Page 54 of Lost Heir
I was shocked at the suddenness of my brother’s aggressiveness toward Caelan. As young boys they were inseparable, and he’d always considered Caelan like an older brother. I saw their bond had only deepened over time when they were in the Central Plains. But right now, it felt as if Marcel was severing all their ties. Selene must truly mean a lot to him.
“Marcellus?” Caelan started, surprise evident in his voice.
Marcel turned his attention back to our father. “It seems Caelan has been whispering nonsense into Mother’s ear, hence her audacious reaction and threats. Selene is a free individual, and if anyone,” he glared at Caelan pointedly, “tries to take that away from her, they’ll havemeto answer to.”
I leaned down beside my friend. “Selene,” I whispered. “Come on, stand. You don’t need to kneel before anyone.”
My mother scoffed. “Excuse me?”
“Enough, Derinda!” my father boomed. “Lyanna is correct. We are not the type to abuse our power against those who are weaker than us.”
Slowly, Selene stood on wobbly legs as I supported her arm. Turning to my father, I announced, “Selene is a guest of the Eastern palace. If there’s ever a problem with that, youcan take it up with me. There’s no need to speak to my guests in private.”
“Understood, Lyanna. You can take her back to your palace,” my father said. “You’re all dismissed … except Caelan. Stay back for a moment.”
Marcel and I helped Selene out of the hall. We let out a collective breath when the heavy doors closed behind us.
Viktor's silhouette emerged from the inky shadows, a beacon of concern and loyalty. “Is everything all right, Your Highness?” he inquired, his voice laced with unease.
I managed a small nod, an attempt to convey a sense of calm I didn't feel. “All is well. Thank you, Viktor,” I replied, the lie bitter on my tongue.
“All isnotwell!” Marcel interjected, his gaze sharp. “Did that bastard really tell Mother Selene came from a pleasure house?”
My laughter was hollow, a sound of scorn rather than amusement. “What doyouthink? Of course he did, and I know exactly why.” I met my brother’s puzzled look with a hard stare. “He’s sending me a message. I bet his little spies told him Ronan and I snuck out of the palace and were walking around the capital. This was a warning.”
“Leila?” Selene reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please don’t get into trouble because of me. I’m not—”
“Don’t you dare say you’re not worth it!” I turned to her, my voice fierce. “If anything, you’re caught in the middle of something that has nothing to do with you. This is my fault.”
“I never thought Caelan would go to such extremes,” Marcellus murmured, then frowned. “But … you went to the capital?”
Affirming with a nod, I admitted, “Yeah, I, uh … needed to get out of the palace for a bit.”
“With Ronan?” His eyebrow arched in mild amusement.
“Correct,” I confirmed a bit defensively.
“Right. No problem there,” he mused, a light chuckle escaping him.
“It’s fine!” I insisted, feeling the weight of their gazes. “But … I did hear something strange while we were there.”
“What did you hear?” Selene asked.
I turned to my brother. “Marcel, have you heard anything about a lost heir?”
His demeanor shifted in an instant, and a storm seemed to brew in his eyes. “What of it?”
I kept my tone carefully neutral. “I just learned about it, and it seemed to be a big secret that everyone in Valoria was in on, except for me.”
Marcellus gave a resigned sigh. “From what I understand, some have been petitioning for you to be named the Crown Princess. It died down when you went missing, but now that you’ve returned, the capital is all abuzz with those hoping that Father will change the line of succession.”
I searched his eyes. “And you don’t hate me for it?” I sought assurance, wary of unseen rifts.
Marcel shook his head. “No. Why would I? It’s not like it’s your doing. Truthfully, I’d step down if this was something you’d like to pursue. You know I never wanted to be king.”
His declaration, though generous, left me exasperated. “That’s because you’re lazy, Marcel, but honestly, you would be an amazing king. Don’t give up just yet.”
He sighed. “I guess. It’s not like I have a choice.” Shaking his head, he turned to Selene. “Are you okay, Selene?”
