Page 15 of Destiny Redeemed
“It’s dessert, you absolute idiot,” I retorted. “And if it’s so terrible, why are you licking the plate?”
“Mother always said never to waste food, even if it’s garba—”
I lobbed a book at his head before he could finish. He dodged it easily, laughing.
“Alright, alright! I surrender,” he said, raising his hands. “It was delicious. I had no idea my little sister was so talented.”
I preened a bit at the praise. “Yes, well. I’m full of surprises. Now, how are things at home?”
Sebastian’s smile faded. “Mother is…the same. Pretending she doesn’t have a daughter.”
My heart clenched, but it was expected. “And Father knows?”
“Everyone in the capital knows by now, Lya. So, of course, Father knows about the divorce. Actually, that’s part of why I’m here. He wants you to return to the estate immediately.”
I stood, shaking my head vehemently. “No. Absolutely not.”
Sebastian shrugged. “You can tell him that yourself.”
I clasped my hands together, giving him my best pleading look. “Seb, please. Help me out this once? I’ll owe you.”
He cupped a hand to his ear. “I’m sorry, what was that? I didn’t quite catch it.”
I gritted my teeth. “Please.”
A slow grin spread across his face. “Well, since you’re begging so nicely…”
I glared at him, but relief flooded through me. As infuriating as he could be, Sebastian always had my back when it really mattered.
I was about to ask Sebastian what he planned to do when a knock interrupted us.
Laurel’s hesitant voice called out, “Uh… there’s someone here to talk to you, my lady.”
Curiosity piqued, I strode out of the room with Sebastian on my heels. In our tiny sitting area stood none other than Lennox,looking as stoic and uninterested as ever. But this time, I noticed a distinct lack of hostility in his eyes. Progress, I suppose.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Lennox?” I asked, crossing my arms. “Come to arrest me for some mysterious incident loosely related to my cousin’s aunt’s daughter-in-law?”
Lennox’s face remained impassive. “Prince Anderic sent me with a message.”
Of course, he did.He sends his loyal hound instead of showing up himself.I bit back a sigh. How did everyone suddenly know where I lived? Then it hit me - Anderic probably still had me followed. Charming.
“Well?” I prompted. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”
Lennox’s tone took on an infuriated edge as he paraphrased, “Why the hell are you living here? In this… hovel of all places. You’re coming back to the palace with Lennox. Right now.”
I felt my temper rising with each word. Even though I didn’t want to admit it at the time, I’d been waiting- no, wanting- Anderic to come to me after that night in the garden, but he never came. Now, he had the audacity to send his errand boy to deliver unreasonable demands instead?
And how dare he call my cute little apartment a hovel?He should see where I used to live in exile.
“Tell me, Lennox,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet, “does everyone think I’m some kind of doll they can move around at will? First my father, now Anderic?”
Lennox held up a hand. “He anticipated your reaction. So, he told me to let you know that he’s not demanding, merely requesting out of concern.”
Beside me, Laurel unsuccessfully tried to muffle her laughter. I shot her a glare.
“Fine,” I snapped. “Tell your prince that I can do whatever I damn well please, and I won’t be going back to the palace. As for his ‘concern’, he can shove it up his ar-”
Laurel’s hand clamped over my mouth, cutting off my tirade. I tried to free myself, but she was surprisingly strong. Stronger than I anticipated; even I was stunned for a few moments.Damn, what does she eat?
