Chapter 172
Chapter 172
“I really didn’t expect you to show up, and-” Layla suddenly remembered that Nolan was still getting treatment in the other
room.
Layla quickly said, “I invited Evelyn’s great-granddaughter to help treat Nolan. He still doesn’t know about Atlas and me.
‘If Nolan runs into Her Majesty right now, his psychic force, which just got back to normal, will probably get all messed up again from the shock, Layla thought.
Leilani replied gently, “It’s alright. I can head to another room.”
Since Leilani was already here, there was no way Layla could really ask her to leave now.
Layla told Zaa to keep an eye on Nolan’s treatment and let her know when it was finished. Then Layla headed upstairs with Leilani and Rosa to the small lounge.
Leilani glanced around, chatted with Rosa for a bit, then turned to Layla. “Layla, I heard you’re thinking of building a mech suit lab here?”
“Yeah, that’s right,” Layla replied.
“Are you missing anything?” Leilani asked.
Layla instantly remembered just how scarily generous Leilani could be. ‘Atlas definitely got that trait from her, Layla thought.
Layla quickly said, “Nope, we’ve got everything covered. All the basics are set up. I owe a lot to Colonel Gill; he’s been a huge help.”
“Got it,” Leilani replied, though she couldn’t help feeling a little let down that she hadn’t had the chance to pitch in.
Rosa glanced at her optical computer, looking a bit worried. “Your Majesty, there are all kinds of stuff online. Some people are saying it’s a shame that the house got blown up, and that it’d be better if—”
“Better if I just handed it over to them, right?” Leilani had clearly seen the comments online, but she just brushed them off. “These people have some nerve.
“They’re not my kids or grandkids. Why should I give them my house? If they’re too broke to buy a place, maybe they should look at themselves instead of blaming everyone else.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Rosa said, clearly annoyed.
Before long, Mollie accompanied Rosa back to her room. After such a long trip, and since Rosa wasn’t a high-level shifter, she really needed to get some rest.
Besides, the two of them hadn’t seen each other in ages, so they had plenty to catch up on.
Here, Mollie didn’t have to worry about Leilani running into any danger, so she could finally relax a bit, not nearly as tense as she was back at the palace.
Back in the small lounge, only Leilani and Layla remained.
Layla could see just how worn out Leilani looked, like Leilani had been holding it together for ages, and only now, in this quiet moment, could she finally let herself relax.
“Have you been working yourself too hard?” Layla asked suddenly.
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Chapter 172
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Leilani was rubbing her temples and paused for a second before giving a slow, gentle smile. “Yeah, I’m exhausted, but that’s just how it is.”
Layla said, “Those people aren’t worth all the sacrifices you’ve made for them.”
Leilani kept that gentle smile. “Of course, they’re not. That’s exactly why I blew up my own place. But right now, Layla, I can’t leave, not yet. At least, not while Atlas still needs me.”
Layla blinked in surprise. “For Atlas?”
Leilani had shed all her usual queenly grace. She was sprawled out on the couch, looking completely at ease, more like the girl next door than royalty.
“Yeah,” Leilani said. “The Clark family won’t be able to hold onto Meridia much longer. It’s just a matter of time before the Logan family takes over.
“But honestly, I’m not sure the Logan family can protect Meridia, either. Of course, guarding Meridia isn’t Atlas’s responsibility anymore, but for now, keeping Alpha Prime safe is still on him.”
Layla paused, then it clicked. “So you’re waiting for Krish to take the throne before you leave?”
“Exactly,” Leilani replied with a smile. “Once that happens, Atlas won’t have to worry about Alpha Prime anymore. The three of us can finally go explore the whole universe together.
“Layla, just promise you won’t get tired of having me around, okay?”
Layla froze for a second. She almost wanted to say she wasn’t sure how long her marriage with Atlas would last, but when she caught the spark in Leilani’s eyes, that wild hope for freedom in her heart melted.
Layla smiled and nodded, “Okay.”
Seeing Layla agree, Leilani looked absolutely delighted, her eyes curving into little crescent moons. Inside, her inner mermaid was doing a happy dance.
‘Atlas, I just made it happen for you!’ Leilani thought, grinning to herself. ‘She’s on board to tour the whole universe with us
now!’
Leilani helped Layla plan out the mech suit lab, but she thought the place wasn’t secure enough, so she had people come in to reinforce the whole setup.
When they were getting the bedrooms ready, Leilani suddenly said, “This bedroom you picked isn’t big enough. Atlas will probably be staying here too, so won’t it feel a bit cramped for the two of you?”
Layla cleared her throat, a little flustered. “Uh, I probably won’t be staying here that much.”
Leilani said, “Oh, so you won’t be here often, and Atlas probably won’t either. But just in case, why not just combine the two bedrooms? That way, you two will have more space.”
Layla’s cheeks went bright red. She couldn’t shake the feeling that if she didn’t rein Leilani in, she might just blurt out even more outrageous stuff.
“Whatever you say,” Layla said.
Leilani looked pleased and immediately started helping Layla design the defense system.
After all, Leilani was a military academy grad herself. She’d always pictured herself making waves out in the universe, but somehow ended up stuck in the palace like a pampered pet in a cage.
Layla stared in shock at all the changes Leilani was suggesting. “Your Majesty, this is just a mech suit lab. You really don’t
14:54 Wed, Jan 14 G JM.
Chapter 172
have to make it more secure than the Military Command.”
Leilani turned around, a little miffed. “Layla, did you forget how you’re supposed to call me when it’s just us?”
“Leilani, I really don’t need all these upgrades,” Layla said.
If someone actually knew what this place was, they’d just think it’s a mech suit lab. But if they didn’t, they’d probably think I’m building some top-secret military base or something.
Seeing that Layla was really not into it, Leilani dialed the changes back a bit, just a token adjustment. She looked a little disappointed.
“Guess there’s nowhere left for me to put my skills to use. My private place on Meridia got blown up, too, after all, Leilani said.
Noticing how down Leilani seemed, Layla quickly said, “Honestly, this place is way too small for your talents, but I’ll keep you in mind. If I ever need a big renovation, you’ll be the first person I call!”
Leilani’s smile turned dazzling. “Deal, Layla! It’s a promise!”
“Yeah,” Layla replied.
Leilani couldn’t stay away from the palace for long, so after hanging out a little while longer, she and Mollie headed back.
Layla watched as their aero-vehicle grew smaller and smaller in the sky, and couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh.
Layla couldn’t help but wish Krish would hurry up and take the throne. Because once he did, Leilani and Atlas could finally
be free.
Leilani and Atlas both sacrificed so much, not just for this planet, but for Meridia as well. It was about time they started living for themselves.
‘If Atlas finally got his freedom and stopped being Alpha Prime’s commander, maybe he and my dad wouldn’t have to be on opposite sides anymore?’ Layla thought.
Just then, Layla’s optical computer buzzed. She glanced down. It was a call from her cousin, Bruce.
As soon as Layla answered, Bruce’s upbeat voice filled her ears.
“Layla, Weston said you’re back on Alpha Prime! Where are you? School’s letting us out early, so I was thinking, do you want to come home with me and visit the family?”
Layla was stunned for a moment.
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