Page 25 of Destiny Redeemed
Anderic’s eyes narrowed as I couldn’t hide the victorious smile that spread on my face. But it fell as soon as Queen Felicia continued.
“And Ilyana, you’ll assist Anderic with the security arrangements.”
Anderic’s face transformed, that infuriating smile returning in full force as he said smoothly, “It would be my pleasure to work alongside Lady Ilyana.”
“Your Majesty, I—I don’t know anything about security,” I protested weakly.
The queen’s kind eyes met mine, brooking no argument. “I trust you’re more than capable of helping Prince Anderic, my dear.”
As the conversation shifted, I sat back in my chair, my head aching. How was I going to survive working closely with Anderic?
I glanced across the table, only to find those golden eyes already fixed on me, a challenge dancing in their depths. His lips curved into a smile that was equal parts promise and something else I couldn’t pinpoint as he mouthed two words that made my stomach turn.
Game on.
I stared at Anderic, freaking out.Game on? What game?A chill ran down my spine as I considered the possibilities. Was he planning some twisted revenge for calling him a coward?For God’s sake. That was a mistake. I didn’t mean it.Or was it—
No. He wouldn’t. Not in front of everyone.
I paled as Anderic winked at me and turned to Her Majesty.
“Mother,” Anderic’s smooth voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “I couldn’t help but notice that Lady Ilyana had left the palace. Perhaps we should formally invite her to stay withus again? It would certainly make our work on the security arrangements more… convenient.”
His sly smile made my stomach churn. I opened my mouth to protest, but Queen Felicia beat me to it.
“What an excellent suggestion, my dear,” she said, her lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile.
“Your Majesty, that’s really not necessary—” I began, but Anderic cut me off.
“Oh, but I insist,” he purred. “We’ll be working closely together. It only makes sense.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m perfectly capable of commuting, Your Highness. My current lodgings aren’t that far.”
“But think of the time we’d save,” he countered, leaning forward. “Every minute counts when planning such an important event.”
“I appreciate your concern,” I said through gritted teeth, “but I’m quite comfortable where I am.”
Lady Seraphina’s voice cut through the tension like honey-coated poison. “I completely agree with Lady Ilyana. It wouldn’t be proper for her to reside in the palace. Also, she shouldn’t have to uproot her life again.” Her saccharine smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Especially given her… delicate situation.”
See? Even this idiot can see my reasons.
But my triumph was short-lived as irritation flared in my chest even though I agreed with her. I knew exactly why she was agreeing with me, and it had nothing to do with my convenience.
“So what?” I snapped, surprising even myself with the venom in my voice.
“What of it?” Anderic added at the same time, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.
Seraphina shrank back, wilting under our combined glares. The silence that followed was deafening, and I suddenly realized every person at the table was staring at me. Sebastian hadstopped eating by then, his knowing look boring into me, disapproval written all over his face as he sat with his arms crossed. I could never fool him. He could always see through me.
I swallowed hard, avoiding his pointed stare. “Your Majesty,” I said, turning to Queen Felicia. “I apologize for my outburst. I truly don’t wish to move back to the palace, despite how that may have sounded.”
Queen Felicia’s lips curved into a small smile. “No need to apologize, my dear. If you’re content with your current living arrangements, there’s no need to change them. As you said, your lodgings aren’t far.”
Relief washed over me, but it was temporary. For the remainder of the meal, I could feel Anderic’s intense gaze boring into me. Sebastian, too, kept shooting me pointed looks, though for entirely different reasons. Desperate to avoid their eyes, I found myself accidentally meeting Rosalind’s gaze. She raised an eyebrow at me, her expression unreadable.
The day keeps getting worse.
I quickly looked away, focusing intently on my plate. The roasted duck suddenly looked far less appetizing as my stomach churned with anxiety.
