Page 33 of Take My Throne

Chapter Twelve

The party is still in full swing as we pull up outside my house.

“I don’t think we needed to worry about anyone missing us,” says Romy as we head back into the house.

He spoke too soon.

“Where did you guys go?” Lucas comes out to meet us as we head towards the dance hall.

“Oh, it was getting a bit too stuffy, so I wanted some fresh air,” I lie. “Romy offered to take me for a buzz on his bike and Archer said he fancied a break as well, so the three of us went for a ride together. After my victory earlier today, I felt like a break from riding.”

“Speaking of your victory,” says Lucas, seemingly buying my story, “well played, guys. I should have known you’d pull something like that. I was planning on doing a sudden move, but I saw Ivy coming up behind me, so if I’d pulled out in front of her, it would have taken both of us out of the race. As it is, an Archaic victory is still an Archaic victory, no matter which one of us won. Well done, wife.”

He puts a subtle emphasis on the word wife as he puts his arm around my neck and kisses the top of my head, letting the others know who really owns me. I could laugh at his naivety. If only he knew what we’d been doing not so long ago, he wouldn’t be anywhere near so smug.

“Anyway, I came to find you because I thought we should break open the champagne and formally toast your win, Ivy,” Lucas says. “I would have done it earlier, but I had to deal with some business.”

“Oh yes,” I say lightly. “I saw you talking to Isabella earlier. Anything wrong?”

“No, no. Everything’s fine.” I’ve spent enough time with Lucas to know when he’s lying and something is definitely up.

“Are you sure? Is everything okay with my father?”

“It’s fine, although he’s going to be staying away for a little longer than planned,” Lucas tells me. “Something’s come up that needs his personal attention, so he’s going to be staying in Italy for a few more days to sort it out. Nothing you need to worry about though.”

“Well, I am just the wife,” I beam brightly, doing my best Stepford Wife impression.

“Glad you’re finally accepting that,” says Lucas, ignoring my sarcasm. “Now come and have some champagne with me.”

He moves to take my hand, but Archer steps forward. “Actually, Lucas, do you mind if I have a very quick word with Ivy? I’ll send her after you in a minute or two. Promise.”

“Haven’t you just been out on a ride together?” say Lucas grumpily. “Couldn’t you have talked then?”

“Come off it, Lucas,” says Archer. “You know it’s impossible to have a conversation when you’re speeding down the road. I guarantee it won’t take long.”

“Fine,” Lucas huffs. “Ivy, I’ll be in the main hall waiting for you. Make sure you don’t take long-–everyone will want to congratulate you.”

He storms off to the hall, leaving me with Archer and Romy.

“What is it?” I ask. “Didn’t you get enough of me earlier?”

“I’ll never have enough of you,” Archer confides. “But that’s not what this is about. Have you had a chance to check out your father’s schedule yet?”

“Are you kidding?” I say. “I haven’t been able to get anywhere near his study. Whenever I’ve tried, Isabella pops up or Lucas suddenly decides we need to be spending quality time together. It’s like they know what we’re planning and they’re deliberately trying to stop us.”

“How could they know?” Archer asks.

“I have no idea,” I reply. “I haven’t talked about it with anyone. So unless one of you has said something, which I doubt, or I’ve been talking in my sleep, which I’m pretty certain I don’t do, it’s just the typical Archaic paranoia coming into play and they don’t like me roaming round the house myself. My father’s always kept me on a tight lead when I’ve been home, so it’s no surprise that Lucas is continuing with that tradition while he’s away. For all that he’s been really nice to me, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still working with my father on some nefarious scheme.”

“Okay,” says Archer. “Let’s assume you’re not going to get any time to yourself any time soon. I’m going to try and break into Solomon’s office.”

“Don’t.” I shake my head. “It’s too dangerous.”

“I used to work for your father, remember?” Archer assures. “The guards know me, so I can sweet talk my way round them if they see me. And I know a lot of the security codes your father uses for his safes. Of course, he may well have changed them, but he’s arrogant enough to think no one would get that close to him, so if we’re lucky, everything will have stayed the same. I might be able to find something which will help us with our plans.”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure whether I’m comfortable with Archer putting himself in danger like this. “Okay,” I say finally. “I can’t hang around here any longer. Lucas is expecting me. Do what you need. Just stay safe, okay?”

“Always.”

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