Chapter 72

The first to greet the uninvited guest was none other than the hawk, which had been perched on the mantel of the fireplace.

"Ahh! Claude!" Wade yelled as the bird flapped its wings aggressively. He retreated out of the room. "Damn it, Pollan! We've spent years together! Don't you recognize me?! Claude! Do something!"

Wade's shouts rang through the second floor hallway. Claude glared at the open door, furious at the rude interruption.

"Stay here. Don't move," he said, tucking the blanket tightly around Lia.

"Wasn't that His Highness?" Lia craned her neck, visibly shocked at the sudden entrance.

Claude kissed her pale cheeks. "Yes. Don't make eye contact with him."

"I should at least greet him—"

"Looking like that?"

Lia bit her lip and pulled the blanket over her head. Claude stood after he made sure every inch of her was covered. He then whistled sharply, prompting Pollan to fly into the room and land on the back of the sofa.