The Summer King Bundle 3 Stories - Jennifer L. Armentrout Page 0,202

that I was pregnant. It’s why you agreed to remain silent, as did the others.”

“I see what you’re saying.” She sighed wearily. “It’s just that I have a hard time believing that those who knew would’ve said anything. That knowledge in the wrong hands doesn’t only mean someone viewing you as a threat, but it could also cause panic.”

“Then…then that person may have told someone they trusted. Someone who may have…” Someone who may not have been sent into a panic. Who would’ve already known that Caden was in love with me. Suspicion dawned, and I was grateful that I wasn’t hooked up to the heart monitor.

“What?” Luce asked.

I didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong. “Can you do me a favor? Can you get Tanner for me?”

“Why do you want to see him?”

“I just thought of something he said to me, and I’m not sure if I heard him right,” I lied. “Please? Tanner cannot possibly be banned from seeing me.”

“The King decreed that no one without his express approval—”

“Or I can just go find Tanner myself. I doubt you’re going to chain me to my bed. So, do you think Caden would be more upset with me roaming around, or you getting Tanner for me?”

Her eyes narrowed. “That sounds like blackmail.”

“More like presenting you with options,” I suggested.

One side of her lips curved up. “Uh-huh. I doubt you’ll have any problems assuming the role of our Queen.” She turned away. “I’ll go find Tanner now.”

“Thank you,” I said, unsure if her comment about the whole Queen thing was a compliment or not.

But I didn’t have the brain space to really deal with that. If my suspicions were on point, then I might know who poisoned the drinks.

When a soft knock came about fifteen minutes later, I knew Luce had done what I asked. Tanner stepped in, quietly closing the door behind him.

“Luce said you needed to speak with me?” he asked.

I nodded. “Thank you for coming, even though I have a feeling that Caden has told everyone to stay away from me.”

A faint smile appeared. “He has, but Luce said that she sensed it was important.” Walking forward, he sat in the chair. He looked rough, as if he hadn’t slept well. Whether or not my suspicion was correct, he had to have a lot on his mind. “Luce told us that the child is well, which I’m grateful to hear. But how are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Just a little tired. Thank you for asking.”

The shadows under his eyes looked like bruises as he nodded. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m confident that Kalen didn’t even want to allow me into the room. I imagine the only reason I was allowed is because the King is with Faye and her family.”

Benji.

Jesus, I’d practically forgotten about him. “He hasn’t gotten better, has he?”

Tanner shook his head sadly. “He is…he is lost to us.”

Sadness found its way into my already crowded heart. “They’ll…” What had Caden said? Peace. “They’ll give him peace now?”

He nodded. “Yes. Our King is there in case they have need of him.”

I glanced at the door, wanting to go and find where they were. I wanted to be there for Caden, even if he didn’t have to be the one to end Benji’s young life. That suddenly seemed as important as why I’d asked for Tanner.

“I wouldn’t want to further displease the King,” Tanner said. “What did you want to see me about?”

“Understood.” I drew in a shallow breath, fighting the urge to run off and find Caden. While I’d threatened to do that earlier, even I wasn’t that stupid when there was someone out there actively trying to harm the baby and me. “I want to ask you something, and I hope you’ll be honest. It’s an uncomfortable question.”

Tanner nodded for me to continue.

“Did you tell anyone that I was pregnant?” I asked, watching him closely. A muscle twitched near his right eye. “And I’m not suggesting that I think you told someone thinking they’d do what they did, but I know I told you to do whatever was necessary to make sure Caden chose a fae as his Queen, and I don’t think you would’ve told just anyone because of the panic or risk it could cause. I know you would do anything to protect your Court, and maybe that included telling someone that I was pregnant. Maybe so they’d pursue Caden, knowing that Caden would eventually find out