Chapter 146: No, You Can't Go

Irina POV

"Dimitri, be reasonable," Irina growled. "You're acting like an overprotective, possessive old fogy vampire."

"Because I don't want either of you near Luc or your revolting father?" Dimitri retorted. "Because even now either one of you could be carrying the heir to the Merakian throne? Besides, you need to stay and secure the palace in case one of the Lammas battalions actually gets this far."

Inside a private sitting room near the armory, Irina clung to his arm, resting her dark head against his silver ones, while Ariana leaned on him as a bookend on the other side. They had stolen a moment together while Elina and Captain Valerie, assisted by Uncle Bill and Aunt Sally, assembled the troops.

"We don't have to be in the battle," Ariana said, logical. "We can man the command post. Make sure the troops are well-supplied with blood, water, arms, medicines if necessary, whatever they require. We can direct the soldiers."