Chapter 24: Another Suspicious Invitation
Nadeira walked into the great hall as if she owned it, even though she knew she didn't.
She kept her steps light on purpose, and held her chin high. The guards by the door kept exchanging looks and made faces, but she ignored them.
'They better not be planning another public execution…' Nadeira thought to herself.
The king was sitting at the end of the long chamber, with his crown tilted slightly, as if even it couldn't stand his head.
His smile was thin.
And right beside him sat Levius. His grin was wider than the sea, but it wasn't friendly.
It was the grin of a man who saw an ant crawling across his hand and wondered how much fun it would be to squash it.
Nadeira didn't slow her steps. 'Law is law,' she reminded herself. No matter how much she hated them, she had to follow it.
The king spoke first. His voice rolled across the hall. "Lady Nadeira."
She bowed, though her teeth clenched. "Your Majesty."
"You have done something very unusual," the king continued. His eyes narrowed, but his smile didn't vanish. "You rescued children from the Baron's mansion. You exposed wickedness. You returned them to their families."
Nadeira folded her arms. "Someone had to."
The king leaned forward. "Which is why I invite you to my council."
Nadeira blinked. For a moment, she wondered if her ears were broken. "Your… council?"
"Yes," the king spoke so fast and smoothly. "Where your father is serving."
That was no compliment. Her father's history was tangled with this throne. To sit in that same chair… no, something smelled wrong.
"I reject," she replied flatly.
Levius chuckled. "Reject? As if it were an apple at the market? You cannot just reject it."
Nadeira turned her glare on him. "Watch me."
The king raised a hand, silencing Levius. "I insist," he said calmly. "You have proven yourself. After rescuing the children, I see you in a different light."
Nadeira rolled her eyes. "Different light? Or is it just easier to keep me close so you can watch me?"
The king didn't flinch. "Tomorrow, you will join our meeting."
"No," she snapped.
"Yes," he said again.
The energy between them grew weirder. Something was wrong. She could feel it crawling over her skin. Her instincts never lied.
She bit her lip. There was only one trick she could use. She let her eyes well up with tears.
Everyone in the hall stiffened. The guards looked at each other. Levius raised his brows. The king leaned back in surprise.
Nadeira made the tears fall harder, sobbing loudly. "Oh no! I am so sad!" she wailed. "If only…someone…would come and comfort me!"
It was awkward…Painfully awkward…
The king blinked. "What are you doing?"
Nadeira sniffled dramatically. "Crying."
Levius muttered, "That's crying?"
She ignored him. She waited. She waited for the pull of the bond. For the three princes to storm in.
For Caspian to appear and drag her away. But nothing happened. The hall stayed silent.
Her heart sank, 'bastards…where are they now?'
The king moved his hands. "Strange girl." His tone dropped lower. "If you wish to keep that mansion where you now reside, you will come to the council tomorrow."
"The mansion?"
"Yes," the king glared at Nadeira like she was some street dog. "It was built without full approval. Illegally. If you wish it to remain yours, you will attend."
Her hands balled into fists at her sides. That house wasn't just bricks. It was the only home she had. The only place that belonged to her and them…
She swallowed hard. "Fine. I'll come."
"Good," the king nodded.
She spun on her heel and stormed out, her nails dug into her palms.
When she reached the garden, the cool air hit her face. She tried to breathe it in, but it didn't calm her. Her head was too full and blood kept rushing into her voice, meanwhile…her chest too with too much pressure.
"Leaving so soon?"
The voice came from behind her.
Nadeira stopped cold. Slowly, she turned.
Levius was in the shadows of the garden arch.
He stepped closer, glinting his eyes. "You looked so pitiful in there. Crying like a child. What were you hoping for? A knight to save you?"
Nadeira clenched her jaw. "Stay out of my way, Levius."
He leaned down, muttering so chilling against her ear. "Tomorrow, when you sit at that table, remember, your father is not the only traitor. The crown remembers everything. And so do I."
Nadeira's skin wanted to peel itself. Why did she love him? How was she able to fall for a man like him?
Levius straightened, still smiling, and walked away into the garden.
She was staring at him, and the garden suddenly felt windy.
"Once I'm done with my family, Levius…you're next on my list."
"Hhhmmm…Well then, why don't you tell me how you're planning to get rid of your family then?"