Page 33 of Destiny Redeemed
“You know something,” Anderic said, his voice low and intent. It wasn’t a question.
I licked my lips, buying time. “Don’t you think it’s a bit… suspicious that Prince Callum personally came here for negotiations? When he, or any other Elentharian royal, has never bothered to do so before?”
Anderic nodded slowly. “What do you know, Ilyana?”
“Nothing concrete,” I said quickly. “I’m just… analyzing the situation based on what I know.”
“Mm-hmm,” Anderic hummed, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Go on.”
I took a deep breath. “You should make sure Prince Callum hasn’t come here for something else. And that he actually leaves today.”
“You mean have him followed?”
“If that’s what it takes,” I said with a shrug.
A small smirk played at the corners of Anderic’s mouth. “Don’t worry, my men have been tailing him since he entered Aetheria.”
We rounded a corner, coming upon the grand entrance hall. Chancellor Darian stood at the bottom of the sweeping staircase, engaged in a conversation with Lord Callum and the rest of the Elentharian convoy.
“Why is Chancellor Darian seeing them off?” I asked, frowning at the unexpected sight. Didn’t he hate the Elentharians? One would think he would avoid them as much as possible since, as a chancellor, he didn’t really need to do this.
Anderic’s voice was dry as dust. “He’s the Chancellor. It’s his job.”
Whatever.
I watched as Darian clasped Callum’s arm, talking very amicably as if he never hated them. Maybe Callum was using Lord Darian this time?
Not my problem.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” I murmured, more to myself than to Anderic.
Before I could think further, a familiar voice called out behind me.
“There you are!”
I turned to find Sebastian striding towards us, looking every inch the noble official in his crisp uniform. My eyes widened in surprise.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted out.
Seb’s lips quirked into a sardonic smile. “Well, nice to meet you too, sister. It’s been ‘such’ a long time since we last met.”
I swallowed hard, trying not to wilt under the intensity of his gaze. I’d managed to dodge him yesterday, but apparently, my luck had run out. The last thing I wanted was to discuss whatever was happening between Anderic and me with my overprotective brother.
Not to mention it was embarrassing too.
“But to answer your question,” Seb continued, his tone deceptively light, “as of yesterday, I’m back in the capital.”
“Weren’t you posted in Tiberix?” I asked, frowning.
“Sebastian has been promoted,” Anderic interjected smoothly. “And we have a meeting to attend.” He turned to me, his golden eyes unreadable. “You should return to your apartment, Ilyana. Lennox will escort you.”
I opened my mouth to refuse, but the twin looks of determination on Seb and Anderic’s faces told me it would be futile. With no room for argument, I nodded reluctantly.
Overprotective assholes.
As they turned to leave, Seb squeezed my shoulder, a silent promise of a conversation to come. I suppressed a shudder, dreading the interrogation that surely awaited me.
Lennox materialized at my side, his face an impassive mask as he gestured for me to follow him.
