Page 20 of Destiny Redeemed
“Ilyana—”
“No.” I held up a hand. “You don’t get to ‘Ilyana’ me now. Where have you been all these days? Did you even once try to find me? To talk to me?” The words poured out like water through a broken dam. Somewhere in the back of my brain, I knew I should shut up, but my mouth didn’t seem to listen. “I waited, you know. Like some foolish maiden in those ridiculous romance novels.”
Did I— did I really say that?
I paused, out of breath from my tirade. Something shifted in his eyes then – a predatory gleam that made my heart stutter. He stepped forward, and I found myself retreating until my back hit the cool stone of the garden wall. His lips curved into that devastating sly smile that had probably launched a thousand swooning fits among the court ladies.
“Were you waiting for me, princess?” His voice dropped to a velvet purr.
A wayward rose petal, pale pink and delicate, carried on the breeze and landed in my hair. Anderic’s eyes tracked its descent, and he leaned closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
“I didn’t realize you were waiting for me,” he murmured, carefully plucking the petal from my hair. “If I’d known, princess, I would have come to you sooner.”
My breath caught in my throat as I stared at his lips, then up into those impossibly blue eyes. My own reflection stared back at me, looking dazed and flushed.
Damn it all to hell. Damn propriety. Damn the rules. Damn me for falling for this stupid, infuriating man. Even when I know he’ll never be mine.
I rose on my tiptoes, my heart thundering in my chest—
“Well, what a delightful surprise to find Prince Anderic here.”
I froze, ice replacing the fire in my veins. I knew that voice - knew it all too well from my past life. Anderic turned, his expression instantly neutral, that perfect court smile sliding into place.
“Lord Callum,” he said smoothly, inclining his head, “how nice to see you again.”
Lord? Lord Callum?If I suddenly didn’t get amnesia, I was sure that’s Prince Callum. Prince Callum Arlenth, youngest grandson of King Maldover of Elenthar. The fight for the throneof Elenthar had probably started by now. He was here to steal the secret technique of making Aetherian steel, a sought-after, highly precious steel only a select few in Aetheria knew how to make. He needed it to use as leverage to win the throne. That was the reason for his visit, at least it was in my past life. I didn’t know if it had changed this time or not.
However, the technique for making Aetherian steel was a highly guarded national secret and not easy to get. The method I knew— stealing basically— and ended up committing treason in the past.
Callum’s gaze flickered between Anderic and me, one perfectly groomed eyebrow raised in question.Ah yes, the classic ‘who is this peasant and why is she with the prince’ look. I’ve seen it before.
“Lord Callum, Allow me to introduce Lady Ilyana D’Arcane,” Anderic said smoothly. The way he said my name, like rich honey dripping from a spoon, did things to my insides I refused to examine at the moment.
Callum’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Your Highness, might I have a word?” His meaningful glance in my direction couldn’t have been clearer if he’d shouted ‘get lost’ at me.
“Whatever you need to discuss, you can say it here,” Anderic replied, his tone brooking no argument. “I trust Lady Ilyana completely.”
My heart did a strange little flip in my chest. Trust? From Anderic? The same man who probably had spies watching his spies? I stared at him, trying to reconcile this declaration with everything I knew about him.
“Very well,” Callum conceded, though his lips tightened slightly. “I wanted to discuss the trade routes between our kingdoms. I’ve already spoken with respective ministries, but some things need your approval.”
“Indeed.” Anderic’s voice remained pleasant, but I caught the slight edge beneath it.
I was confused. Did Anderic really not know Lord Callum’s real identity? A naturally meticulous and suspicious person like him should have already known his identity. Or was he pretending?
They continued their delicate dance of words, each statement weighted with hidden meanings. But nothing too useful for me to notice. I’d played this game before - in my past life, I’d excelled at it. Now, watching them, I felt relief that I no longer had to participate.
“About the Aetherian steel shipments,” Callum said finally, “there are some logistical matters that require attention.”
“Come to my study tomorrow at noon,” Anderic replied. “We can discuss the details then.”
“Excellent.” Callum’s face brightened suddenly. “Oh, and one more thing - I encountered the most enchanting lady in the palace earlier. Chestnut hair, the most delicate features…”
Oh no. No, no, no.I fought the urge to slam my palm against my forehead. Of course - how could I forget that Prince Callum was Rosalind’s third admirer? That’s why I decided to side with him. He wanted Rosalind, and I wanted Noah.
Before Anderic could speak, I jumped in. “That would be Lady Rosalind. She’s currently residing in the palace.”
Callum’s eyes lit up like a child receiving a midwinter gift. “Lady Rosalind,” he repeated, savoring the name. “How fortunate. Thank you, Lady Ilyana.”
