As footsteps sounded behind her in the training room, Deianira steadied the punching bag without looking back.
“I don’t want to fight right now, Jude.”
“That’s good,” he said. “Because I didn’t come here to fight.”
Deianira was thankful for that. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep her head if she had to get into it with him again. He continued as she started unwrapping her hands.
“You know that I only want what’s best for you, right?”
Despite her annoyance, she nodded.
“I wasn’t trying to condemn you. I only want you to be prepared for what people might say if this got out. You’ve led these people successfully for over a century and I would hate for anything to make them question you.”
Deianira turned to her uncle then caved. “I know. There’s just a lot going on right now and I can’t change the past.”
She felt like her mind was constantly in overdrive. They were still no closer to working out who had made an attempt on Cade. Devin’s condition was becoming more obvious, a problem she wasn’t sure would remain a secret for much longer. On top of that, the Prima Ball was only weeks away and while she was usually able to plan it around her duties, the load was growing heavier. It was becoming physically taxing.
Jude looked at her affectionately. “You just need to learn to delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Salem can take point on the issue with Devin and I’ll handle the ball. It’ll all be fine.”
That was exactly what she needed. A break.
Deianira also silently reminded herself to visit Mikhael. The headaches had been getting more intense. Being gifted meant that she had almost perfect health. In her long life, she’d never even had so much as a cold so whatever was causing the headaches had to be serious.
“Thank you,” she sighed appreciatively.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
