Page 25 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Oh, didn’t you get word? I’ve asked Miriam to stay. We are entertaining tonight, as you can see.”

“That’s generous of you to invite her, but we would like her to come home,” Sylvana said.

“You would rather she sit at home with the pigs and cows than mingle with royalty?”

Sylvana coughed under her breath and side eyed Calista. “I didn’t know you belonged to the Acheron’s court.”

Calista raised an eyebrow. “When did that happen?”

“I’m sure your father would allow her to stay, but I’ve heard he has disappeared—again,” Enatta snarked back.

“She’s not your bairn. Please fetch her,” Sylvana said sternly.

“Someone needs to look after her. Your father is missing, your mother is dead, and the way the two of you fail to look after her properly is simply shameful.”

Sylvana stepped forward, but Calista grabbed her forearm and squeezed. “Milady, we need you to fetch Mira,” Calista stated.

“I will do no such thing.”

“Sylvana,” a smooth voice said from behind.

Sylvana’s and Calista’s heads spun towards the voice, and Enatta’s eyes widened when Nicolai appeared behind the girls.

“Milord,” the three of them stated in unison, along with a courtesy.

Enatta stepped to the side and opened the door fully. “Milord, will you be joining us tonight?”

Nicolai stepped between Sylvana and Calista and walked into the expansive parlor. Sylvana’s pulse quickened, and she held her breath when she noticed how Calista looked at her when she saw Nicolai slide his hand across her lower back.

Sylvana and Calista were still standing at the entrance when Nicolai looked back. He then looked at Enatta. “Are you going to invite the girls in, or don’t they suit you?”

Enatta motioned to the girls and smiled. “Please, girls, do come in.”

Nicolai wandered through the parlor, slid his hand across the back of the large chaise lounge, and studied his surroundings. They all turned when they heard the sounds of Mira’s and Laurent’s voices coming down the hall. Laurent stopped mid-stride when he saw Nicolai and Mira ran into his back, causing the two of them to stumble. They glanced between Enatta, Sylvana, Calista, and Nicolai before Laurent spoke up. “Milord,” he stated politely.

Mira stood at Laurent’s side and curtsied. “Milord,” she stated with a larger-than-life smile.

Nicolai looked at Laurent and Mira before addressing Enatta. “I heard part of your conversation earlier. It seems you have over stepped you place where the child is concerned.”

“Milord, I was simply inviting the girl to stay and enjoy herself for the evening.”

Cadell walked in and was a taken-a-back to see Nicolai standing in his parlor. “Milord,” he stated, as he crossed one arm over his chest and placed his fist over his heart. “What brings you here?”

“Are you the lord of your manor?” Nicolai asked.

Cadell tilted his head to the side. “Yes,” he replied, sounding confused.

Nicolai nodded his head in Mira’s direction. “It seems your mate is making decisions for the young girl which are not hers to make.”

Cadell looked at Enatta and furrowed his brows. “What seems to be the problem?” he asked, as he looked at Sylvana and Calista. “Is everything okay, girls?”

“Yes, milord. We came to fetch Mira.”

Mira looked at Sylvana and Calista with pleading eyes and motioned with her hand for one of them to come to her. Sylvana walked over and kneeled before her. “Please, Sylvie, let me stay.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, Mira.”

“But Enatta gave me a beautiful dress.” She walked in a slow circle and held out the sides of her dress. “Please, everyone is going to be here,” she pleaded.

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