Page 128 of Enchanted Crown
Zaire launched into the story of the day, and I was more than content to sit back and eat. Fortunately, for this meal I was placednear Esta. These tables were much larger and would have put me across the damn room from her otherwise.
“What was the Agrian Princess like?” someone asked.
Emric was the one to provide, “Not so unlike your queen. Intense.”
“Taking that as a compliment,” Esta muttered.
“As I meant for it to be,” Emric responded with a smooth grin.
I rolled my eyes. He was becoming too good at this delegate business.
As the roast was brought out, I sent Esta,Think if we leave together before dessert for a hot bath, it would be awkward?
They would assume the reason, but do you really care?
A clunking noise was heard, and Esta’s eyes moved to the wide doorway. She only had to wait seconds for Nana Mallick to arrive. Rather than looking like she was there to join in the party, she looked pale. Shaken.
Esta took one look at her, and I felt her worry which mirrored my own.
“What?” Esta asked as she moved for her. “What is wrong?”
She waited until Esta was in arm’s reach to say, “It is Lennix.”
I wasn’t entirely convinced Nana wasn’t going to pass out, so I too, joined them.
“What happened, Nana?” Esta asked gently, no longer the queen of Dra Skor but simply a granddaughter.
“He is dead.”
CHAPTER 43
“Esta.”
Her remarkably green eyes looked up to mine from where I played the piano. From the moment we learned of her uncle’s death until now, all I had felt down the bond was her guilt and nerves. The funeral was this morning. She was wearing a black gown, ready to go physically. But emotionally, I felt how uneasy she was.
“You did not kill the man,” I reminded her for what had to be the fourth time since we learned of Lennix Mallick’s passing.
She let out a long sigh. “I know I didn’t, but it looks as if I did. It’s not a good look that he was still being held for suspicion of his part in this mess when he passed.”
“I am not even from Dra Skor and even I knew that he was not well.”
A generous pause. “But the knowledge of his daughter being responsible for this, did it send him over the edge?”
I left the piano and moved to crouch in front of her, looking her in the eyes as I said, “Even if it did, that was Morana’s doing, not yours. No one forced her to do this.”
Then she said the thing we were all thinking of, the thing which had led to a long war room meeting late last night. “And if Morana shows up today?”
“She will be dealt with,” I promised.
She let out a long sigh. “I still feel partially responsible.”
“His heart gave out.” I took her hand in both of mine. “You did not do this, Esta. The fact that the man is being given a traditional Dra Skor funeral is more than he deserves.” I paused, making sure she was listening. “You did not start this rift between your family and your uncle’s. You merely inherited it.”
“I wasn’t always the best cousin though,” she bit out.
“No,” I snapped. I knew exactly what she meant. There were far too many times I felt I wasn’t a good enough brother. A good enough son. A good enough friend. “You were being molded and shaped for the crown. Also, if we are being honest, manipulated.” I cocked my head at her. “And I will thank whatever god remains that the process didn’t break you.”
Her eyes got that watery sheen to them I hated. Because there was nothing more tragic than seeing Esta cry. “I feel broken today,” she whispered.
