AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 8
My heart nearly explodes out of my chest as I wait for my mom and Tiberias—my parents. I should probably get used to thinking of them that way. And they’re going to lay down the law. How bad is my punishment going to be? What’s a suitable consequence for something like this, anyway? This is all new territory for me.
A servant appears before me, pulling me from my thoughts, and bows. “The king is ready to see you, your highness.”
I can’t find my voice, so I just nod. I’ve ruined everything. Exposed their secret love affair. Everything they’ve been hiding all these years. Could Tiberias lose the throne because of having a child out of wedlock?
It’s a shame I don’t know more about our kingdom. At least I’d know what to expect. For now, I can only imagine the worst.
The servant leads me to the throne room. My mom and uncle sit in the king’s and queen’s places. At first when I see Tiberias, I think he’s my dad. I mean, he is my dad. But I think he’s his brother—the dad who raised me.
Could my life be any more messed up?
I’m about to find out.
Tiberias rises from his seat and embraces me. “How are you, my child?”
I wish he wouldn’t call me that, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings so I keep quiet on the matter. “I’m okay.”
Mom comes over and also wraps her arms around me. “I’m so glad to see you, sweetheart.”
If only I could say the same. “What’s my punishment?”
No sense in beating around the bush.
“Punishment?” They both pull back and look confused.
“For breaking the news like that. For supposedly trying to kill another student.”
“Did you try to kill her?” Mom asks.
“No! She was egging me on. It was like she wanted me to do that.”
Tiberias puts a hand on my shoulder. “I heard she didn’t have a scratch on her. Sounds like she had it coming.”
“What about the wall?” I ask.
“I’ll send one of my servants to fix it.” He shrugs. “Problem solved.”
“But Middlebrooks wants me to get in trouble for that.”
Mom rolls her eyes dramatically. “Oh, I’m sure she does.”
I glance back and forth between them. “I’m not getting in trouble at all?”
Tiberias shakes his head and takes my mom’s hand in his, showing off a diamond engagement ring fit for a queen. It’s at least twice the size of her other ring.
My mouth drops open. “You’re already engaged?”
They exchange a lovey-dovey look, then Mom turns to me. “Already? We’ve been waiting a lifetime for this.”
Tiberias smiles. “A lifetime? I know you look twenty, but I’m certainly not that young anymore.”
Her face flushes and she giggles. “Oh, Tiberias. You’re too much.”
“No. You’re too much.” His eyes twinkle as he leans over and kisses her.
I should turn away to give them privacy, but they’re so cute I can’t bring myself to move.
