The Gender End (The Gender Game #7)

Viggo’s forehead wrinkled.

“Maybe… I’d like to send an envoy on a peace mission, but with their defensive capabilities, it seems unwise right now. I’m still entertaining Amber and Logan’s crazy idea to take a heloship and explore the world around us a bit more—and they don’t necessarily have to get near that place. They are really chomping at the bit, and I can’t blame them. But we barely have our feet under us—we should learn to walk before we can…”

He trailed off as he changed papers and continued to read, another sigh escaping him. This one was heavier, reflecting his exhaustion. Luckily, by now we were both used to the highs and lows as information came across Viggo’s desk; for every good thing, there was always something to chase away the elation, some new problem or trial that needed to be faced.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing—Drew wants us to be more aggressive in our demands to send a few of our own scientists to the lab where they are working on the egg, but I’m going to deny him.”

“I’m sure if you just asked Morgan, she’d be more than willing to do that,” I replied.

He gave me a look and smiled. “I know, but it isn’t a good way of showing we trust our neighbors.”

“Viggo, you and I both know resentment still runs deep,” I replied, feeling saddened by my own words. It was true—there was a lot of mistrust of the other side in Patrus, even after Morgan and the rest of Matrus had made amends and continued to be helpful and accommodating at every turn. Everything Morgan had done had borne the risk of her hurting the Matrians to help the Patrians, and just like in Patrus, a small group of people complained. Although, to be fair, a small group of malcontents in Patrus complained about Viggo just as much, and often questioned Maxen’s death in the caves, calling Viggo an assassin. Luckily, it was a small part of the population, but I knew personally how much trouble a small group of people could cause when they put their minds and wills to it.

“It will take years before everyone can ease up,” I told my husband. “Until then, let Drew have this, and just ask Morgan. It’ll be all right.”

“You’re right, of course,” Viggo said with a sigh. “I just hate that I have to be the one to go to her asking for more when she’s gone above and beyond helping us. Our economy is still fragile, and with how low our population is… she saved us.”

“Because she wants to show that the petty differences that held us apart are a thing of the past. But that takes time, and it takes her giving in to us every now and again. Especially where the egg is concerned. The public knows too much about it to feel comfortable with them handling it alone. As much as I hate to admit it, Drew’s right—even if he’s being obstinate about it. Just ask.”

“You sure you don’t want to do this for me?” he asked, giving me a look from under the spectacles perched on his nose. He needed them for reading now —we weren’t entirely sure why—and I never complained.

“I’m just your bodyguard,” I replied. “You got elected chancellor—you even got to run in the official election! Clearly, you wanted the job.”

He smiled, taking off his glasses and putting the papers down, sliding over to close the distance between us.

“Want me to quit?” he asked as he drew closer, his voice a low rumble that still had a devastating effect on me. I let out a shuddering breath and turned toward him, my hands going to his shoulders as he leaned closer.

“You’re going to wrinkle my dress,” I murmured, and he smirked.

“Good—you shouldn’t look so gorgeous in your dress. You’re going to take everyone’s attention off the main event, and if I know Morgan, she’s not going to like it.”

He took my hips and pulled me over, his mouth dropping to my neck and placing soft kisses against my sensitive skin. I couldn’t help it—a moan escaped me, and I flinched when I saw the driver’s eyes flick to the mirror and look directly at me, before turning back down.

“Viggo,” I giggled and squirmed, pushing against his shoulders. “Please! The driver!”

He grumbled and pulled back, an irritated expression on his face.

“I never should’ve become chancellor. We could be alone in our mountain cabin right now, minding our own business and—”

“Oh, come on, you know you love this,” I chided him. “Not being in charge—but you like helping people, and this is the best way of doing it. So calm down, my love. Besides… we’d still be here today, even if you weren’t the chancellor.”

He opened his mouth, and then shut it. “Fair point,” he said, returning to his seat.

On impulse, I leaned across the seat and grabbed the lapels of his suit, pulling his face to mine for a slow, loving kiss.

“I do wish we were in the cabin too, though,” I murmured softly, for his ears only, and I was rewarded with a smoldering look, promising that when we got back to our rooms later that evening, we were going to finish what he had started.

The rest of our drive took place in comfortable silence, and I started collecting my things as the car turned and began heading up a slight incline, the houses and shops stopping a few hundred feet away from the entrance of the temple.

I didn’t wait for the driver to let me out—I never did—and came around the car to Viggo’s side just as he was stepping out. Even though he didn’t like it, I was still his bodyguard. I was going to be his bodyguard for at least another month or two, before my pregnancy became too obvious and the council put in the request for me to go on leave. But that was for another day.

It didn’t matter—I was also his wife, which meant I went with him everywhere. I was the best suited to keeping him safe for that reason alone, and they would just have to deal with the fact that I was more than comfortable in both roles. And when I became a mother, I would be comfortable in three.

Viggo took my hand as I slid around the car, and we walked up the smooth stone steps toward the cave mouth. We were early, but people were already forming in massive crowds. I kept close to Viggo, my eyes scanning the crowd, looking for any sign of hostile movement.

My gaze passed over a familiar face in my scrutiny, and I paused, dragging my gaze back over and staring. It couldn’t be her.

Then she saw me looking, and her eyes went wide, a broad smile crossing her freckled face. She lifted her hand slightly, and I couldn’t stop myself.

“Josefine?” I said, taking a step over to where the crowd of people were standing behind a cordoned-off line. The general masses would be let in soon, but for now, only state officials and royalty were allowed into the caves.

“Violet!” she shouted, and after a moment of hesitation, she ducked under the rope and raced over to me.

I heard one of the wardens shout in warning as the young girl raced over, and I quickly held up my hands.

“IT’S OKAY!” I shouted loudly. “I know her!”