John, who had been listening behind the door, pushed it open the moment he heard Helena say she was going to leave. When Helena saw the commander, she shuddered; his gaze was deep and stormy, his broad shoulders were tense, and his expression was not pleasant. 

“Do you really think I will let you go on some insane quest so close to giving birth?” 

The princess swallowed hard; the commander was like a whirlwind of emotions, and she knew it was a risk to embark on such a ...