Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“Traitor!” Hector yelled after her, and then his brown eyes were on mine. “That shall not work on me!”
“Yes, I know. Hathor told me you are the most like your father. Which is why I bring several books from my brother’s library in Malrovia. One is a brand-new book on maps of the known world, along with several newly established cities,” I stated.
His eyes widened.
“It would not be considered a bribe, of course, because you’d one day have to return them to my brother, the king, eventually,” I added.
He looked to Damon, who had just entered, and offered a smile. “You’re the first son, it’s strictly your duty to handle this. So, I shall wait with Abena.”
Damon only shook his head as the boy ran off. “Do you mean to play the role of Father Christmas, Your Highness? Should I ponder on what you have you gotten me?”
“I will be happy to tell you, after I speak with Hathor,” I said, not liking how much time was passing.
“You believe you will just be allowed access to my daughter once more?” came the marquess’s voice, along with one other gentleman beside him. Next coming into the foyer was his wife, who I could only assume was Aphrodite, based on her appearance.
“Prince Wilhelm?” the marchioness spoke, shocked, then looked to her daughter. “Were you aware he was coming?”
She shook her head. “I do not even know him, Mama.”
“Verity, Theodore, did you bring him?” She turned to the couple who had arrived only minutes before me, and who now stood off to the side quietly.
“No, Godmother, he arrived right behind us. We are just as shocked as you.”
They all began talking, trying to discern how I came to be here. And it was a very long story, but right now, the only one I wished to speak to was Hathor. I was growing more and more anxious that she had not returned.
“Does Hathor know he is here?”
“She came down and then left.”
“Oh no, I shall check on her—” her mother said, and started up the stairs.
“Lady Monthermer!” I yelled out, causing them all to freeze. Walking past Damon and toward the stairs, I looked up at her. “If you would, I believe I shall see her alone first.”
The duke stepped forward. “Sir, you have come uninvited. Prince or not, it is disrespectful. This is not your home—”
“You are correct, sir, it is not my home—but she is my wife.”
Silence.
They all were silent as I walked over to her sister. “Lady Aphrodite, I presume? Will you be so kind as to escort me to where she is?”
“Wife? You married my sister?” she asked me.
“Yes, before my mother, Queen Augusta, and Queen Charlotte. Sir Darrington was her witness. I will explain later, but first I must make sure Hathor is all right. So, will you escort me, please?”
She glanced at her mother for a moment, who just slowly nodded. “This way. She is often in the study, I believe.”
As I walked, there was only silence, which made the thundering of my heart grow louder. I did not even know what to say to her. I feared the expression she would make, or the words she would speak. But I was more afraid of never seeing her.
“Hathor, you have a visitor.” Her sister knocked on the door, but there was no answer. So she knocked again. “Hathor?”
She opened it, and when she did, the very first thing I saw was Hathor on the floor. I nearly pushed Aphrodite out of the way to rush to her.
“Hathor!” I grabbed her arms to lift her up, checking to see where she was wounded, but she just gasped and stared back at me shocked. “Are you hurt?”
“Am I still dreaming?” she questioned.
“What?”
“You’re here?” She reached up and poked my face, and then pulled my cheek. “You are really here?”
“Yes, I am really here, why are you on the floor?”
“Stop yelling at me!” she yelled. “I was resting!”
“Who rests on the floor?”
“Where else am I to rest? There is no bed in here.”
“Why would you come in here to rest at all? Did you not see me?”
“I did see you. I thought I was going mad and ended up back here. Then the world was spinning, so I lay down on the floor to rest. Now you are here, yelling at me. In a tone I do not appreciate, by the way.”
I exhaled the deep breath in my chest, speaking softer. “I was nervous you were hurt.”
“Why would I be hurt?”
I reached up and brushed the curls from her face. “I do not know. I have not seen you in some time.”
“It has been five months, not just some time,” she muttered slowly.
“You are angry with me. Forgive me. I did not wish to be gone for so long. It took much more effort and time settling my brother than expected.”