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Royce swore under his breath Raking a hand through his dark hair, he looked back at Haydn, his expression resolved “I will still do it if you want me to”
Feeling a rush of affection, Haydn shook his head “I appreciate the thought, but I don’t think it will be necessary” He dropped his gaze, looking at his own hands “I’ve tried to live up to ave a brittle smile “At this point it’s obvious that I’ll never be the son he wants me to be If my father and my people don’t liketo try I want to be seen for what I am rather than for what I’m not”
Royce’s hand on his shoulder shifted slightly, the touch beco more solid “Haydn…”
Lifting his gaze, Haydn forced a saze “It’s fine, really It’s been co for a while” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and turned it on He sighed as the screen lit up with notifications of o call him”
“Good luck,” Royce said “I’ll be heading out now, but call ht?”
Haydn nodded, and, valiantly resisting the urge to burrow himself into his husband’s arms, strode out of the room
He headed to his bedroo with every step
“Dammit,” he whispered as he shut the door behind himself It was easy to be brave when he was next to Royce Too easy When he ith hi else seemed to become irrelevant, uni reassurance of Royce’s presence, things becarown man It was time to stand up for himself and move forward, not cower in submission He could do this He could
His father answered on the first ring
Haydn tried not to flinch as his father’s hard gaze clashed with his
“Father,” he said evenly
“I presu at hi your uncle”
Haydn quashed the urge to apologize “I was busy,” he said shortly
A
When he finally spoke, his voice was nearly a growl “You will stop playing house with that Kadarian and return hoh”
Haydn pursed his lips, his stomach twisted into knots “I can’t do that, Father The Galactic Council representative should return any day now and—”
Stefan pinned hi look “It isn’t a request, Haydn It’s your King’s order You will return home Today My decision is final”
Haydn opened his mouth He wanted to say no He did
But nothing caht, and it see at his father’s unco expression