Page 135 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Cadell won’t let her step out of line where she is concerned.”

“I hope you’re right.”

The door closed behind them, and Sylvana sighed. “I’m happy it’s over.”

“It wasn’t so bad, was it?” Riordan winked.

“For the three of you, maybe. I thought I was going to vomit.” She chuckled.

Her mates laughed aloud and Nicolai swept her into his arms, spun around and she let out a squeal of delight and tucked her face into the crook of his neck. He set her down and Riordan held her hands and walked backward down the hall. “We wanted to make the announcement prior to the ceremony so you would enjoy yourself.”

“I appreciate it. I’m relieved I won’t have to look at the shock on their faces again.”

“They will move onto more salacious gossip in a couple of days,” Nicolai joked.

Riordan opened the door to his chamber and held it with his palm.

“I have salacious gossip for you,” she said nervously.

“What salacious gossip could you possibly have?” Kieran chuckled as he took a seat.

Sylvana sat on the edge of the bed and twisted her hands together and looked down.

“Sylvana?” Riordan said.

She looked at them with a forced smile. “Promise me you won’t be mad.”

“I suppose it will depend on what you have to say,” Riordan replied.

She took a deep breath and glanced at them. “Go on Sylvana, we won’t be mad,” Nicolai urged.

“Alaric, Calista, and Mira are purebred Ascelins as well,” she blurted out.

The brothers stared at her momentarily and then glanced at each other. “Why have you not revealed this earlier?” Riordan asked.

“Alaric asked me not to.”

“The story Mira told us about her, Alaric, and Calista having a different mother was not true?” Nicolai asked.

“No. They weaved a story for Mira. She is so young they were afraid she might slip and reveal the truth to the wrong person. Not to mention she can be very impetuous.”

“Why does she know about you?” Nicolai asked.

“She overheard mother and father talking. Honestly, I’m surprised she has kept it to herself all this time.”

“We will inform the Guild, but until things settle down, let’s keep this between us,” Riordan said.

“Soo—none of you are mad?”

Riordan walked over and pulled her into his body. “No, darling. We’ve had our suspicions, and Mira’s story was a little far strung.”

“We need to meet with the Guild. What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Riordan asked.

“I’m taking Calista to the gardens to meet up with the girls and watch the games.” She turned around and tugged on the laces behind her back. “Will you untie me? I’d like to change into something more appropriate.”

“I’d love nothing more than to get you naked,” Riordan replied.

She turned back around and slid her hand over his ass. “We should all get naked.”

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