Page 73 of Destiny Redeemed
Anderic narrowed his eyes, his relaxed posture tensing slightly.
“Oh, don’t look so alarmed now, dears.” Minerva waved her hand dismissively. “I’ve taken care of it. Such minor inconveniences shouldn’t trouble either of you.”
A minor inconvenience, she said…with a smile.
Minor? I stared at her in disbelief. A dead body was a minor inconvenience? I glanced at Anderic, who was nodding as if Minerva had simply mentioned clearing away some scattered leaves rather than a human corpse. When exactly had I tumbled into this bizarre world where disposing of bodies was considered a “minor inconvenience” for a prominent guild master and the crown prince? Probably around the same time I’d decided time travel and second chances were reasonable life goals.
A sharp screech pierced the air, and I looked up to see a massive eagle diving straight toward us. Anderic casually extended his bare arm as the deadly bird of prey chose the half-naked prince as its perch. The eagle landed with surprising gentleness, talons carefully positioned on Anderic’s skin.
I let out an embarrassing yelp, stepping backward until my shoulders hit the cave wall. Because why would His Royal Highness use something sensible like a pigeon when giant murder birds were so much more practical?
Anderic caught my expression, and his lips quirked upward as he scratched under the eagle’s beak. Minerva, too, seemed amused by my reaction.
“What?” I rolled my eyes defensively. “I’m the normal one here.” I pointed at the massive predator currently being petted like a kitten. “That is not.”
Anderic snorted. “I highly doubt that,” he said, deftly untying a small rolled parchment from the bird’s leg. With another ear-splitting screech that made me flinch, the eagle launched itself back into the sky, powerful wings stirring the air as it disappeared into the morning light.
“Most people use pigeons,” I grumbled, wrapping the cloak tighter around myself.
“Most people aren’t crown princes of Aetheria,” Lady Minerva observed with obvious delight at my discomfort.
Anderic’s eyes scanned the parchment quickly, his brow furrowing. “Lennox is on his way,” he announced, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and resignation. “And unfortunately, when the messenger went to inform Mother, Sebastian found out as well. Apparently, Lord and Lady D’Arcane were quite worried about your disappearance.”
My heart dropped into my stomach. Home was the last place I’d want to go now. And to think I just reconciled with Mother just yesterday. “Oh my God, they must know I was with you.” Panic clawed at my throat, threatening to choke me.
Anderic pretended to think for a moment, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, with your bold display at the ball—”
“I heard about that too,” Lady Minerva piped in, looking far too entertained by our predicament.
“—and since the crown prince is also missing, I can see why they’d jump to that conclusion,” Anderic finished, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
I felt my face heat up, a combination of embarrassment and frustration. “This isn’t the time for jokes, Anderic!”
He laughed, the sound echoing off the cave walls. “If you don’t want me to get punched in the face—and I sure as hell don’t feel like getting punched today—you should probably get dressed.”
I opened my mouth, ready to deliver a scathing reply, when Lady Minerva cleared her throat. “I believe I hear the sound of an approaching carriage.”
My ears perked up, and sure enough, the distant rumble of wheels on gravel reached me. Within seconds, Laurel appearedat the cave entrance, clutching the wall for support. She looked frazzled, as if she hadn’t slept a wink.
“My lady, I’m here,” she gasped out between breaths. “You don’t have to worry. We can go now.”
Then her eyes landed on Anderic’s half-naked form and really took in my disheveled state, wrapped in his cloak. Her eyes widened comically.
“Laurel, did you bring a spare dress?” I asked urgently, trying to redirect her attention.
She kept staring, her gaze bouncing between Anderic and me like she was watching a particularly intense match, her eyes wide.
I shook her gently. “Laurel! This isn’t the time for that. Did you bring a dress or not?”
She snapped out of her daze. “Yes, my lady. I did.”
“Good. Collect my ruined dress. I’ll change in the carriage.” I started moving, my mind racing. “We need to hurry and get out of here before Sebastian arrives.”
I was about to leave when I hesitated, my gaze drawn back to Anderic. His golden curls were still slightly damp, catching the firelight in a way that made him look almost ethereal. I swallowed hard and steeled myself.
“Anderic,” I said quietly, taking a hesitant step toward him.
“I’ll see you later,” I said softly, my heart hammering against my ribs. “And I’ll let you know about the northern mines.”
