Page 112 of A Crown Without Mercy

“It’s a long story, but before I get into it, there is something else you should know.”

“What the hell more can there be?” Venthana chuckled.

“I don’t know how to tell you. I have told no one.”

“You can confide in me. I will never betray your trust.”

Sylvana took a large drink, looked out the doors, and stared off into the distance.

Venthana placed her hand on her thigh. “Tell me, Sylvie. Whatever it is, I am here for you.”

Sylvana looked at her and took a deep breath. “I am a purebred Ascelin,” she blurted out.

Venthana was stunned, and once again struggled to find the right words. She raised the goblet to her mouth and took a much needed drink, unable to comprehend that she was sitting next to someone she had only heard of in legends. She set the goblet on the tray, readjusted herself on the settee, and faced Sylvana. “I am shocked, to be honest. I never really believed rumors to be true.” She then squeezed Sylvana’s hand. “Forgive me, I am being impolite.”

Sylvana smiled. “Please, don’t apologize. I was hoping this would be the extent of your reaction and honestly I feel like my next words should be ‘please don’t tell anyone,’” she joked.

Venthana chuckled. “I’m sorry, but I can’t believe Elsa purposely spilled her drink on a purebred Ascelin. And here I thought I needed to protect you.”

Their chuckling grew in intensity, and they soon found themselves rolling in laughter. “Ohh, that’s a whole other story,” Sylvana managed to say in-between her laughter.

Venthana wiped her eyes. “Sylvie, I don’t think I can take much more.”

Sylvana squeezed her forearm. “Riordan, he—he gifted me her hands in a gilded box this morning.”

Venthana slid off the settee onto her knees and placed her hand over her stomach. “I can’t breathe—I’m done—no more,” she said as she held up her other hand.

Chapter 16

WhenRiordan,Nicolai,andKieran entered the Chamber of the Guild the members took a knee, bowed their heads, and placed their fists over their hearts. “Milords,” they stated in unison.

The brothers placed their fists over their hearts and nodded. “Milords,” they replied.

“It was quite the ceremony last night,” Astaroth stated, as he grasped Tobias’s forearm.

“Yes, it was,” Tobias replied.

“The ladies of the court are rather quiet this morning.” Mordeci chuckled.

“As it should be,” Riordan replied.

“How is Sylvana faring after the altercation?” Rhazien asked.

A slight smile crept across Riordan’s face. “Your sister is with her now.”

“Did I see a hint of a smile and a glint in your eyes?” Astaroth questioned.

Riordan placed his arms around Nicolai’s and Kieran’s necks in a joking manner. “I’m sure you did,” he admitted.

The members of the Guild glanced at each other. It was a rarity to witness Riordan acting in such a lighthearted manner. “I assume you have good news regarding Sylvana?” Astaroth asked.

“Everyone take a seat. We have much to discuss,” Riordan said.

“What news do you have?” Norix asked.

Riordan glanced at Nicolai and Kieran and then turned his attention back to the Guild. “We have taken Sylvana Ascelin as our mate.”

It became so quiet one could hear a leaf fall on the forest floor. They stared at the brothers with frozen expressions; the only hint of emotion was the shock in their eyes.

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