Page 129 of Cursed Heirs

“Okay,” she murmured.

Her eyes darted around the room and then her gaze landed on Talon and she jolted, panic swirling. “What’s he doing in here? What happened?”

“He lost his temper and went full enraged phoenix.”

“Oh God.”

I added quickly, “He’s recovering well and he’ll be fine.”

“Go, Orpheus.”

“What?”

“Go to your father. You too, Mom. I’ll be fine.”

Abigail looked at me. “You go ahead, I’ll be along shortly. I need some time with Alena.”

“Mom, I said I’ll be fine.”

“And I want some time with my daughter.”

Surprise flickered in Alena’s eyes. “Okay,” she answered, unsure, because it was such a rarity.

“Before you head out, bringing Xavier in here. I don’t want her or Tal left alone,” I told her.

“Of course.”

I looked between Alena and Talon for a few moments, the idea of leaving them regrettable.

But I knew it had to be done.

My father needed me too.

It took me a few moments, but I managed to shore up my focus.

And then I teleported out.

Grief hung heavy.

I’d felt it in the air the moment I’d stepped foot inside the DFR.

As I’d made my way along the bridge and through the palace, looks of sorrow and sympathy had come my way.

Their King was dying.

Or so they thought.

I reached my father’s bedroom, picking up on voices inside.

The door was ajar and I peered inside to see my father in bed with Edgar Marlowe perched beside him holding his hand and stroking his thick black hair.

“I love you,” Marlowe confessed.

I started.

The way those three words had just spilled from him so easily.

So earnestly.

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