Page 19 of Pretty Little Thief


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“It is true, seers come to share their prophecy about the future heir. You are that heir, Robyn.”

My stomach twists in knots, this can’t be true.

“Have you known all along?” I question.

He nods, shamefully.

“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, but I wanted you to live a happy life before you took on the burden that comes with such great responsibility.”

I nod, grateful that he allowed me that. I have had a great life. One that he and my mother provided.

With hesitation, he begins telling me what happened on the day we were born. About the visions the seer had and the decisions he made surrounding the time then after.

It’s a lot to take in, more than my mind wants to allow. But I try my best to soak up the knowledge he’s giving me. Tears pour from my eyes, thinking of what is to come, not only for me, but for IronHaven.

As he finishes the story, he tells me one last thing. “There’s a piece of this prophecy that I don’t feel right sharing with you. As the burden of it is too great for you at this moment.” His gaze drops from mine to his lap. When he looks back at me, there’s a pool of tears in his eyes that match my own.

“When the time is right, a seer will find you and then it will be yours to bear. You must only share this with the ones you trust most in this world.” He signals to the door. The door where my guard is waiting patiently for me.

He leans closer, his voice barely a whisper. “I chose each of them specifically for you, my darling.” He runs a hand along my face, sadness in his eyes. “I won’t be here to protect you, to fightalongside you, but they will. There isn’t a thing in this world they wouldn’t do for you. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

A blush rises to my cheeks as I turn away. He catches my chin, turning it back to him. He gives me a knowing look, and I can’t help the smile that forms on my lips.

“They are trustworthy men, fiercely loyal, and they admire you, my girl.” He grins. “Trust them, you will not regret it. They will be by your side till your dying breath.”

We sit in silence for a beat. I can’t seem to form words with the storm of thoughts running through my mind.

He brings a hand to his lips, kissing it softly. “Maybe it’s just my missing your mother in times like this. She always knew how to take care of me and ease my pain.”I miss her too, Father.“But I can’t help but wonder, if you might find love with one of them some day.”

I jerk my head back, shocked by his words, and stare at him like he’s grown five heads.

“Or maybe all of them. Who knows.” he chuckles, clutching his side, and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me.

“Yeah, you’ve definitely had too much milk of the poppy. You’re delusional, Father.” We laugh solemnly.

His face turns to a frown, meeting my eyes. “Do you understand now, why I have done the things I have?”

I nod. “I understand.” Just as the words leave my mouth, the doors to his bed chambers swing open.

My brother and the queen dowager enter the room. Ramiro rushes to my father’s side, but the queen stays back, eyeing both me and my father skeptically. She clucks her tongue loudly, but I refuse to acknowledge her.

“Father! Are you okay? I came as soon as I heard the news. The men are praising your bravery and resilience all throughout the castle. How you drove King Barouk’s men back into theNorth. You fought long and hard, with strength and courage for your people,” Rami raves proudly.

A smile hits the corners of my father’s mouth.

He’s happy to see his son.

“My son.” He greets Rami with loving eyes, running a hand through his raven hair. “The maidens and your sister have been tending to my wounds,” he grunts as he tries to sit up further in bed. I move beside Rami and lift the cup of water to my father’s mouth, then place it back down, picking up the rag to rid the blood from his skin.

My grandmother doesn’t speak, just watches the three of us curiously. I can see the wheels in her head spinning.

Rami turns toward my grandmother with hope in his eyes. “Is there anything you can do for him? Come see him, Grandmother.” He motions her to the bed. “You must be able to do something?” Rami asks.

There’s moments like this where I can see glimpses of the kind-hearted boy I loved so much. The boy who cherished his family.

You can hear the sincerity in his voice wanting my grandmother to help, but I know better than to get my hopes up. She is lost to her own desires and won’t let go, even to save her own son.

She takes a step closer to the bed, still keeping her distance. “What would you have me do, My Prince?” she asks. Her voice is monotone, there’s no concern for her only son, the king. She may not have had a hand in his injury, but she damn sure isn’t going to lift a finger to help.

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