Page 18 of Lost Heir
“Good.” He started toward me again.
Before I had time to react, Caelan took ahold of my wrist, pinned it behind my back, and pulled me flush against his chest. I attempted to push him away with my free hand, but his grip was firm.
“Caelan!” I gasped, surprised he would manhandle me this way.
“Lyanna, why won’t you look at me? Why do you only have eyes for a barbarian like Ronan?” he murmured, his gaze lingering on my lips.
My patience frayed past the breaking point. “Letgo, Caelan,” I insisted, my voice a mix of warning and anger.
“Why?” he whispered, his lips inching closer to mine. “Do you think I don’t know that he’s already touched you in ways he shouldn’t?”
“You don’t know anything!” I retorted sharply, struggling against his grip. “Release me.”
“And if I don’t?” he muttered. His eyes, dark and searching, fixed on mine, seeking an answer that was obvious to everyone but him.
“I am a blood mage, Caelan, and a damn good one, too.” The threat spilled from me, cold and clear. “If you don’t release me this instant, then I won’t apologize for what happens next.”
His gaze pierced me. If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the spot. Before he could speak, the doors to my chambers burst open with a resounding boom.
Someone cleared their throat. “Your Highness?” Viktorcalled out from behind Caelan. I peered over his shoulder to look at my guard. “Is everything all right?”
My gaze shifted from Viktor to Caelan and I grinned. “Everything is perfectly fine. Caelan was just leaving.”
Caelan’s grip on my wrist tightened, no doubt leaving a bruise before he released me with a sneer, taking a step back and putting distance between us. “This conversation is not over,” he whispered before spinning on his heels and pushing past Viktor, nearly knocking him over as he stormed out of my chambers.
Once he was gone, Viktor quickly closed the doors and rushed toward me. “Your Highness, are you okay?” His gaze dropped to my wrist, which already bloomed with Caelan’s fingerprints.
“I’m fine. Thank you for coming in,” I assured him, massaging the tender skin.
“I would have been here sooner, but I was down by the river, meeting with the laundry maids.” He winced. “I should have been here.”
I waved off his concern. “Don’t worry, Viktor. It would have happened at some point. Were you successful, at least?”
He nodded. “I’ve swapped out the current court ladies with new ones, and I sent their promotions to the senior lady-in-waiting with your seal. There shouldn’t be any issues.”
“Thank you, Viktor,” I sighed. “I feel as if I can breathe properly for the first time since I arrived.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” he said. “But …”
I frowned. “But what?”
“Would you like me to send a message to our guest in the Northern palace?” he inquired.
While I appreciated his offer to send a message toRonan, I knew better than to have anything in writing. In the wrong hands, any missive could be used against me. No matter how innocent the contents may be.
I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. I’ll see him at the banquet in ten days.”
“Very well, Your Highness. Before I go, let me introduce you to the lady-in-waiting who will accompany you and handle all your needs. She is a mage warrior—”
Viktor’s introduction of a mage warrior masquerading as a court lady caught me off guard. “A mage warrior?” I echoed. “Wouldn’t becoming my lady-in-waiting be a demotion?”
He affirmed with a solemn nod, his gaze earnest. “Well … yes, it would be. But from my recent observations, Your Highness, I would feel more comfortable leaving someone more capable by your side in case I’m not around,” he said delicately. “Female warriors are rare, and Tessa is exceptional. She readily agreed to be your main lady-in-waiting.”
“Oh,” I managed, the reality of my situation settling in. I knew what he was getting at. With all the danger that surrounded me, I needed more than a mere court lady by my side. I needed a bodyguard.
“Tessa!” Viktor called, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious chamber. “Come in.”
The doors parted and a young woman strode in, dressed in the lady-in-waiting’s customary uniform of sky blue and pink. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight chignon, with silver hair pins as decorations. Tessa approached and stood beside Viktor before offering a deep bow.
