Page 32 of Lost Heir
“I just want to talk,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “I promise.”
I moved out from behind Tessa and nodded. “Go ahead, then. Talk,” I said unflinchingly.
He prowled toward me and stopped a few feet away. “Tomorrow’s the banquet. I don’t know if your father has showed you the guest list, but—”
“He hasn’t and I don’t care,” I cut him off. “Is that why you came looking for me? To discuss the guest list?”
He shook his head. “No. Not really. I just didn’t want you to be surprised when you saw a contingent from Keldara here.”
I frowned. “Keldara?”
Caelan nodded. “Your father invited all who may be important in Asteria, including Keldara.”
I didn’t want to believe him, but at the same time, what was his motive to lie? There was no reason I could think of.
“Fine. Is that all you wanted to tell me?” I said, pretending I wasn’t bothered by his news when I clearly was.
“No,” he answered. “I want you to stay by my side tomorrow. For your safety.”
I scoffed. “My safety? Who would harm me in my own home?” Admittedly,homewas relative, because I hadn’t felt at peace since I’d arrived in Valoria.
“You were the one who told me about the Crimson Clan’s plans. You really think they won’t try something tomorrow night?” he asked incredulously. “Don’t be naïve, Lyanna.”
He was right. Iwasbeing naïve. But I also wanted to believe Ronan wouldn’t let anything happen to me. For that, I needed to put my trust in him.
“I received your message loud and clear.” I looked over his shoulder to see Viktor approaching. “You can go now.”
Caelan furrowed his brows and followed my line of sight, peering over his shoulder to see Viktor. He turned his attention back to me. “If you’re waiting on a certain someone, I wouldn’t hold your breath. His father summoned him as soon as he arrived in the capital, and he hasn’t returned to the palace since.”
I hated how obvious I made my feelings known. If I was going to survive in the palace, I needed to learn to hide them better. I rolled my eyes and looked away. “If that’s all you came to say, you can be on your way …” I offered nonchalantly. As I spun on my heels to leave, Caelan took ahold of my wrist. I whirled around and saw Tessa grip Caelan’s wrist at the pressure point, forcing him to release me.
He glared at Tessa but released me at once. “Tomorrow won’t be easy, Lyanna. Your father thinks it’s a celebration, but the other nations will view it as a power move. You must be careful. You don’t understand everything that’s going on in Asteria—”
“Then explain it to me!” I interrupted hotly. “What do I need to look out for? How can I protect myself?”
His eyes were earnest. “Just stay by my side, Lyanna. I’ll protect you.”
I scoffed. “Of course you will, because that’s what you want: for me to be a wilting flower who’s dependent on you. Sorry to break it to you, Caelan, but that’s not me. I can protect myself.”
His eyes glittered. “You maythinkyou can, but you can’t. You’ve been in hiding so long, you don’t know what your return means to the world.” He stepped closer. “The return of a female Blood Weaver brings a change that no one expected, Lyanna. Your power—”
“A power I don’t even know how to use!” I exploded, instantly regretting my vulnerable protest.
“And it’s best if you don’t,” Caelan admitted. “It’ll keep you safe.”
My mouth fell open in shock. I couldn’t believe what he was saying! Would staying ignorant keep me alive? It was a contradiction. I never asked to be this so-called Blood Weaver; I just wanted a normal life – the one I had before I was discovered. The normal life Sir Edric tried to give me. But now it was gone.
I knew I could no longer stay hidden in the shadows. If I wanted to survive, I needed to be strong. I needed power.
“I won’t hide,” I growled. “So you can forget about it.”
Caelan sighed. “Fine. But at least promise that you’ll try to blend in tomorrow night. Stay by my side for now. Please, Lyanna.”
“I won’t make promises I can’t keep,” I said. “Good night, Caelan.” Gripping Tessa’s arm, I wheeled us toward where Viktor was waiting.
Viktor bowed as we approached. “Your Highness,” hegreeted, then leaned in to whisper. “Sir Ronan is not at the Northern palace. His father—”
“I heard,” I cut him off. “Thank you, Viktor.” And with that, I returned to the Eastern palace to sleep.
