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But when I hopped in the shower and scrubbed my skin, Ladon’s presence sank into me like ink from a tattoo, permanently marking me. My skin crawled at the thought of him…at the thought of experiencing him in such an intimate way. I wished I could burn the image from my brain, but it lingered no matter how hard I tried to erase it.
As I left the bathroom and headed back to bed, I stopped at my door. I heard muffled voices from beyond, somewhere within the halls. I moved closer, pressing my ear against the hardwood. I could make out the voices of Cyrus and Ladon, but their words were too distorted by the thick, sturdy door.
Carefully, I twisted the knob and opened the door just a crack. Their voices carried inside my room, unaware that I was listening.
“We’ve been over this a hundred times, Ladon. I’m getting tired of having the same conversation repeatedly. You either trust my ability to make decisions for myself or you don’t.” I could hear the anger in Cyrus’s voice.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I know you, Brother. You want to see the good in people, but I’m telling you, the Duvals do not have your best interest at heart.”
“And you do?”
Someone, I guessed Ladon, scoffed. “Of course I do. I always have. I’m offended you would suggest otherwise.”
“You’re right.” The rage in Cyrus’s tone had simmered. There was a pause before he spoke again. “What is it going to take for you to accept Emilie into this family?”
“I don’t think it’s possible.”
My eyes burned as tears swelled. I ground my teeth as I imagined all the things I’d like to do to Ladon. I’d never done anything to him. Or at least nothing that would warrant this kind of hatred.
He spoke again, and I listened attentively. “They have nothing to offer you.” Cyrus tried to speak, but Ladon interrupted him. “Dreslen is a wasteland. Misha may have been your friend once upon a time but he and his wife and children are only after your power and your money. You’re letting a parasite into this family. She’ll never love you.”
“Sometimes marriage isn’t about love.”
“No, but I know you, Cyrus. You believe in love. You loved Isabella, and she loved you. You can’t honestly tell me that you could love that harlot.”
“Enough!” Cyrus roared, and I shuddered. I quietly pressed the door closed. I’d heard enough.
Tears began to fall as I let Ladon’s words sink in. I wasn’t after money or influence. I wasn’t after anything. My parents arranged this whole ordeal without ever considering what I wanted, though I suppose money and power were exactly what my parents were after. I was only trying to make the best of the situation. Ladon’s anger was misguided.
I tried to take solace in the fact that Cyrus had stood up for me. He’d make a great husband, but I couldn’t extinguish the overwhelming desire for Ladon to accept me too.
Chapter Twelve
Ladon
My head throbbed with each footstep as I took my morning run. I had to wake up extra early to get a workout in before we set off for Fort Malek. I could’ve skipped it, but it was going to be an all-day journey and I knew I’d get restless if I didn’t release some of this pent-up energy.
I’d stayed up too late last night, fighting with Cyrus over the same old thing. Time was running out for him to change his mind and I felt my chances slipping away. But I wasn’t letting Emilie within an inch of the throne. I’d have to find a different approach if my stubborn brother wouldn’t listen to reason.
I finished my run and showered quickly. An empty trunk lay open on my bed, and I hastily tossed clothes and shoes and other necessary travel items inside. It was a chaotic mess, but it would suffice. I fastened it shut with ease. I’d always been a light packer, and I didn’t expect to be there long. Even though I’d be happy to stay there permanently, I had to come back with the rest of our entourage for the big day.
My mother was waiting for me in the hall near the castle entryway. She wrapped me in a hug as soon as she saw me. “Try to relax a little. And be safe.”
A genuine smile made an appearance as I thought about leaving Renoa and Emilie behind for a few days. “I’m honestly thrilled to be out of the castle and have some time alone with my brother for once.”
When I pulled back, my mother’s face was fixed into a confused grimace. “He didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?” I could feel my blood pressure rising. “Tell me what?”
“I think Cyrus should tell you himself,” she said, nodding her chin past my shoulder.
I turned and sure enough, Cyrus and Emilie had rounded the corner, smiling and laughing like two old friends. I felt the tips of my ears turn red, but I bit my tongue.
Behind my brother and his betrothed were two of the castle’s workers, carrying multiple trunks. Pretty princess couldn’t even carry her own fucking luggage.
“Ah, good morning. Perfect weather for traveling, don’t you think?”
“Is there something you’d like to tell me, Brother?”
