Page 30 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Is everything okay?” Lavine inquired, knowing they were speaking telepathically.

“Of course,” Enatta replied.

“I heard a rumor. Is it true Nicolai Acheron paid you a visit?” Orenda asked.

The rest of the group looked at Enatta with wide eyes and a few hushed gasps.

Enatta smiled proudly and motioned for her goblet to be filled. “It is true.”

“Don’t keep us in suspense. What did he want?” Calantha asked.

“He came by to personally decline our invitation,” Enatta boasted proudly.

“He personally came by to decline an invitation? I don’t believe it.” Lavine chuckled.

“What you heard is true. It seems he has taken an interest in Cadell.”

Enatta has always told larger tales than a bairn whose imagination has run wild,Orenda thought. “What has Cadell done to deserve such an honor?”

“We can’t reveal everything, now can we?” Enatta stated.

“I don’t believe any of our mates have mentioned this?” The ladies looked amongst each other, all of whom agreed with Calantha in way or another.

“Why would they? No one would dare to reveal information when the Acherons are involved.”

Calista opened the door and stepped aside. “Good evening.”

“Good evening miss, my name is Klyn. I’ve come for Sylvana Orfaedo.”

Sylvana took a deep breath and nervously ran her hand down the front of her stomach, as if smoothing out the satin material. “Good evening, I’m Sylvana.”

“Shall we?” Klyn stepped aside and as Sylvana and Calista took a few steps out of the door they stared at the gilded, open roof, carriage and four regal, black stallions.

Sylvana awkwardly pointed between the carriage and the parlor and then stepped back. “One moment, please.” She then grabbed Calista’s hand, pulled her back into the manor, and shut the door.

“What is wrong with you?” Calista chuckled as she stumbled over Sylvana’s foot.

“A carriage? I thought we would ride on horseback?”

“What difference does it make?” Calista replied.

“Calista! I’m being serious. It’s a royal carriage and I am not a member of court. Can you imagine what everyone who sees me sitting in that thing will think?”

“Who cares what they think?”

“I care. They will whisper about me for weeks, and I can only imagine the rumors they will spread.”

“Sylvana, relax. You’re nervous and making something out of nothing.”

“First, you didn’t want me to go at all, and now you’ve changed your mind?”

“Yes. He sent a carriage for you. It says something about Nicolai. Honestly, I thought you would ride Rana.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think it’s safe to assume he wouldn’t send a royal carriage to fetch a bedmate.” She then opened the door and motioned for Sylvana to leave.

Sylvana reluctantly walked out of the door. “I’ll be home later.”

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