Page 24 of Destiny Redeemed
Don’t look at him. Don’t you dare look at him.
The tension in my shoulders eased slightly as Anderic remained blessedly silent. Queen Felicia’s melodious voice filled the air, punctuated by Sebastian’s enthusiastic chewing. I answered the royal couple’s occasional questions with carefully crafted politeness, all while hyper-aware of Anderic’s gaze burning into me.
Perfect,I thought as the conversation lulled.Time to set my plan in motion.
“Your Majesty,” I said, smiling at Queen Felicia. “I couldn’t help but wonder—when will the Founding Day celebrations take place this year?”
I tried not to look too eager as I awaited her response. The annual festivities were always accompanied by a grand ball—the perfect opportunity to debut that stunning midnight blue gown from Magnolia. My mind was already racing with possibilities when King Arnald’s deep voice cut through my planning.
“Actually, we’ve been considering canceling it this year,” he said, clearing his throat. “Given the recent…unpleasantness.”
My heart sank. My carefully laid plans crumbled like a house of cards.No, no, no. This can’t be happening.
“Indeed.” Queen Felicia nodded solemnly. “We cannot risk any more attempts on people’s lives.”
I opened my mouth, scrambling for a way to salvage the situation, when Rosalind’s voice cut through the silence.
“If Your Majesties would permit me to suggest,” she began, her voice soft but firm, “perhaps canceling would send the wrong message. I believe we should proceed with the Founding Day celebrations as planned. Continuing the tradition will show strength in the face of adversity—and present a united front to our enemies.”
I could kiss you right now, Rosalind.
I jumped on the opportunity. “I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Rosalind,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “In fact, why not take it a step further? For the ball that follows, you could open the doors to everyone in the capital. It would send a powerful message that we aren’t cowering in fear.”
King Arnald stroked his beard, nodding thoughtfully. “That’s… actually quite a good idea.”
Queen Felicia also nodded. “Yes, I agree. And I suppose you’d like me to wear the dress from Magnolia,” she said, her sharp eyes focusing on me.
Nothing escapes her eyes.
I gave her an awkward smile. “Only if you want to.”
Queen Felicia took a sip from her cup. She seemed to be warming to the concept as well, but Anderic’s smooth voice cut through the moment of triumph.
“And what of security?” he asked, his golden eyes fixed on me. “Gathering so many people in one place could be disastrous if there’s another attempt.”
Sebastian nodded, his eyes calculating all the risks. For all his jovial nature, he was not a fool. Growing up in a noble household, he was no stranger to strategies and court politics. “He’s got a point, Lya. It could be a slaughter if we miscalculated even a bit.”
I shot my brother a withering glare.Traitor.
“I agree with Sebastian and Anderic. We could very well be walking into a trap. Though the ideas of Lady Rosalind and Lady Ilyana are very sound, they’re just not feasible right now.” Noah spoke up for the first time.
Even King Arnald nodded in agreement.
Guilt gnawed at me. My meddling had already changed so much—what if I was inviting disaster? But the thought of missing this opportunity… I steeled myself and met Anderic’s gaze.
“You’re in charge of the Elites, aren’t you?” I challenged. “Surely you can devise proper security measures. Last time, we were caught off guard. This time, we’ll be prepared.”
Anderic’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a steely resolve that sent a shiver down my spine. “I’ve already considered every possibility,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s precisely why I’m saying it’s not feasible.”
I crossed my arms, mirroring his posture. “So what do you want to do? Sit there like a coward?”
The words left my mouth before I could stop them.Shit.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. Anderic’s blue eyes darkened to a stormy midnight sky, and I was sharply reminded why I’d always been terrified of him. The dining hall fell silent, save for the silver cutlery on the ceramic plates of Sebastian and Noah as they continued to eat. They grew up with Anderic; obviously, they weren’t scared of him harming them. But that couldn’t be true for me, even with all these growing feelings between us. Right? He was, after all, one of the reasons for my downfall in the past.
Even King Arnald seemed entertained, swirling his wine as he watched us with great interest.
Queen Felicia’s melodious voice broke the tension. “I believe both suggestions have merit,” she said smoothly. “We’ll proceedwith the celebrations and ball as Rosalind and Ilyana suggested. Anderic, you’ll be in charge of security.”
