Page 50 of Destiny Redeemed
“My lady! Oh, I wassoworried!” She flung herself at my bedside, nearly crushing me in a tearful embrace.
I patted her back awkwardly. “There, there. I’m fine, Laurel. No need for the waterworks.”
She pulled back just enough to level a glare at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Youalwayssay that! And yet, Ialwaysfind you at death’s doorstep! I should have been there to protect you!”
I raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly would you have done? Brandished a feather duster at them?”
Laurel’s lips twitched despite her tears. “I’ll have you know I’mquitedeadly with a feather duster.”
I chuckled, then winced as the movement jostled my bruised ribs. “I’m sure you are. Now, enough of this. I need you to look after the business.”
Her face fell. “But my lady, I want to stay and help you recover.”
I shook my head firmly. “Absolutely not. The business needs you more than I do right now. Besides,” I gestured to the lavish room around us, “I’m hardly suffering here.”
Laurel reluctantly agreed, but not before shooting me a watery glare that clearly said, ‘I’m leaving under protest.’ She returned daily, armed with ledgers and business reports, determined to keep me informed even as I recuperated.
Once she was gone, I stared at the ceiling, my mind drifting. Before all of this—before the kidnapping, before Gareth’s betrayal—I had been content with my goals: earn money, secure my family’s future, and prevent our downfall. But everything had changed now. Gareth’s treachery had upended everything. My father, ultimately, had only been a puppet in this game, but if Gareth exposed his involvement, it wouldn’t matter. We would all be ruined.
No, I couldn’t let that happen.
Reaching for the small leather journal by my bedside, I flipped it open and started writing my new goals:
Stop Gareth from revealing my father’s involvement. (I have to find a way to talk to Gareth alone.)
Help Anderic with all my future knowledge to catch the real culprits (and thus, prevent my family’s downfall).
The ink glistened under the candlelight as I stared at the words. A week ago, I never would have imagined I’d be aligning myself so closely with Anderic. But there was no denying it now—our fates were intertwined.
Annalise visited a few times, bringing fabric swatches and dress designs to distract me. Her chatter about the latest fashion trends was a welcome respite from my own thoughts. She was eagerly waiting for Her Majesty to wear her dress.
Queen Felicia, unable to visit personally, sent Lady Amelia to tend to me along with a formal letter:
My dear Lady Ilyana,
I hope this letter finds you recovering well. Please accept my sincerest apologies for not being able to visit you in person. The preparations for the upcoming ball have demanded much of my attention.
I have entrusted Lady Amelia with your care, and I hope you will find her assistance satisfactory. As a small token of my concern, please accept the accompanying gift of chocolates.
May your recovery be swift and complete.
Yours sincerely,
Queen Felicia
The chocolates were divine, I had to admit. I made a mental note to ask her where she got those chocolates from once I was back on my feet.
Sebastian, thankfully, seemed to have exhausted his brotherly concern for the time being and left me in peace.
And then there was Anderic.
