A Knot of Lies and Rebellion by J. Collette Smith

Author:J. Collette Smith [Smith, J. Collette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Indie Girl Press LLC
Published: 2022-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Seventeen

Before Ren could beg for my silence any further, two servants walked past us.

“There you are,” the taller one said. “Miss Lunal is looking for you.”

“I got lost.”

I figured it was best to play dumb. Ren nodded at the men, indicating his agreement.

“I found her roaming the halls, confused.”

“Let’s get you back at once.”

The servant placed his hand on my shoulder and nudged me forward. I looked back at Ren and he brought a finger to his mouth, reminding me to stay quiet. He needn’t worry. I only planned on bringing Kes in on my little secret. And since she was already involved, it wouldn’t be like bringing an unknown into the mix.

The two men escorted me all the way back to the holding area outside the dining room. Before we entered, Lunal rounded the corner of the corridor. Her eyes widened when she caught a glimpse of me.

“Where have you been?” she demanded.

“It appears she was lost, Miss,” said the tall one. “I apologize she wasn’t readily available to you.” He bowed his head to her as she cast her gaze from me to him.

“Thank you for returning her to me.” She smiled as she batted her long lashes at him. Demure. Sweet. Fake.

I was about to get a tongue lashing from her that might or might not include my dismissal. Whatever was to come my way, I held my head high. I wouldn’t let her get to me. I knew too much now, and I wouldn’t go down without a fight.

The pair continued on their way, leaving me at Lunal’s mercy. A smirk spread across her face as she circled me, ready to pounce.

Before she could begin, the doors to the dining room flung open and Sovereign Beck and Mog exited into the hall, catching sight of us immediately.

“Lunal, darling, you got away from me.” Suitor Number One — tall, handsome, with broad shoulders and a perfect smile. A little too perfect. His neatly coifed hair was cropped short and tidy — not a single strand out of place.

“Mog.” She smiled up at him, but there was an edge to her voice.

“Is there a problem?” Sovereign Beck rested his gaze on me.

My upper lip twitched at the intensity of his glare. He wasn’t one to cross.

“Oh no, Uncle. Emeuri was going to help me freshen up a bit. That’s all.” Lunal’s features softened. The ease with which she could morph from a bratty, entitled High Daughter into an innocent young debutante was staggering. She was practiced in the art of social graces. Something I lacked. She playfully patted Beck on his arm, selling the lie as if it were truer than the stars in the sky.

He wrapped his hand around hers and held it in place, but his eyes stayed on me. I clasped my palms, damp with sweat, and bowed my head, hoping to make a quick exit.

“Just give me a few moments and I will return ready to enjoy some more of that delicious apple strudel.” She giggled as she glanced between Beck and Mog.

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