Page 27 of Destiny Redeemed
I kept my face carefully neutral as I considered my response. I may have wanted to help Rosalind before, but that was purelyto save my own hide and my family’s. Nothing more, nothing less. I wasn’t about to risk revealing my father’s involvement now.
“No, thanks,” I said, my voice cool and measured.
Rosalind’s eyes widened in confusion. “But… I thought you wanted to help me?”
I raised a hand, cutting off her protests. “I did want to help you, Rosalind. And I have. I united you with Noah and saved your father from execution. I’ve fulfilled my obligations. Don’t expect more from me.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion. “But—”
“Look,” I interrupted, softening my tone slightly. “I don’t have any animosity towards you. In fact, I’d like us to be friends again. Genuinely this time, no deceit.”
Rosalind nodded slowly, processing my words. “I… I suppose that’s understandable. And I do appreciate all the help you’ve given me so far, even if most of it was cleaning up your own mess to begin with.”
I narrowed my eyes at her, but she continued, “I’m glad we can be friends again. Genuinely this time.”
“Anyway,” I said, unable to resist a little jab, “I was your only friend to begin with. Not like you had many options.”
Rosalind scoffed, crossing her arms. “As if you had any friends before I arrived.”
Ouch. Straight for the jugular.But she wasn’t wrong. I’d been too mean, too focused on my own ambitions to forge any real friendships.
“Did you have to say it to my face?” I grumbled, but there was no real heat behind it.
Our eyes met, and suddenly we both burst out laughing. The tension in the room dissipated like morning mist under the sun.
As our laughter subsided, I decided to throw her a bone.That’s what friends do, right?“Since we’re friends again, let me give you some free advice.”
Rosalind leaned forward, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Oh?”
“Stay away from Lord Callum if you see him.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why? What do you know about him?”
I smirked. “You don’t get full information. That’s why it’s free advice. Just trust me and stay away from him.”
Rosalind stood, smoothing out her skirts. “Fine. Since you’ve said so, I’ll trust you. I guess I’ll see you around.”
As she reached the door, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. “Oh, and Ilyana?”
“What?”
A mischievous smile played on her lips. “I approve.”
I blinked, confused. “Of what?”
“Of you and the prince.”
Heat rushed to my face. “Get out!” I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at her, but she was already gone, her laughter echoing down the hallway.
Chapter 7
I bolted from the palace at first light to avoid both my brother and Anderic, my heart racing as I hiked up my skirts and ran like a thief. The cool morning air nipped at my face; autumn was just around the corner. As I rounded a corner, I skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with my father and Darius engaged in a heated argument.
Just my rotten luck.
“Ilyana D’Arcane!” Father’s voice boomed, his face reddening at the sight of me. “Stop right there, young lady!”
“Sorry, Father!” I called over my shoulder, already in motion again. There would be hell to pay if I stopped. “I’ll catch up with you later!”
