Lost Heir (Blood Weaver Trilogy #2)

Chapter 16

16

I t was around midnight when we returned to the palace. The moon hung heavily in the sky, illuminating Viktor's anxious form, a shadow against the dimly lit entrance. His expression, taut with unease, foretold a brewing storm within the palace walls.

“Viktor!” I called out. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” My voice sliced through the quiet, a ripple in the still night as we drew near.

He bit his lip nervously. His reply, laced with apprehension, struck a chord of alarm. “The queen requested an audience with Selene. I attempted to stop her, but it was no use.”

The timing of such a request seemed ominously precise, orchestrated during our absence. “When was this?”

“About an hour ago,” Viktor confessed, distress evident in his restless movements. “Apologies, Your Highness.”

“No, no, it’s not your fault, Viktor. There’s nothing you could have done without getting yourself into trouble. Do you know why she was called?” I asked as we passed through the palace gates and entered the palace .

“I sent someone to be our eyes and ears, but I haven’t heard back.”

I nodded. “Very well. Go to the Western palace and retrieve Marcellus. Inform him of the situation.” I turned to Ronan, whose presence would only complicate matters further. “It’s probably best if you head back to the Northern palace. It wouldn’t bode well for either of us if you came with me.”

Ronan nodded. “Be careful.”

“Always.”

With our paths set, we diverged, each to our own duties. My steps hastened towards the Grand Hall, where the echo of my name announced by the sentinels filled the space. Passing through the doors, the sight brought me to a screeching halt. A tableau of power dynamics laid bare—Selene, vulnerable and on her knees before my mother's imposing figure, ignited a fire within me.

“What’s going on?” I demanded as I rushed toward my friend. “Selene?” I attempted to help her up.

“Lyanna!” my mother yelled. “I did not give her permission to stand!”

I looked over at my mother in shock. “Why is she here? What could you possibly need to discuss with Selene in private? At this hour?”

My mother snorted and looked around in mock surprise. “Is the mermaid off limits? I wasn’t aware of this. I wasn’t aware that there was something I, the Queen, could not touch.”

I sighed. “That’s not what I meant, Mother. But—”

“But nothing!” she spat. “I’m merely having a friendly chat with the young mermaid.”

With a frown, I glanced down at Selene to see an expression filled with fear. This was far from a friendly conversation. With no other option, I dropped to my knees beside Selene and faced my mother.

“Whatever you need to ask her, you can ask me. There’s nothing about her I don’t know.”

My mother smirked. “Is that so?”

I nodded.

“Very well. Then answer me this: where does this young woman come from?” she asked, as if she already knew the answer.

Her confidence made my frown deepen. “She comes from the Luminar Sea off the coast of Keldara.”

“No, Lyanna. I mean where has she come from most recently?”

My eyes widened at the implication. There was no way she knew or could have found out that Selene worked in a pleasure house. Not without someone telling her.

Selene sighed. “In the Central Plains, I resided in a pleasure house,” Selene relented. “I was sold into servitude by my father at the age of twelve. I’ve been at the Rose Petal Lounge since then.”

Silence encompassed the room before my mother scoffed and turned her attention to me. “And yet you dare bring a prostitute onto palace grounds?” she shouted.

My face bloomed an angry shade of red and I gritted my teeth. “She’s not a prostitute, she was a courtesan. But not anymore. And even if she was, why would that matter? She’s a good person and she’s helped me a lot in the last five years.”

“I don’t care if she’s the goddess herself!” my mother fumed. “She’s a danger to those in the palace. I want her out!”

“A danger?” I scoffed. “How?”

My mother’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “Do you dare the risk of her seducing Marcellus, or worse, your father?”

I felt sick to my stomach. I could only imagine how Selene felt hearing such shameful accusations being thrown her way. But I didn’t dare look at her. I was embarrassed to even face her.

The doors to the Grand Hall burst open before an announcement could be made. I whirled around to see Marcellus storming inside with a thunderous expression.

“Mother!” His eyes widened at the sight of me and Selene on our knees before the throne. “What are you doing ?”

“What should have been done days ago, Marcellus. Getting rid of the trash.” Our mother looked away dismissively.

“Who is in your ear?” Marcellus demanded.

Our mother gasped. “You think someone has fed me this information?”

“Yes!” Marcellus and I shouted in unison.

“How dare you!” she yelled as she stood from her throne. “My own children dare disrespect me, all for … all for a prostitute!”

Selene’s shoulders slumped and she lowered her head in shame. The sight of her like that only angered me further. This was all my fault. Since I arrived, I’d neglected her and wasn’t around to protect her. All because I was absorbed by Ronan’s presence.

Fueled by anger, I shot to my feet and balled my fists. “I don’t care what you say, Mother. The ruler of the Eastern palace is me , and I say Selene stays. And I won’t abide you calling a guest in my palace a prostitute!”

My mother’s eyes slowly widened. “You … you would defy me … for her ? ”

I raised my chin defiantly. “Yes.”

My mother stormed down the aisle toward me and lifted her hand to slap me, but before she could, my hand darted into the air and I seized the blood flowing through her veins.

