“How come you decided to cut your trip short?” I asked Talia, walking back to join her in the front of the library.
At the same time, one of her lady’s maids came in with a tray of biscuits and a pot of peppermint tea. Placing it down on the
table in between us, I smiled kindly whereas Talia ignored her completely.
“Thank you, Emily,” I spoke warmly to the maid as she curtsied and left us.
“Grandmother Lyla wanted to arrive before the wedding. That way she could help Mother and see what progress was being
made about your marriage,” Talia said, making a sour face.
Rolling my eyes, I sat down in one of the comfortable but dusty armed chairs across from Talia with a huff. Talia always
knew where I would end up hiding if I was in trouble or Mother was out looking for me. Mother never ventured to this part of
the castle. Father sometimes did, but for the most part, it was mine and Talia’s hideout.
“I don’t know why they are pushing so much. Norok will have an heir now and I won’t be needed,” I groaned, throwing an
arm over my eyes dramatically.
“Don’t be daft. You will be the next in line if that baby doesn’t come out looking like Norok,” Talia remarked casually.
“Talia! That’s a horrible thing to say!” I hissed, dropping my arm and giving her a stern look.
“I know, which is why I’m hoping I’m wrong,” she amended with a roll of her eyes.
The conversation was already taking a turn I was not interested in. Norok’s child would be beautiful no matter what
happened. If itwasNorok’s baby, that is. There was already talk within the court that Gelda wasn’t a committed woman.
Sighing, Talia handed me a freshly poured cup of tea. I noticed Talia deliberately placed her book face down. Almost as if
she was trying to hide the cover from me. She likely found one of the more 'suggestive' books hidden away in the stacks. I
should see if she did, that way I could take it away from her. As her older sister, I'd clearly have to read it first beforemaybe
giving it back.
“How is our sweet, lovely grandmother?” I asked mockingly, breathing in the freshness of my drink.
“She’s doing okay, much better actually. One of Father’s mages gave her an elixir to aid with her pains.”
“That’s good to hear, how old is she now?”
“Pushing at least two hundred, I think. Dare I ask her age? She would destroy me.”
We both laughed a little at the thought of Grandmother reprimanding Talia. After our laughter died down, we sat in silence
for a few minutes, enjoying our drinks and each other’s company.
“Are you going to tell me why you were in Lord Cole’s carriage then?” Talia finally asked.
“I am sure your little birdies already told you why,” I said with a sigh.
“Well, they told me something. Though, I’d rather hear it from you to see how truthful it all is,” she remarked.
I contemplated if I should tell her the reason as to why I fainted. I wasn’t convinced it would be wise. Should this be kept
