Page 51 of The Forsaken Heir
“I am usually a proper lady,” Delphine said, “but that was before someone tried to murder me.”
Without another word, she grabbed a sandwich and took a massive bite. Elle, Vincent, and I sat and began to eat. I poured Elle and Delphine both a steaming cup of coffee to help them warm up.
“God, I hate to think of what a mess our place is going to be when we get back,” Elle said after biting into a small slice of cheese.
“It did look like a warzone when we got there.” I shrugged. “We didn’t do much to help it.”
She waved my question off. “No, it’s fine. You saved us. I’ll take a trashed house and being alive versus the opposite.”
After finishing the food, Vincent stood and set his napkin down. “I need to go see my dad. He wanted to talk this afternoon about some family stuff.” He grinned at Elle. “I’m glad you’re back.”
She smiled back at him warmly. “I’m happy too. See you later, Vincent.”
“I have several guest rooms that are open,” I said. “Most members of the court are here, but we still have tons of vacant rooms available. I can have one made up for each of you,” I offered.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Elle said. “One room will be fine. We can share. We’re used to it.”
“Absolutely,” Delphine agreed. “No reason for you to go out of your way.”
I wanted to argue. After what these women had been through, theleastI could do was get them private quarters. Though, that may have been exactlywhythey wanted to stay together. But then, this was a strange place for Delphine. A whole building filled with the people who were supposed to be her mortal enemies. It had to be a little worrisome.
“Very well,” I said with a slight bow of my head. “I’ll let my staff know.”
Finding a servant off the dining room, I gave her instructions to prepare the guest room Elle had used the last time she’d been here, and to place additional towels and robes there for Delphine. Fifteen minutes later, I led the two women to their room.
“This will be yours,” I said, opening the door. “Elle, I think you recall this room?”
Delphine gave Elle a knowing look, and Elle blushed.
“Yes,” she said, keeping her voice even. “I do. Thank you so much, Aurelius.”
Looking into her eyes, I grinned. “My pleasure.”
“Thank you for saving us,” Delphine said, straightening her spine, and doing her best to appear regal. “It was most appreciated. Hopefully, we can thank you in some way.”
“Thanks aren’t necessary,” I said, stealing another look at Elle. “I was happy to do what needed to be done. Enjoy your afternoon relaxing, ladies. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Elle said, still blushing, and pulled Delphine into the room. She threw one last glance at me before she shut the door.
I stood there for several seconds, trying to comprehend everything that had happened. The simmering anger still roiled inside, but I needed to push that away. I needed to think.
Turning on my heel, I headed toward my room. I needed to rest and try to figure out what to do next.
Opening my bedroom door, I froze when I saw Vincent in my quarters. The man sat on the small loveseat beneath the baywindow that overlooked the grounds, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. Music played from the portable speaker next to him—Taylor Swift, from the sound of it. Vince was humming along absently as he gazed out the window, and scooping ice cream into his mouth.
“Vince? I thought you were talking to your dad,” I said as I stepped into the room.
He glanced at me placidly, and reached over to turn down the music. “Sorry. Didn’t hear you coming.”
“Is there a reason you’re in here?”
“I’m really glad Elle is back,” Vince said, wholly ignoring my question. “It’s nice having her around.”
Sighing, I took a seat opposite him.
“Trouble with your dad?” I asked.
Vincent nodded and took another bite of ice cream. “He’s in a bad mood. Like always.”
