“In here,” she cheerfully hollered.
The sight of her sister brought a touch of unease to her. If she was being honest with herself, she didn’t want Krysta near Dolion. She was beautiful and older. Helaina didn’t want to fight for his attention.
But Krysta didn’t look impressed with the handsome young man at all. Her eyes narrowed in immediate suspicion. Helaina knew that face. That fierce protector was coming to the surface.
“I’m so glad you’re home!” Helaina caught Krysta in a hug, trying to offset her sister’s obvious agitation.
Krysta embraced her back, but the hug was detached and distracted. “It’s good to see you too.” Her gaze remained fixed on Dolion.
“Krysta, this is Dolion Creed, Glen’s son. He’s taken over while Glen is at home healing with... actually, I never asked what his injury was?” Now she really felt foolish.
“His leg, a terrible break after falling mid-ride. Hazard of the job, I’m afraid.” Dolion smiled while tousling the mare’s mane.
Krysta crossed her arms with a scowl she wasn’t even trying to hide.
Dolion seemed to read the situation perfectly and began to combat her animosity with gods-given charisma. “Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.” His gorgeous smile flashed as he offered a formal bow.
“Dolion? I don’t recall Glen ever mentioning you,” Krysta said frankly.
Helaina glowered at her sister. It was true Glen had rarely mentioned family. But how often did Glen speak at all? He kept to himself most days, staying busy with his chores.
“I mean no disrespect, Your Highness, but you have so many servants at your disposal. I would think it difficult to know the personal lives of all your staff. Don’t you think?” Dolion countered smoothly.
“I think it’s odd you were hired without my father’s direct approval. He plans for and signs off on any change of staff, and we’ve been gone. So tell me again, Dolion, how exactly did you acquire Glen’s position?”
Helaina turned her back to Dolion to face Krysta fully, eyes pleading with her sister. “Krysta... leave it alone.”
Krysta was tall. She came much closer to Dolion’s height than Helaina, and she was aggressive, her wild nature usually masked with the expected politeness of royalty. That wildness was on full display right now. Her expression was more suited to an enraged goddess than a nearly sixteen-year-old Kelesian princess.
“I would like to think our compassionate ruler would understand our situation. Like all accidents, my father’s injury came unexpectedly.” Dolion tried to keep his cool, but Helaina detected a twinge of resentment. “He couldn’t get here, so he sent me in his stead. I can explain this to the king if he’d grant me an audience. I only meant to help my father, as this position is something he can’t afford to lose.”
Krysta’s suspicious expression didn’t falter. “An audience won’t be necessary. Laina, where are Cedric and Teirn?”
Helaina looked puzzled. “Just outside like always. Why?”
“Just making sure you hadn’t snuck off alone again. Father and Adriel were right behind our carriage. They’ll be returning soon. I thought we could meet them at the gate together.”
Although Helaina wanted to stay a little longer, she wanted to see Adriel too. So she began walking toward the door, offering a gentle wave goodbye to Dolion as she did.
“Good day, Dolion,” Krysta offered dryly. She grasped her sister’s hand and tugged her forward.
“Good day,” Dolion repeated curtly, continuing his work. “Thank you, Your Highness, for the provisions,” he added to Helaina, his voice changed with a charming inflection. “I hope you can stay to help me enjoy them next time.”
Helaina could have swooned right then and there. But Krysta ruined it, her head snapping back to give the stable hand a look of pure ire. “There won’t be a next time, Dolion. Let me be clear, an audience with my father isn’t necessary because your work here is done. If I were you, I’d be gone by sunset. My father doesn’t take kindly to trespassing.”
“Krysta! What?” Helaina couldn’t believe her.
Though Dolion tried to remain composed, a slight tic of his jaw surfaced. “If... that’s what you command.” His eyes drifted to Helaina as her sister dragged her away.
Dolion had offered her companionship she’d never experienced before, and it was over before it had begun.
She didn’t know whether to cry or scream.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Helaina opened her eyes and found herself surrounded by jagged, uneven walls of solid rock.
She was on a bed, an actual bed. She hadn’t felt the sweet comforts of a feather pillow in days. She inhaled deeply, delighting in the plush softness.
