Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 261

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**

**Chapter 261**

Rania was acutely aware that Maximus possessed an aura that could instill fear in even the most stoic of hearts. The people within the palace, despite having coexisted with the king for many years, still struggled to acclimate to his formidable presence. It was as though his very essence radiated an intensity that left them in a perpetual state of unease.

Yet, the trepidation that coursed through Rania when she observed the palace staff was something entirely different. It was a shadowy dread, a palpable horror that suggested they felt their lives were at stake whenever they stood before their king. She could see it in their eyes, the way they flinched at his approach, the way they averted their gazes, as if looking directly at him might seal their fate.

“Don’t let their fear get to you,” Eiten murmured, sidling up beside Rania, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve tried to engage them, but every time I initiate a conversation, they look as if they might bolt. It’s almost pitiful. But I’ve come to realize that if I push myself into their space, their terror would only deepen. So, I think it’s best to let them be.”

Rania absorbed Eiten’s words, her gaze drifting towards a little girl who had been peeking out from behind her mother’s skirt. The child’s wide eyes were filled with curiosity, yet she was so well concealed that Rania could hardly make her out.

With a soft sigh, Rania turned and made her way towards the bedroom that had been designated for her and Maximus. They would be occupying the alpha’s quarters, a space that felt both foreign and oddly comforting.

Her exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and all she could think about was the inviting embrace of the bed waiting for her. The thought of sinking into soft sheets without the sway of the ship beneath her was a tantalizing prospect. It felt like ages since she had last experienced such tranquility.

“Here’s your bedroom,” Eiten announced as he swung open the door, revealing the room within. Yet, it was only Rania who stepped inside, the threshold feeling like a barrier between her and the outside world.

“Are you not coming in with me?” Rania questioned, blinking in surprise as she turned to see Maximus still lingering at the entrance.

“I’ll join you shortly. There are a few matters I need to discuss with Eiten,” Maximus replied casually, his tone light despite the weight of his duties. “You should rest.” He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, a fleeting moment that ignited warmth within her.

“Are you planning to… castrate him?” Rania teased, recalling Maximus’s earlier threat with a playful glint in her eye.

“Do you wish for me to do that?” Maximus raised an eyebrow, his playful banter matching her own. He relished this side of her—her boldness only made him appreciate her more.

“Hey! How can you joke about that?” Eiten interjected, his lips pursed in mock indignation. “Don’t speak of my precious thing so casually!”

Rania couldn’t help but laugh at Eiten’s reaction, a sound that filled the room with warmth. She had missed this lightheartedness in their interactions, but Maximus was right; fatigue was creeping in, and she longed for the solace of sleep.

“Rest well, my queen,” Cam chimed in sweetly, having joined them with a bright smile. He would be on guard duty while she slept, a role he embraced with vigor.

“Thank you, Cam. You should also take care of yourself,” Rania replied, feeling a twinge of guilt that he would remain alert while she sought rest.

Yet, as always, Cam appeared full of energy, his demeanor unyielding. “Don’t fret, my queen! I’m in great spirits!” he assured her, his enthusiasm infectious.

With a smile lingering on her lips, Rania closed the door behind her, feeling a sense of security with Cam’s presence in this unfamiliar environment.

Meanwhile, Maximus walked alongside Eiten, their conversation shifting to the pressing matters surrounding the Greenstone Pack. They were due to continue their journey to the palace in just two days, and preparations were in full swing.

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