The Prince's Gift

Chapter 90.

Ana's POV

"So you're telling me that this group is working with Lilith? That's they're using her as a retaliation cause against us?" Zane's voice was tense as he stared up the table at Casimir.

He nodded in response. "Correct, your majesty. My source says they have no real connection to Lilith and her father's kingdom, but they see this as an opportunity. With Lilith in the...state she is in, she's seen as easily manipulated."

Zane's knuckles had gone white with tension as he opened and closed his fists beneath the table. "And what is the plan to stop their attack? I've seen it myself. Ana will be attacked by a soldier doing their work." He stops short, not continuing the rest of the vision.

"And that will change. You will not see the end of that vision come to pass." He thought and I reached over to place my hand on top of his. His grip relaxed and I felt his body soften, but only slightly.

Casimir's brows rose in surprise. "You...saw it?" He asked.

Zane gave a short nod. "Once we mated, Ana's gifts opened up to me fully, and her own have become stronger than before."

Casimir cleared his throat and proceeded, looking to the rest of the council before continuing. "We will close the gates and ramp up security. No one will get through Your Majesty."

Zane stood, leaning forward as his palms pressed down against the table. "And you'll reach out to your sources. This group needs to be shut down. Lilith must be retrieved at all costs. She's a liability outside of this castle." His voice was rough and low, as if he was working hard to restrain himself from snapping.

I could feel his overwhelming worry and concern for my vision. He refused to accept it or allow that to happen. The council all agreed and hurried out of the room to relay their King's orders into action.

After several moments of silence, I stood and placed my hand around Zane's arm, gently rubbing to try and comfort him. "Zane, it's going to be ok." I whispered, leaning in to place a kiss against his temple.

He let out a slow breath and leaned against me. "Ana, we will stop them. I won't let anything happen to either of you." He looked at me over his shoulder and I could see the strain weighing him down.

He shifted and let his arm open to cage around me as I leaned back against the table in front of him. My hands cupped around each side of his face, tracing softly against his skin.

"Zane..." I whispered, but he shook his head in response.

"Don't you dare think it. Don't for one fucking second think this vision will come true." His jaw was set and his brows furrowed as he stared back at me with a new intensity.

"We've tried to change it before. I'm not saying we can't, but I need you to know how much I love you. Just in ca..."

"No." He cut me off, his arms circling around me and pulling me in closer to him. "We're stronger now. Together." He rested his forehead against mine as he breathed in deeply. "Baby, please don't give up. I can't lose you again." His piercing blue gaze cut into me like it was looking straight into my soul, and I could feel every ounce of pain and worry as he spoke. "I won't survive it."

My chest tightened and I realized how strongly he meant that last sentence. If this vision came to pass, he'd either become so broken he'd allow himself to die, or he'd do it himself. I saw that instant flash of his thought and it was enough to make me shiver.