Raelyn is like a beam of light. Her face almost glows in the sunlight, and her eyes light up in wonder as we skip through the grass and she stops to admire the wildflowers. I pull her toward the garden maze, and we dart into it.
“Try not to get lost!” I call out as she runs down one path and I try another.
Her giggles ring out, and I find myself chasing after her, enjoying her excitement.
We finally make it to the center of the maze to find a giant fountain. Both of us are panting from exertion, and sweat dripsdown my back from the heat of the summer sun beating down on us.
“I dare you to jump in,” Raelyn crows as she dips a finger into the cold water.
“No way,” I protest.
A mischievous look crosses her face before she sends a wave splashing my way.
I sputter in shock before reaching in and splashing her right back.
We’re a mess in our soaked clothes when we finally decide to head back to the manor.
Raelyn looks down at her soiled dress and ruined slippers. “Father and Mother will be furious.”
“But nothing bad happened!” I try to reassure her. “Maybe they’re just being overprotective.”
She nods but bites her lip again, looking anxious.
As we round the corner, muffled shouts come from the manor.
“Kian! Raelyn!Father’s booming voice mixes with Lord Astoria’s.
“Uh-oh,” Raelyn says.
We hurry our steps, and when we reach the terrace, we’re met with worried and angry glares.
“What were you thinking, leaving without asking?” Father scolds me loudly, and I can’t help but feel embarrassed.
“We just wanted to explore a little,” I try to explain.
Raelyn’s father looks like he’s about to explode, his face a mixture of anger and fear. “Get in the house and clean up immediately, young lady,” he commands. “Do you have any idea what could happen?”
She shakes her head and mumbles an apology as she runs into the manor.
“I’m sorry, Cary,” Father says. “Kian can be a little impetuous at times.”
Lord Astoria clenches his fists at his sides. “She’s quite allergic to the sun. I only hope we can get her some medicine before—” He sputters, then rambles on, “I don’t know what your son did to make her take that risk. Gods help him if?—”
“I said I was sorry, Cary, but don’t forget who you’re speaking to,” Father interrupts, using his king voice. Lord Astoria looks immediately contrite.
“Apologies, Your Majesty. I just worry for my daughter.”
“Quite all right. We should probably be leaving anyhow.”
Chapter Thirteen
KIAN
PRESENT
Ishake myself from the memory as the front door of House Astoria creaks open and a butler clears his throat. “The master is not in today, but I can tell him you called.”
Before he can close the door, I wedge my foot in. “Ah, ah! Not so fast, my good sir. You are aware of who I am?”
