Page 210 of Barbi and the Villain

He takes a deep breath. The seconds in which he does not speak are seconds in which the gulf between us widens. A chasm opens in my heart as I wait with bated breath for him to justify himself and his actions.

I want—need—him to give me a reason. Otherwise, I will go crazy with all these maddening thoughts and suppositions.

“I did not mean to be away for so long,” he starts, his tone weary. “I found a way inside the Jubal palace. That palace is one of the most guarded places in Tartareia and I could not miss the chance.”

“The soldiers mentioned the House of Jubal too; that this is their territory and I was trespassing.”

“That is correct. The lighthouse is under their jurisdiction. The House of Jubal owns the entire land in northern Sattoriya and vast parts of the realm. Together with three other houses, they are the direct descendants of the Seven and the current ruling power of the Tartareia,” he explains.

“But why would you go there? You said you were investigating your family and?—”

“The House of Jubal is my family,” he cuts me off.

I frown. Why am I only hearing about this now?

“But that… That makes you… Tartareian royalty?” I swallow.

He grunts.

“I do not have a title since I am the second born. My brother currently holds the title of Duke of v’Kyró. The House of Jubal has several branches, and a few of them have royal titles. In Tartareia, the most important position you could have is a royal title, which is why people have been fighting for them from the creation of the Sons of Tenebreis.”

“Oh,” I murmur.

Why am I only hearing about this now?

“The Jubal palace is not a residence,” he continues. “It is an official building from wherein the House of Jubal conducts its affairs. It is the place where all the extended branches of the house come together to discuss matters of policy and hegemony. Because of that, it is close to impossible to get near it, which is what I have been trying to achieve for the past weeks. I found a way in by disguising myself as a merchant, but I could not stay long. The palace not only has runes in place that inhibit the use of powers, but it also has top-notch surveillance. The moment I stepped inside the palace, Barbs…”

He takes a deep breath. “I had no control over my abilities. I couldn’t feel your call. I couldn’t even feel your injuries. But as soon as I realized you were in danger, I rushed to your side. Please believe me.”

I digest his words, hugging the pillow to my chest.

It’s not his fault, is it? He did not know—he couldn’t have known. But though the logical side of me understands this information, there is another part of me, a primal one, that continues to be wrecked by a deep disappointment.

“Did you find anything?” I eventually ask.

“I did.” He nods. “The House of Jubal is hosting a ball next week at the palace. For my sister’s engagement,” he adds in a tight voice.

“Oh, Nyk…”

“It is her second one, it seems. Her first husband died under mysterious circumstances a few thousand years ago and she has just come out of her mourning period. It appears my brother did not waste any time in finding her another husband,” he adds angrily.

“What do you plan on doing?” I turn around to regard him, sliding closer and reveling in the heat emanating from his body.

“I will go to the ball,” he states staunchly. “It is a masquerade-themed ball, so I should be able to get around undetected. The only issue is that because it is an official affair, the runes on that day will be more powerful than ever to prevent any unwanted incidents.”

“Unwanted incidents?” I frown.

A wry smile tips at his lips.

“This is Tartareia, Barbs. The land of the wicked. Just because we are family does not mean we do not kill each other. In the name of power, everyone betrays everyone. It is why the palace is considered neutral ground for such events.”

“I see.” I nod. “I will come with you,” I declare.

“You do not have to come.” He shakes his head. “After what happened today…”

“After what happened today more than ever. I will not stay behind anymore, Nyk. Just thinking about calling out to you and waiting for you with no response fills me with dread. Where you go, I go,” I tell him confidently.

He stares at me. A slow smile appears on his face.

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