Page 49 of Destiny Redeemed
“Speaking of Anderic,” he began, his tone cautious.
“We weren’t speaking of Anderic,” I cut in quickly.
He ignored me. “I’ve noticed you two have been… closer lately.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Closer? What are you implying, dear brother?”
Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, a habit he’d had since childhood when he was nervous or frustrated. “I’m not implying anything. I’m just… concerned.”
“Concerned about what, exactly?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
He sighed. “Lya, you know how dangerous it is to get involved with royalty. After everything that’s happened—”
“I’m not getting involved with anyone,” I snapped. “And even if I were, it’s none of your business.”
“It is my business when it affects you, my family!” Sebastian’s voice rose. “After everything that happened with Noah… I can’t bear to see you hurt again.”
A pang of guilt shot through me. I knew he meant well, but I didn’t want to openthatparticular Pandora’s box now.
“Seb, I appreciate your concern, truly,” I said, softening my tone. “But I’m tired. It’s been a long few days, and I really need to rest.”
I pulled the blanket up to my chin, hoping he’d take the hint.
Instead, Sebastian narrowed his eyes, stubbornness settling over his face like a storm cloud. Without warning, he grabbed the blanket and yanked it down.
I gasped. “Sebastian!”
“You’re not dodging this conversation, Lya.”
I grabbed the blanket and pulled it right back up. “Watch me.”
He yanked.
I yanked harder.
The ridiculous tug-of-war continued for a solid five seconds before I finally gave him my best glare. “Are you seriously fighting a recovering patient over a blanket?”
Sebastian huffed but—miraculously—let go. “Fine. You win. But this conversation isn’t over.” He pointed a finger at me, full of older brother authority. “We will talk about this.”
I gave an exaggerated yawn. “Mmm, looking forward to it. Goodnight, Seb.”
He let out a long-suffering sigh and finally stepped away. The door clicked shut behind him, and I exhaled in relief.
Victory. For now.
As I lay there in the dim candlelight, my thoughts drifted back to Anderic—the way he had looked at me earlier, the words he hadn’t said but had been there, lingering between us. A part of me wished hehadsaid them.
I shook my head, forcing the thought away. It didn’t matter. Itcouldn’tmatter. There were bigger problems to deal with—specifically, what to do about Gareth.
And yet, as I closed my eyes, a single thought refused to be silenced.
What if…
* * *
The next few days passed in a blur of sleep and hazy wakefulness. I drifted in and out of consciousness, my body demanding rest to heal itself.
Laurel burst into my room on the second day, her eyes red and puffy, and fixed me with a watery-eyed glare that was equal parts relief and accusation.
