Page 38 of Lost Heir
He lifted his head from my mid-section and grinned up at me. “I’ve been with Silas,” he announced proudly, showing a bright smile that was missing several teeth.
I brushed the hair back from his face and kissed the top of his head. “Your teeth!” I giggled.
He nodded with a laugh. “My baby teeth are falling out.”
I hugged him even tighter and took in his freshly bathed scent. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
Ronan and Silas approached and answered my question. “We smuggled him in,” Silas admitted. “It’s nice to see you again … Your Highness,” he said with a bow.
I bit my lower lip, feeling awkward around Silas. The last time we saw each other was on the battlefield after Ronan had been taken hostage. It wasn’t on good terms.
“No need for formalities,” I murmured. “It’s nice to see you as well.”
“Are you getting married?” Henry asked, gaping up at me while hugging my stomach. “That prince doesn’t seem like a very nice person,” he admitted with a frown.
“Don’t worry, Henry.” I met Ronan’s eyes. “I would never marry him.”
Ronan snorted. “As if you’ll have a choice. You heard your mother when—”
“My mother does not dictate who I get to marry,” I interrupted. “I’m no longer the same princess I was ten years ago.I’min control of my life. No one else.”
Ronan gritted his teeth and looked away, running a hand through his long, dark hair. “Leila, I can’t—”
“I know,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Just … relax.”
“Is … is everything okay between the two of you?” Silas glanced between us. “The last time I saw you together, you were boiling his blood.”
Henry released me and darted his eyes between the three of us, wholly confused. Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my neck.
“That was a … misunderstanding,” I muttered sheepishly, “that has since been resolved.”
Silas, still unsure, continued to look between me and Ronan. “Well … I guess that’s good.”
I chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah …”
Henry grabbed my hand and then Ronan’s, bringingthem together. “You two should get married,” he said innocently as he clasped our hands together. “Then you can both adopt me. Right, Miss Leila?”
My mouth fell open, and I looked away to hide the tear that slid down my face. I quickly wiped it away and turned back to Henry with a watery smile. “That would be ideal.” I brushed his hair back with my free hand.
“Yes … it would be,” Ronan said to Henry, but his crimson gaze was locked on mine.
“Ronan—” My words faltered, cut short by an unexpected interruption. The sound of someone clearing their throat echoed behind us, a signal that our solitude had been breached. Ronan and I disentangled ourselves and turned to face the newcomer.
With a start, I realized it was Ronan’s father, Chief Aryan of the Crimson Clan. His presence was commanding and imposing. The resemblance to Ronan was unmistakable—those same piercing crimson eyes set beneath furrowed brows; long, dark hair that cascaded down his back, braided at the sides in a show of tradition and strength. His skin, a canvas of intricate crimson tattoos, spoke of battles fought and victories claimed. Adorned in battle leathers that hugged his muscular frame, he bore the aura of a warrior born, albeit unarmed as per the palace's strict regulations regarding weapons.
“Well, look who we have here!” Chief Aryan announced, stepping forward with a confident swagger that filled the space between us. His hand instinctively reached for a sword that wasn't there. All weapons had been taken at the gate. “Your Highness,” he greeted with a stiff bow. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
I felt Ronan’s presence behind me in a protective stanceas his father held out a hand for me to shake. Tentatively, I took it and his grip tightened on mine in a knowing manner. “The pleasure is all mine,” I managed, even as his grip intensified, signaling a challenge rather than a mere formality.
The moment stretched, charged with unspoken tensions, until he finally released me, a wide grin unfurling across his features. “I’ve heard much about you from Ronan. A healer, is that right? I heard you’re among the best in the Central Plains. No surprise, given your blood mage heritage.”
I mustered an awkward smile, downplaying the compliment. “I wouldn’t go that far, but thank you.”
“Oh, don’t be modest, Your Highness. Little Henry hasn’t stopped raving about you since he came to the Grasslands.” His gaze drilled into me, carrying infinite layers of meaning. “Although I will say I’m a bit disappointed that you didn’t come visit us when you were relatively still unknown. We would have welcomed you in the Grasslands with open arms.”
I swallowed the snort that threatened to escape. “Right,” I murmured, my voice laced with skepticism I couldn't fully hide. I was sure they would have welcomed me … and then they would have sacrificed me to the fox demon right after. Except he didn’t know I knew the truth. At least, I didn’t think he did.
“Father.” Ronan emerged from behind me, his tone laden with a blend of surprise and caution. “What brings you here?”
