Page 3 of Lost Heir
“Are you unwell?” His concern pierced the morning air, his smile fading as he drew closer.
I mustered a smile, a feeble shield against my worries. “I’m fine, just a bit worried.”
His frown deepened and his hazel eyes scanned my face as if searching for clues. “What’s wrong? Whatever it is, we can solve it, I promise—”
“It’s Selene,” I interrupted, the urgency in my voice cutting through any pretense of calm. “I can’t get ahold of her, and I’m worried. I can’t leave for Valoria without knowing her whereabouts.”
Caelan cleared his throat. “About that … She’s here.”
My brows shot up. “Pardon?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Marcellus bought her last night. It was why he was missing from the battle.”
“Wait. Heboughther, or hefreedher?”
Caelan bit his lower lip and paused before answering. “He bought her,” he clarified.
I felt the blood rush up to my head as if I was upside down. Fury was evident in my heated glare. “Where is he?” I demanded as I attempted to push past Caelan.
“Wait!” He stopped me, his hands going to my upper arms. “If you go to him while you’re still upset, it could turn ugly. Remember his reaction last night? He still needs time to process your return.”
I shrugged off his hands. “I don’t care! He’s not a child anymore, Caelan! You need to stop coddling him as if he still was. This is why he’s so damn spoiled!” I pushed past him, toward where I assumed his tent was located. Going from tent to tent without asking permission, I checked all within the vicinity, barging in on soldiers undressing and doing things I probably should not have witnessed. Finally, I found Marcellus’s tent.
Barging in, I saw him standing on one side and Selene seated on the edge of his cot, looking nervous. “Selene!” I yelled.
She breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of me, but when she started to stand and approach me, Marcel cut into her path.
“What areyoudoing here?” Marcellus asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
I scoffed. “What amIdoing? What areyoudoing?” I shouted. “Did you really buy her instead of freeing her?”
He lifted his chin and peered down at me. “As if I have to answer to you. You’re nothing but a Crimson whore who—”
Just then, Caelan darted past me and slapped Marcellus across the face.
I flinched, surprised by the swiftness of his movements. He glared Marcel down. “Howdareyou speak to your older sister in that manner!” Caelan yelled.
“She is no sister of mine,” Marcel gritted between his teeth, holding the side of his face. “I didn’t peg you as the type to want Ronan’s sloppy seconds.”
Caelan went to slap him again, but I caught his wrist and stopped him. “Enough. His words don’t bother me, and they shouldn’t bother you. They’re nothing but the ramblings of an insecure little boy.”
“How dare you!”
Marcel attempted to step up to me, but Caelan stood in his way. His glare was icy and deadly. “Don’t even think about it,” Caelan warned. “I have patience, but you’re testing it right now.”
“Your Highness,please,” Selene pleaded as she tentatively approached. “She’s my best friend and she’s worried. Please understand!”
I wanted to tell Selene to stop begging him, but I felt as if it would only make matters worse, so I kept quiet.
Marcellus turned his chilling blue eyes towards Selene. She stared back unflinchingly and slowly, Marcel softened his gaze and nodded.
I went around them to Selene and pulled her into an embrace. “What happened?” I whispered into her ear.
She sniffled and clung to me. “Orion came to fetch me, but Madame Rose had already sold me. Orion didn’t stand a chance.”
“Do you know where he is?” When she shook her head, I pulled back. “Okay. As long as you’re okay,” I murmured.
“Of course she’s fine. I would never hurt her!” Marcel yelled indignantly.
