone. "No, I'm fine. I'm sorry if I was a jackass when I got on the plane."

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