Page 89 of The Forsaken Heir
Octavian opened the door of our SUV, and Aurelius stepped out first, followed by me, Rasp, and Vincent. The afternoon sun was making its way toward the horizon, the fall air crisp and brisk. My family weren’t outside to greet us, but a woman who looked vaguely familiar stood with a retinue of security and staff.
“Greetings, Prince Aurelius,” she said. “House Laurent is honored beyond description to host royalty here at our estate.”
“Thank you,” Aurelius said, giving a slight bow of the head. “And you are?”
What crossed her lips had all the hallmarks of a smile, but no warmth or kindness came to her eyes.
“My name is Sasha Levesque. House manager of the Laurent estate. You may call me Madam Levesque if you wish.”
It was then that I realized who this woman was, and it was all I could do not to let out a snort of laughter. This had been the maid I’d caught Bastien making out with in the pantry all those years ago. The odds of her standing here before me right now were astounding. She was the house manager at this young age? It made me wonder if Bastien had elevated her based on his own desire to have her nearby. Had he used his position to forceher to do his bidding and possibly other darker things? Perhaps even going so far as to brainwash her into a loyal and obedient servant? It appeared so. In fact, she looked eager to degrade her employer’s enemies, given how she sneered at us with thinly veiled disgust and haughtiness.
“I would like to lead you to your rooms,” Sasha said, beckoning us onward.
“Hang on,” Aurelius said, holding a hand up.
Sasha blinked. “I’m sorry?”
Aurelius swept his hand toward me. “You’ve greeted me, but you’ve yet to greet Lady Brielle.” He arched an eyebrow. “Or is House Laurent not as hospitable as you’ve made it out to be?”
Sasha’s eyes darted from Aurelius to me, and her lips and jaw worked, almost as though someone had shoved a wedge of lemon into her mouth. After a moment’s struggle, that same soulless smile returned.
“Of course. My apologies. I only assumed you would be tired from the road and want to freshen up.” She inclined her head toward me. “Welcome,LadyBrielle.”
I noted the almost sarcastic way she emphasized the word ‘lady’. Aurelius opened his mouth to say something about it, but I put a hand on his arm.
“It’s fine,” I whispered, and then addressed Sasha. “Thank you. I look forward to reacquainting myself with the grounds.”
Sasha’s eyes narrowed, but she said no more as she turned to lead us into the house.
We’d barely stepped through the door when a shout rang out, echoing across the huge foyer.
“Elle?”
I turned at the sound of my name and nearly sobbed. My little sister Sophia ran toward me, her arms open, and a tearful smile on her face. She was so grown up. When I’d left, she’d only been a little girl. Now, she’d blossomed into a lovely young woman. Bitter sadness welled in my chest. I’d missed so much.
“Sophia!” I cried and wrapped my arms around her.
Around us, the Laurent guards stiffened, Aurelius’s men took a step forward, circling the prince. Did these Laurent men really think I would hurt my sister? Of course, many probably believes I was some sort of skinwalker hired by the Decimus family.
Ignoring the men, I held my sister, running my hand through her dark red hair. I’d missed her so much.
“Come along, dear,” another voice said.
When I looked up, through tear-blurred eyes, I saw Aunt Collette striding forward, waving for Sophia to join her. To my intense relief, my aunt smiled warmly at me as she approached.
“Hello, my dear. It’s been too long.”
Releasing Sophia, I hugged my aunt. “I missed you guys so much,” I said, nearly sobbing as I spoke.
Colette rubbed my back, and when we separated, her eyes glimmered with unshed tears.
“We’ve missed you as well,” she said, then cast a sidelong glance at the guards and Sasha standing nearby. “Well, some of us have, anyway.”
“I think our guests need to get to their rooms to relax,” Sasha said, interrupting the reunion.
Colette gave the other woman a withering smile. “I think I might be allowed a few moments with my niece. Or do you forget your place,Sasha?” she said, sneering the woman’s name.
No love lost between these two, it seems.
