Page 23 of Lost Heir
“But you do,” she finished for me, a soft understanding in her voice. “Did you spend a lot of time with him in the Central Plains?”
“Not really. We only met a few months ago,” I admitted with a snort, the absurdity of the situation not lost on me.
“Would you like my advice, Your Highness?” she offered, her fingers weaving through my hair as she crafted a braid.
I shrugged. “Sure.”
“I think you should be careful,” she murmured, her voice a whisper of caution. “I don’t doubt his feelings for you, but the palace is a dangerous place where secrets are rarely kept in the dark.”
Her words weighed heavily on me, a reminder of the delicate balance I must navigate. “I know. I’ll be more careful,” I promised, a lump forming in my throat.
“Don’t worry. Viktor and I will do our best to protect you, Your Highness,” she reassured me, finishing the braid with a gentle pat on my shoulder.
Rising from the vanity, I watched as she moved to the wardrobe to select the day's attire. “How is Selene?”
“She’s been placed in one of your spare bedrooms here in the Eastern palace. His Highness has not come to visit her,” Tessa informed, returning with a navy-blue dress.
“If he does, turn him away,” I instructed firmly as she helped me into the dress. “He’ll only put her in danger by showing her too much attention.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Tessa and I emerged from the sanctuary of my chambers into the opulent hallway of the Eastern palace, where Viktor awaited with the disciplined patience of a seasoned guard. His posture was a mix of rigid formality and alert readiness.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” he intoned, offering a bow that was both graceful and filled with reverence as we stepped into the corridor.
“Morning, Viktor.” I returned his greeting with a warmth that attempted to bridge the formal distance between us. “Is breakfast being served in the Eastern palace today?”
He shook his head, his expression solemn. “Your mother requests your presence in the dining hall.”
His words sent a flutter of unease through me, stirring a nest of worries. Why would my mother summon me so early? Could she have learned of Ronan's visit last night? The thought was unsettling.
“Relax, Your Highness,” Viktor interjected, his voice a soothing balm to my spiraling thoughts. “She also requested the presence of Prince Marcellus and Prince Caelan.”
“Oh,” was all I managed, a mixture of relief and residual tension coloring my response. “Lead the way.”
The journey from the Eastern palace to the dining hall situated in the heart of the Central palace was an immersive passage through the splendor and history of the royal estate. As we stepped out of the Eastern palace, soft morning light bathed the meticulously maintained gardens in a golden hue, casting long shadows on the dew-kissed flowers and neatly trimmed hedges that lined our path. The air was crisp, filled with the gentle sounds of nature awakening and the distant murmurs of the palace coming to life.
Viktor led the way with measured steps, embodying the solemnity of our destination. Tessa and I followed, our silhouettes gliding over the cobblestone pathways that wound through the garden's heart. The scent of blooming roses and the subtle fragrance of jasmine was suspended in the air, a natural perfume that soothed the senses and momentarily eased the tension of the impending breakfast meeting.
As we neared the Central palace, the architecture transitioned from the Eastern palace's serene elegance to a more imposing, grandiose style. Towering columns and expansive windows adorned the façade, reflecting the early morning light in a dazzling display.
We finally arrived at the dining hall, a room that bore witness to countless family gatherings, political discussions, and the delicate dance of court life. Its doors stood open, inviting yet imposing.
Upon entry, the sentinels announced my arrival with a formality that felt both grandiose and suffocating. Marcellus, Caelan, and Mother were already assembled, the air thick with the weight of unspoken expectations.
“Good morning,” I greeted. I took my place in the chair I’d occupied before leaving Valoria, acutely aware of the dynamics at play, with my mother presiding over us like a matriarch assessing her brood. “Apologies for my tardiness.”
“Nonsense.” My mother dismissed my apologies with a gesture that was both regal and dismissive. “It'll take a while until you adapt to palace life again,” she mused, a hint of something unreadable in her tone. “I had the kitchen prepare your favorites. I heard you still love mooncakes.”
A soft chuckle escaped me at the mention of the pastry. “Yes, I do.”
Just then, the kitchen maids came out with breakfast, setting an array of plates on the table before us. With my mother at the head of the table and Caelan and Marcellus across from me, the three of us waited for my mother to eat first before we dug into our meals.
“I’m sure you missed the comfort of your own home these last ten years,” my mother started. “I wanted to help you get settled in the Eastern palace, but all the ladies I sent were released from service. Were there any problems?”
Her slyness was not lost on me.
Caught mid-bite, I paused, the air charged with tension. To reveal my awareness of her surveillance would be imprudent. I chose my words with care, donning a smile that masked my inner caution. “No, Mother, no problems. I spentthe day yesterday roaming the palace and made friends with some of the ladies in service. I decided to bring them on. I’m sure your ladies could be used elsewhere instead of wasting their time with me.”
