Missing Lily by Larsen Annette K

Author:Larsen, Annette K. [Larsen, Annette K.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Hidden Falls Publishing
Published: 2014-05-13T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

A WEEK LATER, I sat in the music room by myself, having already breakfasted with my mother and Lorraina. They had plans to shut themselves away with the seamstresses and plan ball gowns. I happily declined the invitation to join them.

“Your Highness?” A footman asked from the doorway.

“Yes?”

“A guest has arrived. The king and queen are both occupied. Your mother requested that you be sent to greet him.”

I was taken aback. “I did not know we were expecting guests.”

“The arrival was unanticipated.” The tone of disapproval in the footman’s voice made me smile. “He awaits in the parlor, Princess. Shall I tell him he will have to wait?”

“No, thank you. I don’t mind.” He bowed as I rose and left the room, curious who the guest might be and amused at the footman’s disapproval that he had arrived unannounced. I just hoped it wasn’t another gentleman meant for me.

As I glided down the stairs, two footmen passed by, carrying a large trunk. Apparently our guest planned to stay for some time. My curiosity increased. Who was this unannounced visitor? I crossed the entry on silent feet, hoping to glimpse the guest before he became aware of me.

I stepped into the parlor and found a lone man standing with his back to me. His figure struck me as familiar, and my stomach tightened, making me pause. When he turned, I took an involuntary step back.

Tobias had come for a visit.

My movement caught his attention and he had the audacity to smile, his eyes roving over my figure.

Wanting nothing more than to retreat, to refuse to be in the same room with him, I fought to maintain my composure. This was my home. I wasn’t some lost soul that he could threaten and intimidate. I was Princess Lylin of Dalthia.

I pulled my shoulders back and entered regally. The moment I stepped forward, Tobias swept into a low bow. “Princess Lylin, it is an honor.”

My hands clasped tightly in front of me as I tried to appear calm. “Mr. Fallon. I did not know you were expected.”

His expression was entirely smug. “Yes, I believe only the king knew of my coming. And his steward, of course, since he penned the invitation.”

He was here at my father’s invitation? Lovely. If that were the case, then I had to be civil.

“I’m afraid the king and queen are both occupied at the moment. If you would like to join me on the veranda for tea until they are able to join us, I’m sure they will not be long.”

He looked mildly surprised by the invitation but accepted, probably because it was more of an order than a request.

“Mr. Dale.”

The steward was instantly at attention, and I didn’t need to say anything further. He dispatched a servant to escort Tobias to the veranda and arrange for tea.

I remained in the parlor, pacing back and forth, calming my breathing and preparing to face the insufferable Tobias.

I only had a chance to take a few shaky breaths before I looked up and was startled at the sight of Rhys entering the room.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.