Page 156 of A Crown Without Mercy

He pulled the blanket higher over her shoulders. “You can clean up and dress when we get you back to Cadell’s manor.”

“We are not going to Cadell’s.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We are going home.”

Kadric glanced at Cadell. “Home? Our manor is not safe.”

“I’m talking about the Castle. It is my home now.”

Kadric gently grabbed her arm. “The hell if you are. You are not going anywhere near there,” Kadric stated adamantly.

“You can either go with me or I will go alone,” she replied defiantly.

“Sylvana, we cannot allow it,” Cadell interjected as he stepped forward.

She looked at her father. “Have you seen and spoken to mother?”

“I have. Why do you ask?”

“Did she tell you what to do?”

“She did,” he acknowledged.

“Did you do it?”

“I did and I assume you have also seen and spoken to her?”

“I have.”

“Did she tell you what to do?”

“She did.”

“And you are going to do it, aren’t you?” Kadric asked.

“I am.” She then cocked her head and raised her eyebrow. “Are you going to give me your tunic or am I doing this half naked?”

“Sylvana—” Kadric began.

“Father—” Sylvana interjected.

“Shit. You are as stubborn as she is. I don’t assume there is anything I can say to change your mind?” He removed his tunic and held it up while everyone else diverted their eyes when she dropped the blanket.

“No.” She slid her arms into the large tunic, buttoned it up, tied it in a knot at her waist, and rolled up the sleeves. “I need a moment,” she requested.

“Alaric, Calista, can you hear me?” she asked.

“Calista! Oh my god, are you okay?” Calista asked.

“Sylvana, I hear you,” Alaric replied.

“I need to you to do something, and it needs to be done now.”

“Anything,” Calista replied.

“I don’t have time for this,” Alaric replied, sounding breathless.

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