Page 39 of Lost Heir
Chief Aryan's eyebrow arched, a hint of amusement in his gaze. “Is a man not permitted to seek a breath of fresh air? The confines of the hall have become rather … oppressive with all the … strategic discussions underway.” His glance towards Ronan carried an unspoken message, one that seemed to stretch beyond mere words.
“I assure you, Father, everything is handled,” Ronan said. I peered over my shoulder at him with an arched brow.
“I'd hope so,” Chief Aryan remarked, his voice carrying an edge of expectation. “Well … I guess I should return before anyone notices I’m missing.” Turning towards me, he added, “It was a pleasure, Your Highness. I anticipate our paths will cross again soon.” With a final nod, he departed, his silhouette merging with the shadows as he made his way back to the Grand Hall.
Silence enveloped the garden in his wake, leaving me with more questions than answers. “Everything is handled?” I echoed Ronan's earlier assurance, my frown deepening. “You and I both know that's far from the truth.”
Silas’ eyes widened in surprise. “She—sheknows?”
Ronan bit his lower lip and nodded without looking at Silas. “I can’t tell him the truth, Leila. I don’t know what my father would do if he knew. He might even be foolish enough to start a war by kidnapping you from your own home. I can’t take the risk of that happening.”
Frustrated, I ripped the tiara from my head and was about to run a hand through my hair before I remembered it was in an updo. I gave an irritated growl. “I won’t do it, Ronan,” I whispered.
“Wait!” Silas cut between us. “If you know about the fox demon, then you know Ronan’s plan. You won’t stay dead! He’ll bring you back—”
“I know,” I interrupted, narrowing my gaze at Silas. “But I can’t take the risk that something will go wrong.”
Silas stumbled backward, deflated that I’d shot down alltheir plans to resurrect the fox demon. “Then we’re doomed.”
I sighed, the weight of their predicament bearing down on me. “I told Ronan that if we explained to my father what was happening to the Crimson Clan, I’m sure he would help. But—”
“No,” Ronan said. “I’ll figure it out.” His determination, while noble, left us entangled in a complex web of duty, loyalty, and the desperate search for a peaceful resolution.
“What’s going on?” Henry interjected innocently. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
I smiled down at him and squeezed his bony shoulder. “No, Henry, there’s not. Thank you, though. We appreciate your offer.”
“We should return to the festivities before we’re found out here together,” Ronan suggested. “It wouldn’t look good if you’re found with us,” he said with a bit of anger.
I wanted to argue and say I didn’t care, but truthfully, Ididcare. If rumors spread about us before I could lay the foundations of our relationship, it wouldn’t end well for any of us.
“Leila?” someone whisper-yelled. We all turned around to see who was coming. Selene emerged from around the orderly row of bushes, holding up the hem of her maroon dress. “By the gods, Leila!” she said in relief once she spotted me. “Everyone is looking for you. There’s trouble inside the Grand Hall.”
“What?” I frowned. “What’s going on?”
She looked between me and the two Crimson Clan members and whispered, “Someone is claiming you’re not the lost princess. That no proof has been given other than the crescent moon birthmark on your forehead.”
My eyes widened as I gasped. “What? Who would dare make such a claim?”
“From what Prince Marcellus said, it was a prince. Prince…” She furrowed her brows and attempted to remember the name. “Ah! Prince Adler.”
I rolled my eyes and snorted derisively. “Of course it would be Prince Adler.”
“Do you know who he is?” she asked, confused by my nonplussed reaction.
I nodded. “He’s the third prince of Eldwain. One of Caelan’s older brothers.”
“We should hurry. They’re looking for you and if they find you out here … withthem, it won’t look good,” Selene insisted.
“You’re right.” Lifting the hem of my voluminous dress, I turned back to Silas and Ronan. “I have to go and see about this disturbance.”
“We’ll go with you—” Ronan attempted, but I held up a hand to stop him.
“No. If we go in together, it’ll look suspicious,” I said quickly. “Just wait a few minutes after I leave before you go back in.” With hurried steps, I followed Selene out of the garden maze and back to the Grand Hall. I could hear the tumult before the doors were even opened. The instant the sentinels opened the doors, everyone turned to see who had entered. A hush fell over the crowd. “I heard someone was looking for me?” I said loud enough for everyone to hear.
The crowd parted as I walked down the center of the room where Adler was standing in front of the king and queen’s thrones, with Caelan standing protectively in front of my parents. I didn’t think Adler was stupid enough to attack my parents in front of so many witnesses, but I wouldn’t put it past him.
Adler spun on his heels and faced me as Selene and I walked toward him. “Ah, there she is!” he said with a grin. “The girl of the hour.”
