#Chapter 222: Regent

I couldn’t move. The words rang through me, and I was so confused. All I could hear was Candido telling me this was my birthright. I took deep breaths and tried to focus. I looked over at Bella, who was still huffing and puffing. Then, I felt Candido’s hand on my head. “Take it easy,” he said, stroking my head. “You’re probably going to be a bit tired. Come out of the shift when it’s comfortable. I know you’re still getting used to it.” I pushed my head against his hand, enjoying the way he stroked my head. My heart sang with happiness. His voice was warm and gentle, just like I remembered from before the war. But when I met his eyes, there was nothing in them. No warmth for me, no feeling. They were just looking at me, and it chilled me. There was a brief flicker of anger and maybe something else in his eyes, but I couldn’t tell what it was exactly. He stood up, and Bella growled. “This isn’t fair,” she hissed. “I only did that because Hedy ruined my engagement!”