Page 55 of Lost Heir
Her response was timid, a mere murmur. “Yes, I’m fine, Your Highness.”
“Good, good.” He nodded. “Listen, if anything like that ever happens again and Lyanna’s not around, I want you to come to the Western palace.” He eyed her carefully. I could tell from the worry frowns on his forehead that he was concerned for her safety.
“She’ll be well taken care of in the Eastern palace,” I reassured them both. “Nothing like this will ever happen again. Rest easy, brother.”
Marcellus nodded before taking one last look at Selene and heading back to his palace.
After he disappeared, I turned my attention to Selene, who was wringing her fingers nervously. “I know Marcel already asked, but are you really okay?”
She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Truly.”
I sighed. “It’s okay if you’re not, Selene. What you just went through … Well, I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now.”
“Your mother didn’t mistreat me … she just asked a lot of questions,” Selene whispered as she leaned into me. “She asked me questions about you and Ronan.”
I furrowed my brows. “What?”
Selene nodded. “I found it odd that the instant you arrived, she brought up where I came from, because we weren’t talking about that at all.”
I nervously nibbled my lip and wondered out loud. “She’s in league with Caelan. I just know it. She jumped at the chance of a marriage alliance … butwhy? What does she gain from it?”
“I don’t know, but she hounded me for an hour and was getting frustrated when I couldn’t answer. I think shebelieves I was protecting you, but truly, Leila, I don’t know whatisgoing on between you and Ronan.”
I exhaled loudly. “Maybe that’s for the best.”
“Just be careful … he’s still from the Crimson Clan.”
Her worries were warranted, but in the same token, no one outside the Grasslands knew what was going on between the Crimson Clan and Keldara. If they did, they probably wouldn’t think they were such a threat.
“Come on, let’s head back. Henry is probably worried.”
17
The Eastern palace was shrouded in darkness when we arrived, the only light coming from flickering torches that lined the stone walls. To my surprise, Ronan was waiting for us with Henry by his side.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, noting the slight tension in Ronan's posture.
“You left the mooncakes with me,” he said, holding up the box. “I thought you wanted to share them with Selene and Henry.”
“I do,” I replied, taking Selene's hand and leading her towards them.
Ronan's gaze flickered between us before he spoke again. “Is everything okay?”
I forced a smile and tried to ignore the knots in my stomach. “It will be.” I turned to face Henry and raised an eyebrow at the young boy. “And what areyoudoing up so late?”
Henry squirmed beside Ronan. “I heard some commotion and came out to investigate,” he admitted sheepishly.
I ruffled his hair fondly. “Come on, it's time to go back to bed now. Everything is under control.”
“Can I at least have a mooncake before bed?” he pleaded, his eyes wide and hopeful.
I laughed. “Of course. Selene, would you mind escorting young Mr. Henry back to his room?” I asked, gesturing towards their direction.
Selene nodded, her eyes cautiously meeting Ronan's before she led Henry back inside.
Once they were gone, I took Ronan's hand and pulled him into my bed chamber, shutting the door behind us. “You're becoming bolder,” I commented dryly. “Did anyone see you come here?” My heart raced at the thought of being caught together, but I couldn't resist him any longer.
“I was careful,” he whispered.
