Page 15 of Lost Heir
“We cannot keep him prisoner,” my father interrupted. “It would ignite a war with the Crimson Clan. While they would be easy enough to defeat, I will not expose Valoria’s people to danger.”
“But—” my mother attempted.
“But nothing. Marcellus!” he called out. “Release him at once. Send him to the Northern palace to rest and dispatch a messenger with a letter to Chief Aryan, informing him that his son is safe with us. We will also invite him to the banquet to be held in ten days’ time.”
“Of course, Father,” Marcellus gritted between his teeth and quickly stormed out of the Grand Hall, sending one last lingering look at Selene before leaving. Thank the gods my mother didn’t see him. She was still in disbelief at my father’s command.
“There’s always some truth to rumors,” my mother said as she turned her icy glare to me. “Explain yourself, Lyanna.”
With my hands clasped behind my back, I hesitated, unsure whether to be truthful or lie through my teeth. “I—” I croaked, but the words stuck in my throat.
“Enough.” My father sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. “Lyanna, you don’t know everything, much less the truth—”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Father. I knoweverything,” I growled, staring at my parents with a look that could kill a hundred men.
My father jerked back as if I’d slapped him, his eyes widening and his breath hitching. My mother clutched her chest with her handkerchief in hand and I knew she was just as shocked. Her bottom lip trembled.
With one last, searing look, I grabbed Selene’s wrist, spun on my heels, and left the Grand Hall. This was one topic I didn’t want to discuss with them.
At least not yet.
5
Even after stepping out of the Grand Hall, the weight of the conversation still hung heavily in the air around us. Viktor, his posture tense with apprehension, was the first to greet us, his loyalty as evident as his concern.
“Your Highness,” he greeted, bowing deeply, a sign of respect mingled with urgency. “Apologies, but—”
I waved off his concerns before he could finish. “Don't worry, Viktor. I'm well aware of Marcellus's ways. He leaves little room for dissent,” I reassured him, hoping to ease the obvious tension in his shoulders.
He offered a solemn nod, acknowledging the truth in my words, the complexity of court dynamics playing silently between us.
Selene wore a mask of contrition. “Leila … I’m sorry, I should have listened to you—”
“It’s too late for that now,” I snapped, still holding her wrist. I realized I might have been a bit harsh and slowly released her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to … I’m just a bit stressed.”
Selene shook her head. “It’s okay. I understand. I—”
“Not here,” I whispered.
Seeking a semblance of privacy, I glanced around the opulent expansiveness of the palace courtyard. “Is my room still situated in the Eastern palace?” I inquired, the need for solitude pressing.
“Yes, Your Highness. Allow me to escort you both.” Viktor’s tone shifted to one of dutiful assurance as he led the way.
Our path to the Eastern palace was a journey through the heart of Valorian splendor. The palace grounds unfurled like a meticulously designed tapestry, each step revealing more of its intricate beauty. Marble pathways bordered by lush, fragrant gardens guided our way, the air filled with the scent of blooming night jasmine and lavender, a soothing balm to the day's tensions.
Archways carved with effigies of the moon goddess marked our passage, their silvery sheen casting a soft glow under the afternoon sun, a reminder of the divine protectorate who oversaw Valoria. The rhythmic splash of fountains and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze accompanied our silent procession, the natural harmony a stark contrast to the discord we’d endured in the Grand Hall.
The Eastern palace, with its soaring towers and gleaming domes rose majestically against a backdrop of azure sky. Its façade, adorned with crescent moon motifs and celestial imagery, demonstrated Valoria's enduring devotion to the moon goddess. The entrance was flanked by statues of guardian spirits, their faces serene yet vigilant, welcoming us into the sanctuary of the palace's most private quarters.
As we traversed the final stretch, the Eastern palace'sgrandeur enveloped us, its corridors whispering stories of the past, each step taking us deeper into the place I once called home. The walk, a transition from the public spectacle of the Grand Hall to the intimate seclusion of my chambers, was a journey back to myself, away from the princess and back to the person I had become during my years away.
We approached the ornate doors leading to my chambers and Viktor reached forward, pushing them open with a reverence that suggested we were entering a sanctuary rather than mere living quarters. The first thing that struck me was the soft light filtering through the tall, arched windows, casting the room in a warm, golden hue. The air was scented with the subtle fragrance of jasmine and rose, a comforting embrace that welcomed me back to a place I hadn't realized I'd missed so profoundly.
“My room ...” I whispered, Selene’s startled gasp echoing my delight. Stepping inside, my gaze swept over the familiar yet changed surroundings. The walls were adorned with fine tapestries depicting the moon in various phases. An opulent rug woven with threads of silver and blue covered the floor, soft underfoot, leading the way to a large canopy bed draped in gossamer fabrics that fluttered gently in the breeze from the open windows.
“Your Highness, we prepared the chamber for your return,” Viktor said, breaking the silence. “We hoped it would make you feel welcome.”
Clasping Selene’s hand again, I turned to him, a smile finding its way to my lips despite the day's earlier turmoil. “It's more beautiful than I remembered. Thank you, Viktor.”
