The mention of her mother’s name — even unspoken — made River’s heart stutter, but she held her ground.
Across the bond, Heiko’s voice growled into her mind link, firm and cold.
“I’d be damned… she’s playing dirty. That was deliberate, trying to lure you.”
River’s eyes flickered with amusement, even as tension coiled in her chest.
“I know,” she replied silently. “But she won’t get what she wants.”
Out loud, River smiled politely and inclined her head. “Perhaps some other time, Your Highness. But for the moment, I prefer to let the past rest where it belongs — in the past. My focus is here, on my mate… and our pup… my new role.”
A collective silence fell around them as Queen Victoria’s smile faltered for the first time. The muscles along her jaw tightened, her expression souring ever
