Page 30 of Heir of the Beast

“They have DNA tests?”

“Of course. Garthorn is very advanced. Just no one ever thought Queen Irena would cheat, leading to an illegitimate child. Or if someone knew I’m sure they were silenced.”

Mort is still typing. “Update. Pierce just said all players are at Garthorn Castle.”

A wave of panic hit me. “We better leave and go to our duties. That means the House of Mont Gallow just arrived, and the headmaster is probably having a cow!”

***

Another day passes.

I don’t think I have worked so hard in my life.

On my only hour break, I sleep hardcore. My body aches, and my feet are still throbbing from going up flights of stairs for hours. I have not seen Apollo since our time on the ship, just like I feared.

I spotted Cherie from a distance, but I could not say hi, being a slave in all. Must keep our heads down and averted from our betters.

Slaves know our place.

Envy washes through me upon seeing what gown Pierce made for her. It is dazzling emerald-green with cream lace—a vision.

But she is also on the arm of her soon-to-be-husband. He is a handsome fellow but didn’t hold a candle to Apollo Augustus Garthorn, the third.

Still, though, she is better off than I am. I feel like all she must do is tell Apollo she dislikes her betrothed and wants out.

Eye roll.

My plight is quite desolate.

“Get up!” Mort yells in my ear.

“No.”

I have no enthusiasm. All hope is lost for me. I just pray someone else gets Apollo over entitled Laura. Barf.

Mort smiles. “We have to go wash up a mess that was made by the royal hounds, mud, and water.”

I barely look at her, wondering if she’s also lost her mind.

“The mess is right next to the drawing room where Laura is, and I believe Apollo is there with his brothers.”

I jump out of bed so fast I think I upset the planet's gravitational pull. I must see them out of curiosity, in my defense.

We both power walk toward the main wing of the castle like it’s an Olympic race. It takes us fifteen minutes, but we arrive in the main hall.

The hall is gigantic with ceilings so high I can barely see the top of their splendor. People are everywhere, servants and royalty in the massive mix. We keep our heads down as I follow Mort toward the dog mess.

The grand hall thins out and breaks off into two large rooms, the drawing room and the Grand Library.

There are not very many people down this far, and I immediately spot the muddy mess by a back entrance to the royal kitchen. My heart starts to pound when I hear laughter coming from the drawing room.

“Look from over here,” Mort whispers and jerks her head. “You can see inside.”

I get down on my hands and knees and pretend I’m cleaning along with Mort. ~Don’t mind us, just poor little servants~. I inch forward and slightly turn my long brim bonnet to the left.

That’s when I see Apollo Augustus Garthorn.

I have to say his full name because I don’t know him.

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