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chambers.
    The room quieted once more as they entered, and he met the expectant looks of each of his guardian kin with a reassuring nod. But he didn’t look at Callia, standing near the king’s bed. Couldn’t. And he told himself that was a good thing. Because his past with her ended here. His future—for the next five hundred years, at least—was with the gynaíka on the other side of the room. The one he intended to marry, bed and impregnate all in the next week.
    His stomach tightened at that little reality, but he lifted his head, held still and let Theron take the lead.
    “Your Highness,” Theron said, his deep voice like a boom to seal Zander’s fate. “I recommend you reconsider your choice. Zander has my full support as the guardian best fit to marry Isadora.”
    No one said a word. Behind him, Zander could hear Demetrius suck in a breath and hold it. Across the room, Isadora and Callia stared at him. The king frowned, obviously contemplating his options. And he didn’t look altogether ecstatic at what he was thinking.
    Just say yes. Beads of sweat broke out on Zander’s forehead as he waited. His conversation with the king weeks ago—when Theron had nearly walked away from the Argonauts—flashed in his brain. The king hadn’t been happy when he’d sided with Theron. Looked less than thrilled now. If the king held that against him…
    Just say yes…
    Finally, the king said, “So be it.”
    A breath Zander hadn’t realized he’d been holding rushed out. At his back, he heard the same from Demetrius.
    “The binding ceremony between Zander and the princess Isadora will take place in seven days’ time,” the king announced. “On the eve of the full moon. You are dismissed.”
    Collectively, the Argonauts turned to leave. Muttered voices echoed around Zander, but the only one he fully caught was Demetrius’s grateful one as the guardian said, “I owe you, Z.”
    That pride hit Zander again in the chest full on, even though…the thought of what lay ahead solidified that ice around his heart.
    This was the right thing to do. The only thing he could do. He was saving the others from something they didn’t want. Hopefully saving a small part of himself too.
    He turned to leave with the other guardians, but the king’s sharp voice stopped him. “Zander.” He looked back. “Do not disappoint me. The repercussions will be fierce.”
    Yeah, that wasn’t glowing thanks either. Zander bowed once, indicating he’d heard the king, but his pride wavered.
    “Before you return to duty,” the king went on, “you’ll report to my private study for a complete evaluation by my personal healer. If you pass the exam, the binding ceremony will go on as scheduled. If not, I’ll choose another Argonaut. You are excused.”
    Zander’s gaze hopped right to Callia. Who was staring at the floor as if it might just jump up and bite her.
    For shit’s sake. This was supposed to put his feelings for her behind him. Not give her an opportunity to grope his naked body. And holy Hades, his blood did not just warm at the thought. Or at the possibility of being alone with her one last time.
    Callia waited as long as she could. The Argonauts filed out of the room. Casey and Isadora left. She took her time helping the king get situated so she didn’t have to make the trek downstairs with Zander.
    When he finally turned to leave she swallowed hard. Oh, gods. He was binding himself to Isadora. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever expected… that .
    “If you find anything even remotely questionable in your exam, Callia,” the king said, “I want to know about it. Do you understand?”
    She nodded, though inside she felt like screaming. Zander was binding himself to someone else. And now she had to go into that room with him. See him naked. Touch his body. Remember everything they’d done with each other. What had happened after…
    She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn’t feel the king’s hand wrap around her