Page 3 of Destiny Redeemed
When did my life become so complicated that I can’t even be honest with my own brother?
I took a deep breath and launched into my tale, starting with the brooch. About how the brooch belonged to his late mother and he had given it to a young Rosalind and how I’d stolen it from her and pretended to be the girl he gave it to.
Sebastian’s eyebrows shot up, but he remained silent. I plowed on, determined to get it all out.
“And then there was the summer solstice ball. I… I drugged Noah’s wine.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “I wanted him drunk so I could pretend we’d… you know.” I waved my handvaguely, heat rising to my cheeks. “But he passed out before anything could happen. So I just… pretended in the morning.”
I risked a glance at Sebastian. His face was unreadable, green eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made me squirm. The silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable.
“Say something,” I finally blurted out. “Please?”
Sebastian stood abruptly, running a hand through his dark hair. When he spoke, his voice was dry as dust. “Well, now I want to punch both my sister and my best friend at the same time.”
Before I could react, he crossed the room in two long strides and pulled me into a headlock. I let out an undignified squawk as he ruffled my hair, just like when we were children.
“Where in the seven hells did you learn such things, kiddo?” he demanded, his tone caught between exasperation and bewilderment. “And how in the world did Noah fall for such lousy tricks?”
I wheezed, struggling half-heartedly against his grip. “I know, right? How could he be so gullible?”
“Shut up, you,” Sebastian growled, but there was no real heat in it. After a moment, he released me, shaking his head. “Of course, Noah is exactly the type of idiot who would fall for that.”
I smoothed my hair, shooting him a glare that held no real venom. “Are you done manhandling me?”
Sebastian’s expression softened. “I’m not mad at you, Lya. But you need to make this right.”
“I’m trying,” I assured him, rubbing my neck. “I promise I won’t do anything like that again. I was wrong, and I’m doing my best to undo the damage.” I hesitated, then added quietly, “Noah was… very hurt and angry when I told him everything. I haven’t seen him since.”
Sebastian squeezed my shoulder. “I’ll talk to him, smooth things over. But you need to apologize properly, understand?”
I nodded, relief washing over me.
* * *
The sunlight stung my eyes as I stepped out of the palace, head held high despite the whispers that followed like a swarm of particularly annoying gnats. At least the weather matched my mood—bright and defiant.
My maid’s death glares at every gawking noble almost made me smile. Almost.
That day, after my mother left and all hell broke loose, I went straight to my room and slept like a baby. Who knew being burden-free would suit me so much? Even a near-death experience couldn’t shake me enough from my sleep.
And I was back to avoiding Anderic.
Just as Noah had been avoiding me, I had no idea if he knew about the new ‘developments’ in our lovely annulment. I spend a whole week in my chambers, thinking and rethinking everything.
“My lady, that woman just pointed at you and made the sign against evil,” Laurel muttered, shooting daggers at a passing noblewoman who quickly averted her gaze.
“Let her.” I adjusted my cloak. “I’m sure by now the rumors have evolved from ‘scandalous divorce’ to ‘she eats children for breakfast.’”
Laurel’s scowl deepened as we made our way through the bustling streets. “It’s not funny, my lady. The things they’re saying—”
“Are probably all true, depending on which version of my villainous past they’re telling.” I paused at a corner, watching a group of merchants argue over the price of silk. “Now stoplooking like you’re planning multiple murders. Did you find what I asked for?”
Laurel’s expression shifted from murderous to apologetic. “Yes, but… it’s not exactly what you might expect. And there’s a slight problem.”
I raised my brow.
“Well, he doesn’t really want to sell it. The shop has been in his family for generations. It’s practically an heirloom.”
“Let me worry about that. Now, let’s go.”
