Page 23 of Destiny Redeemed
But my reprieve was short-lived.
“Lya, why do you look like an overripe tomato?” Sebastian’s innocent question drew every eye at the table to my face. Even Noah, who’d been steadfastly pretending I didn’t exist, glanced over with mild interest.
Damn you, Sebastian.
“It’s rather hot in here,” I muttered, fiddling with my cutlery.
“Hot?” Sebastian’s brow furrowed. “But it’s been getting quite chilly lately, what with autumn approaching—”
“Sebastian.” I smiled through gritted teeth. “I am feeling. Very. Hot.”
“Oooookay.” His eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline as he exchanged glances with Queen Felicia.
I grabbed my fork, ready to stab something—preferably my food, though Sebastian was making himself a tempting target—when the dining hall doors swung open.
Prince Anderic strode in, golden curls slightly disheveled as if he’d been running his hands through them. His eyes found mine immediately, like lodestones finding true north, and held. That familiar intensity made my breath catch as he moved around the table with fluid grace. Without breaking our gaze, he took the empty seat directly across from me.
“My apologies for being late,” he said, his voice low and smooth as honey. He hadn’t broken our stare, and I found myself unable to look away. The candlelight caught his eyes, turning them to molten gold.
“The tea is getting cold waiting for you, son,” Queen Felicia remarked, amusement coloring her tone.
She’s having way too much fun at my expense.
But Anderic didn’t reach for his cup. Instead, his lips curved into that dangerous half-smile that made my stomach flip. “I’m not particularly interested in this tea at the moment, Mother.”
Why does he have to look at me like that?I wondered, gripping my fork tighter as heat crept up my neck again.
“Why are you talking like that?” My innocently oblivious brother, who was sitting beside Anderic, asked as he stuffed his mouth with a big piece of roasted duck.
He’s eating like he doesn’t get food at home.
“Like what?” Anderic finally broke his stare, turning to Sebastian with that same infuriating half-smile playing on his lips. The candlelight caught in his golden curls, making them gleam like a halo.
Devil in angel’s clothing, more like.
Sebastian shrugged, shoveling another piece of duck into his mouth. “I don’t know. You’re being weird.”
Anderic’s rich laugh echoed through the dining hall. His eyes found mine again, molten gold dancing with mischief. “Maybe Lady Ilyana here would be able to tell us?”
My fingers tightened around the knife. The blade would look so pretty sticking out of his shoulder—not fatal, just enough to wipe that smug look off his face. Instead, I smiled sweetly. “I wouldn’t dare to presume, Your Highness.”
“Oh, but I insist.” His voice dropped lower, sending an unwanted shiver down my spine.
Sebastian had stopped eating—a miracle in itself—and was looking between us with narrowed eyes full of suspicion. I swallowed hard. Even Rosalind had raised an eyebrow, her fork suspended halfway to her mouth. Noah, bless his oblivious soul, continued eating as if nothing was amiss.
Lady Seraphina, however, looked ready to throw her knife. Her eyes shot daggers across the table, no doubt imagining all the ways she could eliminate her competition for Anderic’s attention.
If only she knew I’d gladly trade places.
I searched desperately for an escape, my mind flipping through excuses. The room felt suffocating, the warmth from the candles suddenly stifling. A bead of sweat trickled down my neck.
“Now, now.” Queen Felicia’s melodious voice cut through the tension like a cool breeze. “Stop bothering Ilyana. You’ll scare her away.” She let out a dramatic sigh that would make any theater performer proud. “She barely visits me these days as it is.”
“My deepest apologies, Mother.” But Anderic’s eyes, still fixed on mine, held no trace of remorse. Instead, they sparkledwith something that made my stomach flip. “I wouldn’t want to discourage Lady Ilyana from visiting.”
Why does his voice have to sound like that when he says my name?
I broke eye contact first, focusing intently on the roasted duck as if it held the secrets of the universe. More dishes arrived - a rich mushroom soup, glazed vegetables, and honeyed bread. The aromas wafted across the table, and I breathed deeply, willing my racing heart to slow.
