"You're coming with me." Elias didn't ask any questions. "Yes, Royal Alpha."
His eyes then shifted toward Dakota, and his expression softened into that of a physician addressing his patient. "Your Highness, the Royal Alpha is right. Your body is still recovering; this isn't the time to expose yourself to unnecessary risks."
Dakota looked from Elias back to Kade before finally releasing another quiet sigh. She knew she had already lost the argument. "...All right." Her fingers slipped into his hand for a brief moment. "But you have to come back soon."
"I will." Instead of saying anything more, Kade rested his forehead gently against hers for the briefest moment before quietly stepping away. "Take care of yourself."
"I will." Their eyes met for a heartbeat longer before Kade finally released her hand and continued down the corridor, Marcus and Elias falling into step beside him as they headed toward the Royal Airstrip.
