“You should come down to the kitchen for breakfast, Lady Raelyn,” Ingrid says. “You’re looking a little weak.”
“You’re right. And please, just call me Raelyn. I’m fairly certain ‘lady’ has been stripped from my title by my dearest stepmother.”
Ingrid smiles awkwardly. “If you say so.”
My stomach grumbles again, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday. Once we enter the kitchen, our chef looks at me with pity in his eyes.Oh no.He points toward the table where my tonic sits. “Your tonic is ready for you, my lady, but you are not allowed any breakfast. Lady Astoria’s orders.”
Rage washes over me, and I hold back a scream. “Are you kidding me, Fred?”
“I do apologize, but Lady Astoria was very clear. She promised to take it out of my wages if I give you any food.” His shoulders curl in on themselves, and I do think he actually feels bad. Pointing to a sheet of paper next to my tonic, he says, “There’s a list of your chores for the day.”
“I’d sure like to know how Stepmother expects me to get anything done when I’m about to pass out from hunger.”
Fred shrugs and turns back to his chopping, as if looking at me for one moment longer would only make him feel guiltier.
Ingrid gives me a pitying look and starts to prep the eggs. I snatch up the tonic and the sheet of paper and march out of the kitchen. The pile of clothes has doubled in size since the night before, and I shove the tonic into my apron pocket along with the list and start pushing the cart toward our washroom.
My anger radiates off me in waves. Best I take it out on the laundry instead of the other servants. They are only taking care of themselves, and Stepmotherisquite vindictive.
I want someone to choose me. To look out for me. I’m tired of being treated like I don’t matter.
Chapter Nineteen
KIAN
Striding into the dining room for the breakfast I was told to attend, I stop short when I see my heavily pregnant sister-in-law chatting with her baby sister. Of course it’s a damn setup. Colin is known to always get his way. He’s in deep discussion with Father, but all conversations pause as I take my seat next to him.
“Good morning,” I say with false cheer.
“Nice of you to finally show up,” Father grouses. “You should have been here forty minutes ago.”
“Apologies,” I reply. “I had a rather late evening of debauchery.”
“Kian!” Colin chastises. “You’d do well to consider your audience.”
I turn my gaze to his wife, Princess Juliana, and then to Princess Helene. Giving them a quick nod, I say, “Apologies, ladies.”
Princess Helene flushes a bright shade of pink, her blonde ringlets pulled up in a way I assume is meant to make her lookolder. It’s not working. She still looks like a child to me. I have to put a stop to this farce. There is no way I can marry her.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Prince Kian,” she says shyly. “It’s been years.”
“Likewise,” I reply before turning my attention back to my brother. “I thought you said they were at the country estate,” I say under my breath.
“Did I?” he replies. “They arrived yesterday evening. It’s Juliana’s last chance to be at court before the baby comes.”
“Wonderful,” I mutter.
“Don’t be rude, Kian,” my brother says. “Catch up with Princess Helene.”
If I could shoot knives out of my eyes, they would pin Colin to the wall, but I paste on a fake smile and turn my attention back toward Juliana and Helene, who are seated across the table.
“You look well,” I say to Juliana.
A joyful laugh emerges from her as she puts a hand to her swollen belly. “I don’t quite believe you, Kian, but thank you.”
I force my gaze to Helene. “Are you enjoying your time at court?”
Another blush stains her cheeks, and she bobs her head excitedly.
