The Finding by L.C. Pye

Author:L.C. Pye [Pye, L.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LiftedLines Press
Published: 2023-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Talia

“You are full of surprises,” Elder Agatha spat as she stalked toward me. Her sharp face was pulled down by her scowl, but it was her familiar brown eyes that rooted me to my spot. They were the same eyes as those of her son and my childhood bully, Jacob Martin. Heat traveled up my neck at the memory of the last time I saw her as she stood in my house degrading Mother before the guards came. It felt like a lifetime ago.

I searched the crowds, half hoping her face would be among the countless others. But if Elder Agatha was here, then the elder with her would be her guard dog, Elder Derek.

“What lies did you tell in order to get the king to believe that you were the lost princess?”

I pressed my lips together to stop myself from snapping back.

“I was brought to the palace to answer for my crimes. When King Madden laid eyes on me, he declared me to be the granddaughter of the late king. I didn’t trick my way into anything.”

“You are nobody. Always have been. Always will be,” she spat back. “You are not some princess—”

“Excuse me, Your Royal Highness.” A young man, with a sharp nose, stood inches from me. I frowned and took a slight step back.

“May I have this dance?” He bowed with a flourish, and extended his hand to me. I was ready to deny him, but a movement from the corner of my eye reminded me of Elder Agatha’s presence. I accepted the offer, and he led me through the middle of the other couples. The music was lively, and he lost no time in leading me into the dance.

“It’s an honor to be your second dance of the evening, Your Highness,” the young man said with an air of cockiness to him. “I’m sure with every other dance being already claimed, this will be the only chance I have with you.”

I gave him a tight smile and leaned away. Annoyance passed over his calculating brown eyes.

“Excuse me for forgetting to introduce myself. I was so overcome by your presence that I completely forgot my manners. Lord Chaster at your service,” he said with a small bow of his head. We step hopped around each other. “But you may call me Chas.” His brown hair that was tightly pulled back into a low ponytail bounced with each step.

I opened my mouth to give him a greeting, but he spoke before I could.

“I’m the son of the duke of Trenton.” His eyes met mine, waiting for me to respond. I couldn’t have cared less who he or his father were, but because of the diligent work Celeste had done, I knew exactly who they were. His father was one of the king’s closest advisers, which made me want to get as far away from him as I could. My eyes darted to the sides, hoping for some sort of escape, but instead they landed on the king who was staring right at me.

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