She froze in place, and I couldn’t imagine her eyes growing any bigger. “Lyanna!” she gasped.

Marcellus turned to me with startled eyes. “Lyanna,” he whispered. “You can’t use your powers on our mother … She might be wrong, but … she’s still our mother!”

“I. Don’t. Care,” I gritted. “I’ve been on my own for the last ten years. I refuse to be controlled by anyone!” I tightened my hand into a fist and squeezed, watching as she crumbled to the marble floor.

“Lyanna!” Marcellus shouted and ran toward me, grabbing my fist and trying to open my hand. “This is our mother !”

I relaxed my hand and Mother collapsed, gasping for air. When Marcellus gaped at me in shock, I knew I made a mistake. I went too far. Horrified, I glanced down at my hands and wondered what the hell had come over me.

“You went too far, Lyanna,” Marcellus whispered. “She won’t let this slide.”

Just then, Father stormed into the Grand Hall with purposeful steps. When he saw the scene before him, his steps faltered and angry red circles bloomed on his cheeks.

“What is going on?” he shouted. “Who did this?” He offered Mother a hand and gently helped her stand.

“Father—” I started, but I was promptly cut off.

“Malik!” my mother gasped. “This child just tried to kill me!” In a turn no one expected, she pointed a trembling finger at Selene.

“What?” Marcellus and I shrieked .

“No she didn’t!” I countered. “It was me . I used my powers on her.”

“You never would have attacked me if it wasn’t for that mermaid!” my mother accused.

My father switched his glare to Selene, who was frozen on her knees. I quickly stood in front of her, blocking her from my father’s ire. “If you’re going to throw Selene out, then you might as well throw me out, too,” I said.

“Me too!” Marcellus stood beside me in solidarity. “Selene did nothing wrong.”

My father’s face looked pained. “Lyanna,” he started, “I don’t know what’s going through your mind, but to do this to your mother over an … outsider is unacceptable.”

I frowned. “She’s not an outsider. She’s my family.”

“She’s a prostitute!” my mother screamed.

My father’s eyes widened at Mother’s declaration. “What did you say?”

Still leaning on him for support, my mother’s eyes glinted vindictively. “She’s a—”

“She’s a courtesan,” I interrupted. “Or at least, she was until Marcellus freed her.”

My father visibly relaxed, but his shoulders were still tensed. “Well, since she’s free, maybe it’s best if she goes elsewhere.”

“If she leaves, I leave,” I retorted, crossing my arms defiantly. “That’s the deal.”

“Fine. Leave then!” my mother shouted.

“Derinda!” my father scolded. “We just got her back! How could you say that?”

To emphasize the point that our family squabbles were never private, the doors to the Grand Hall opened and the sentinels announced Caelan’s arrival. I rolled my eyes. This honestly couldn’t have gotten any worse .

“Apologies for my interruption,” he said as he strode toward us. “But I heard about the situation and thought I could be of aid.”

He heard? Or was he the one who informed Mother of Selene’s past? Something about this didn’t add up, and I had a feeling it was all being orchestrated by Caelan. He was a master puppeteer and we were all his puppets.

He bowed to my parents and stood beside Marcellus. “If Selene’s presence is such an issue, then why not have her work in the palace? Have her earn her keep.”

“Fuck, no!” I exclaimed. “She just got her freedom and you want her to be sold into servitude again? Are you insane?”

Caelan shrugged. “I don’t believe Marcellus has actually given her the slave release documents, so technically, she was sold by the Rose Petal to Marcellus, making her his property to do with as he wishes.”

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open in shock. Caelan knew how much Selene meant to me and how ardently I strived to gain her freedom. For him to do this – to offer such a heartless suggestion – only confirmed that he was the one whispering in my mother’s ear.

“Caelan, I swear to the goddess, I will kill you,” I threatened.

The bastard raised his hands placatingly as if soothing a wild beast. “It was merely a suggestion, Lyanna. No need to get hostile. It’s up to Selene.” He looked down at her. “What do you say, Selene? Get kicked out of the palace, or become a court lady?”

Up until now, Marcellus had been quiet. But his anger had steadily grown with Caelan’s appearance. He cleared his throat and glared at his former friend. “I don’t see how any of this is your business, Caelan, but since you commented, let me clarify some things. First, Selene is not my property , as you called it. I’ve already had the release documents written up; I just haven’t had the opportunity to give them to her. Secondly, the option to become a member of the house or be expelled from it is a threat, and I don’t appreciate you getting involved in a family matter. If you’re that bored, you should return to Eldwain and handle your own family squabbles.” He leaned closer to Caelan’s face and sneered, “In any event, stay out of ours.”

I was shocked at the suddenness of my brother’s aggressiveness toward Caelan. As young boys they were inseparable, and he’d always considered Caelan like an older brother. I saw their bond had only deepened over time when they were in the Central Plains. But right now, it felt as if Marcel was severing all their ties. Selene must truly mean a lot to him.

“Marcellus?” Caelan started, surprise evident in his voice.

Marcel turned his attention back to our father. “It seems Caelan has been whispering nonsense into Mother’s ear, hence her audacious reaction and threats. Selene is a free individual, and if anyone,” he glared at Caelan pointedly, “tries to take that away from her, they’ll have me to answer to.”

