Page 29 of A Crown Without Mercy

Sylvana reluctantly followed, all the while second guessing her decision to go. Maybe Calista is right. This suddenly feels like a bad idea.She reached out and grabbed Calista’s shoulder. “Wait, maybe there is some truth to what you have been saying. What if any of it is true?”

“I’m sure it will be fine. I’m just nervous for you is all. I never expected one of us to get a royal invite.”

“You’re back stepping on your words and it’s not comforting.”

“Sylvana, it will be fine. Just don’t fall head over heels in love with him tonight,” she joked.

“Falling in love with him is the furthest thing from my mind. Honestly, I really don’t know what I’m doing?” Sylvana chuckled.

Chapter 5

Theladiesweremeanderingthrough the gardens, each angling for a bit of salacious gossip, boasting about their wealth, their mates’ newly gained titles, and assassinating the reputations of those who had crossed them.

Calantha was sitting on one of the marble benches beneath an old wisteria vine with a group of ladies and noticed Enatta headed in their direction. “Here she comes.”

Orenda Cynfadel smiled and nodded. “Good evening, Enatta.”

“Orenda, I hope you’re enjoying yourself,” Enatta replied.

Orenda nodded and smiled. “It has been a wonderful evening. Please, join us.”

They adjusted themselves, allowing enough room for Enatta and her friends to take a seat. “How’s Jorin?” Enatta asked. “I heard he’s taken a position as a royal guard?”

“Tis true,” she said. “In no time at all, we shall belong to the court,” Orenda replied.

“That’s wonderful news,” Lavine replied.

Calantha glanced around the large group and then tipped her goblet toward Enatta. “Enatta, how’s Laurent? I noticed he and Miriam Orfaedo are enjoying each other’s company this evening.”

“Yes, they spend a great deal of time together.”

“I’m surprised you allow it? We didn’t know you were fond of the Orfaedos? When did that happen?” Lavine questioned.

“She’s quite the young lady,” Enatta replied with a coy smile.

“Aren’t you concerned she will damage Laurent’s reputation amongst the elite?” Calantha asked.

Oh, they have no idea,Enatta chuckled to herself before responding. “No, quite the opposite. I think you will all be surprised.”

“Surprised? Well, do tell,” Orenda said.

“In due course, all will be revealed.”

“You must tell us? The Orfaedo girl’s reputations have been soiled since their mother’s disappearance. What has changed?”

Just as Enatta spoke, Cadell approached her from behind and placed a firm hand on her shoulder. “Ladies,” he said as he acknowledged them with a slight nod and kissed Enatta’s cheek.

She placed her hand over his and smiled at him. “Is there something you need?”

“No. I wanted to make sure you and your ladies are enjoying your evening.”

“We are. Thank you, my love.”

Cadell looked at Enatta and spoke telepathically.“I hope you remember what I said to you about Mira?”

“I haven’t revealed a thing,”she replied.

“Good. Make sure you keep it that way,”he said sternly, before acknowledging the ladies with another nod as he walked away.

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