Page 57 of Lost Heir
Noticing the turmoil within me, Ronan’s grip on my arms softened. “Leila?” he said softly, his eyes searching mine. “Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. I'mnot afraid of Valoria’s judgment or what anyone else thinks. My only fear is losing you.”
His words, sincere and fearless, sparked a courage within me I didn't know I possessed. “Ronan,” I whispered, “I … I'm scared. Not of being with you, but of what the world will say when they find out about us. Of the wedge it might drive between my family and me.”
He lifted my chin and forced me to meet his gaze. “Leila, love is a force far stronger than any prejudice or opposition we might face. If we stand together, there's nothing we can't overcome.”
Viktor, who had been a silent witness, finally spoke up, “Your Highness, if I may, your happiness is what truly matters. Those who care for you will see the truth of your hearts.”
Ronan nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And if Caelan or anyone else tries to harm you or tarnish your name, they'll have to answer to me.”
I looked between Ronan and Viktor, their unwavering support forming a shield around me. It was then I realized that whatever battles lay ahead, I wouldn’t face them alone. With newfound resolve, I turned my attention back to Caelan, who was slowly regaining his bearings, his face a mask of confusion and fury.
I stepped forward, mustering as much dignity as I could while still wrapped in a bed sheet. “Caelan, this ends now. My heart belongs to Ronan, and nothing you say or do will change that. If you have any respect left for the friendship we once shared, you'll stop this madness.”
Caelan scowled angrily. “You don’t knowwhatyou want, Lyanna. You’re obviously confused!”
“No,you’rethe one who doesn’t know,” I said calmly. “Leave now, before I truly feel like ending you.”
Dusting himself off, he stormed out of the Eastern palace just as Henry crept inside. “Miss Leila?” he whispered as he took in my disheveled room. “Are you okay?”
I tightened my grip on the sheets wrapped around me and gave Henry a reassuring look. “Everything is fine, Henry. I’m sorry if we woke you up.”
He shook his head. “Do you … do you want me to follow him?” he offered quietly.
“No,” I said adamantly. I had no desire to put the child in any danger. “Caelan is unstable and dangerous. I don’t want you anywhere near him.”
“She’s right, Henry,” Ronan concurred. “I know you want to be Leila’s spymaster, but some things are best left alone.”
Henry nibbled his lower lip. “Okay.” With a nod, he turned and headed back to his room.
Once he was gone, I looked at Viktor. “Keep an eye on him. I don’t trust that Henry will leave it alone.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Viktor bowed and exited my room.
Alone now, with the silence of the night wrapping around us, I turned to Ronan. His presence was a comforting constant in the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded. The room felt smaller somehow, the echoes of the confrontation still lingering in the air.
“I think it’s best if you return to the Northern palace,” I said, avoiding eye contact. “Everything’s about to change.”
He nodded. “Why don’t I have lunch with you here in the Eastern palace tomorrow? If we come out in the open before Caelan says anything, it’ll be less scandalous.”
“You’re right.” I nodded. “Let’s do that.”
With those final words, Ronan leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. Slipping back into his shirt and shoes, he left and closed the door with a soft click.
18
Breakfast the next morning was a quiet affair. A little too quiet, if I really thought about it. My mother didn’t offer any snarky remarks or comments about what happened in the Grand Hall last night; nor did either of my parents question me about Ronan, which I fully expected, given how angry Caelan was last night when he stormed out of my room. I expected him to go running straight to my mother to tell her what happened. But everyone was so …calm. It was unsettling. Luckily Caelan wasn’t here to fuel the flames.
I cleared my throat and turned to where my father sat at the head of the table. “I have a request.”
He nodded. “Sure. What is it, Lyanna?”
I bit my lower lip and said the words in a rush before I could chicken out. “I want to learn blood weaving.”
The already quiet dining hall turned deathly still. Marcellus was the first to break the tension.
“Blood weaving?” he repeated. “I’ve never heard of that. I want to learn, too!” he said giddily.
I rolled my eyes. “You want to learn, yet you have no idea what it is?”
