War Hour by Loscig Lauren

Author:Loscig, Lauren
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LNL Publishing LLC
Published: 2023-11-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

I’d like to think in my time at the capital, the people here have begun to palate my presence. Keeping my head down is instinct after living under the guard’s terror in Falland, and it works just as well here. I blend in until I’m just another invisible among the rest.

But as hard as I work to fall to the background, Evander draws focus like a beacon in the night. As my constant escort, he pulls me under scrutiny with him.

Today, following the Crowns’ War Hour and hours before the highly anticipated Peace Ball, I get a taste of freedom. Not a single person spares me even a glance.

Court citizens and capital staff alike hurry up and down the halls. Women rush past with a plethora of dresses draped across their arms, all a range of colors and fabrics. Staff cart around trays of covered food and glass chalices.

And, in their preparation, no one is concerned with my presence.

I’m nearly back to the Court of Truth’s tower, where my quiet room awaits me when a woman’s voice hisses in the hall I must enter. The venom in her tone stops me before I turn the corner, instead pressing myself against the wall.

“It is too late!” the woman says in a shrill voice. “Now the ball is upon us, and there will be no Heir on your arm. You’ve had weeks.”

Turning my head back toward the hall I just came from, I hesitate. I’ve learned to navigate parts of the capital, and this is the only way I know to get to my room. But I can’t just continue on by an obviously tense conversation.

A girl’s voice sounds down the hall.

“I’m confident I can make tonight work for your plans, Mother. I have not failed you yet.”

In the beat of silence, I hold my breath, praying the two women will not come my way. I’ve obviously stumbled upon a tense conversation, not meant to be overheard.

“Have you sensed a change in his feelings?” the older woman asks, voice tight with frustration. “Anything at all?”

“He’s hard to read. It’s like I see a glimpse and then it’s gone. From what I catch, he enjoys my company. That has not changed, but I have had so little time with him. It’s as if he spends every waking moment with her. Meals, training—there’s never a chance to get him alone.”

“I expect so much more from you, Visha. You will not have my brother’s favor indefinitely. And then what?”

I freeze, air escaping my lungs in a quiet gasp.

Nothing could stop me from leaning forward to peek around the corner, confirming what I’ve just heard.

Visha stands crowded against the wall, her mother gripping her wrist. While Visha is at least a head taller than her mother, she shrinks under her cold gaze.

“Can’t you feel my disappointment, Visha? I know it weighs heavily on me. Don’t you wish to relieve us both of this burden?”

Visha looks away, face void of emotion. “Of course, Mother. I’ll do better.

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