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Elizabeth released me to hug her son. “Hello, darling. How was Augustus today? Poor thing.”
It baffled me that all of them knew what their son was scheming and didn’t seem bothered by it. But the DuPonts were adept at keeping secrets and treating people like moving chess pieces on a board they bought.
“He’s determined to find Lord Nathan,” Atticus replied while eyeing me.
We were all determined. I wanted nothing more than to kill him the same way I murdered his brother. End the entire damn family line.
“We all are, son,” Theodore said. “Have a seat. The food looks delicious.” He held his hand out, presenting the table as if he’d spent all day in the kitchen making it. I knew the DuPonts had their own team of maids, cooks, drivers, and assistants. Not to mention the hundreds of armed guards in their arsenal.
Elizabeth DuPont looped her arm through mine and pulled me toward the chair right beside hers, sitting me down and pouring me a glass of water. “I just can’t believe all of this. It’s horrific.”
“Darling, don’t get worked up. You know how your nerves can get when you’re too excited.” Theodore’s tone was cautionary.
Elizabeth huffed. “I just hate that Christine is going through this. I’m glad we have the resources to protect her during such a trying time. It’s truly awful what Lord Nathan is doing.” She turned to look at her son, who sat in the chair directly across from me. “You’ll keep sweet Lady Abernathy safe, won’t you?”
Atticus locked eyes with me. “Of course, Mother.”
She beamed. “Just like your father. Always taking care of the women that hold your heart.” She then winked at her husband, who offered her a bright smile.
This was so strange. They were acting like Atticus and I were together, when I was engaged to the king. I felt the need to defend August even though he wasn’t here. “My fiancé thinks the worst. I’m very upset with how things are being handled right now. I’m eager to get back to him.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “I’m sure you want all of this to be over. I’m just not sure the new king is prepared to do what is necessary to protect you. Not like my sweet Atticus, that is. King Augustus was never truly prepared for his role,” she commented. “His father never trained him properly. Atticus has been working beside his father since he could walk.”
“Elizabeth, darling, your food is getting cold,” Theodore chastised.
I gritted my teeth. “August will rise to the challenge,” I said.
Theodore scoffed. “Atticus will help him like he always does.” He stabbed his steak with his fork to accentuate his point. “Some men are born to rule. Some men are nothing more than puppets.”
“Father,” Atticus said. “Christine has had a trying few days.”
Theodore ignored him. “I’m not saying anything she doesn’t already know. Atticus is a man of his word. He sticks to his convictions.” He looked at me. “Take you, for example. My son has known for years that he was going to marry you. He didn’t let anything get in his way. A DuPont sees what he wants and does everything in his power to take it.”
“Enough, Father,” Atticus said, his tone lethal. “Christine is still adjusting.”
I sat up in my seat. “Once Lord Nathan is captured, I will marry August. I don’t need a man who tells me what to do. I crave equality. A partner. Your son might be ruthless and determined, but he refuses to listen to what I want.”
A shadow of fierce emotion crossed Atticus’s expression. His eyes darkened, his mouth curved down.
Theodore eyed me while cutting his steak. “I can see why you like her, son. A little push back can be fun.”
“Don’t talk about me as if I am not here,” I spat.
“Christine holds affection for Augustus,” Atticus said, his tone heavy as he stared at me. I watched him take a sip of his drink. “I didn’t bring her here to convince her I’m the better choice. She’s here because I want to keep her safe.”
“She’s here because that boy couldn’t do the job,” Theodore said. “Such a disappointment.”
Atticus slammed his drink down on the table, making his wine spill over the rim. “Mother, Christine and I need to speak to Father in private. Would you mind enjoying the rest of your meal in your room?”
I’d expected his mother to argue, but to my utter shock, she smiled and nodded, as if getting told what to do was the norm for her. “Of course, son. You talk.” She turned to me. “Come see me once you’re settled. I can coordinate a spa day. Self-care is so important.”
She grabbed a roll from the table and stood up, plopping some of it into her mouth. I’d always known Elizabeth DuPont was submissive in nature, but this was so odd to me.
Once she was out of the room, I turned to Atticus. “That was rude.”
He replied, “What we need to discuss, she doesn’t need to hear.”
Theodore sighed. “You know I hate talking business at the dinner table.”