I leaned down beside my friend. “Selene,” I whispered. “Come on, stand. You don’t need to kneel before anyone.”

My mother scoffed. “Excuse me?”

“Enough, Derinda!” my father boomed. “Lyanna is correct. We are not the type to abuse our power against those who are weaker than us.”

Slowly, Selene stood on wobbly legs as I supported her arm. Turning to my father, I announced, “Selene is a guest of the Eastern palace. If there’s ever a problem with that, you can take it up with me. There’s no need to speak to my guests in private.”

“Understood, Lyanna. You can take her back to your palace,” my father said. “You’re all dismissed … except Caelan. Stay back for a moment.”

Marcel and I helped Selene out of the hall. We let out a collective breath when the heavy doors closed behind us.

Viktor's silhouette emerged from the inky shadows, a beacon of concern and loyalty. “Is everything all right, Your Highness?” he inquired, his voice laced with unease.

I managed a small nod, an attempt to convey a sense of calm I didn't feel. “All is well. Thank you, Viktor,” I replied, the lie bitter on my tongue.

“All is not well!” Marcel interjected, his gaze sharp. “Did that bastard really tell Mother Selene came from a pleasure house?”

My laughter was hollow, a sound of scorn rather than amusement. “What do you think? Of course he did, and I know exactly why.” I met my brother’s puzzled look with a hard stare. “He’s sending me a message. I bet his little spies told him Ronan and I snuck out of the palace and were walking around the capital. This was a warning.”

“Leila?” Selene reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please don’t get into trouble because of me. I’m not—”

“Don’t you dare say you’re not worth it!” I turned to her, my voice fierce. “If anything, you’re caught in the middle of something that has nothing to do with you. This is my fault.”

“I never thought Caelan would go to such extremes,” Marcellus murmured, then frowned. “But … you went to the capital? ”

Affirming with a nod, I admitted, “Yeah, I, uh … needed to get out of the palace for a bit.”

“With Ronan?” His eyebrow arched in mild amusement.

“Correct,” I confirmed a bit defensively.

“Right. No problem there,” he mused, a light chuckle escaping him.

“It’s fine!” I insisted, feeling the weight of their gazes. “But … I did hear something strange while we were there.”

“What did you hear?” Selene asked.

I turned to my brother. “Marcel, have you heard anything about a lost heir?”

His demeanor shifted in an instant, and a storm seemed to brew in his eyes. “What of it?”

I kept my tone carefully neutral. “I just learned about it, and it seemed to be a big secret that everyone in Valoria was in on, except for me.”

Marcellus gave a resigned sigh. “From what I understand, some have been petitioning for you to be named the Crown Princess. It died down when you went missing, but now that you’ve returned, the capital is all abuzz with those hoping that Father will change the line of succession.”

I searched his eyes. “And you don’t hate me for it?” I sought assurance, wary of unseen rifts.

Marcel shook his head. “No. Why would I? It’s not like it’s your doing. Truthfully, I’d step down if this was something you’d like to pursue. You know I never wanted to be king.”

His declaration, though generous, left me exasperated. “That’s because you’re lazy, Marcel, but honestly, you would be an amazing king. Don’t give up just yet.”

He sighed. “I guess. It’s not like I have a choice.” Shaking his head, he turned to Selene. “Are you okay, Selene? ”

Her response was timid, a mere murmur. “Yes, I’m fine, Your Highness.”

“Good, good.” He nodded. “Listen, if anything like that ever happens again and Lyanna’s not around, I want you to come to the Western palace.” He eyed her carefully. I could tell from the worry frowns on his forehead that he was concerned for her safety.

“She’ll be well taken care of in the Eastern palace,” I reassured them both. “Nothing like this will ever happen again. Rest easy, brother.”

Marcellus nodded before taking one last look at Selene and heading back to his palace.

After he disappeared, I turned my attention to Selene, who was wringing her fingers nervously. “I know Marcel already asked, but are you really okay?”

She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Truly.”

I sighed. “It’s okay if you’re not, Selene. What you just went through … Well, I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now.”

“Your mother didn’t mistreat me … she just asked a lot of questions,” Selene whispered as she leaned into me. “She asked me questions about you and Ronan.”

I furrowed my brows. “What?”

Selene nodded. “I found it odd that the instant you arrived, she brought up where I came from, because we weren’t talking about that at all.”

I nervously nibbled my lip and wondered out loud. “She’s in league with Caelan. I just know it. She jumped at the chance of a marriage alliance … but why ? What does she gain from it?”

“I don’t know, but she hounded me for an hour and was getting frustrated when I couldn’t answer. I think she believes I was protecting you, but truly, Leila, I don’t know what is going on between you and Ronan.”

I exhaled loudly. “Maybe that’s for the best.”

“Just be careful … he’s still from the Crimson Clan.”

Her worries were warranted, but in the same token, no one outside the Grasslands knew what was going on between the Crimson Clan and Keldara. If they did, they probably wouldn’t think they were such a threat.

“Come on, let’s head back. Henry is probably worried.”