Page 82 of Heir of Illusion

An invisible knife slides between my ribs, piercing my lungs as it knocks the air out of me. Fear that has lain dormant for a decade and a half reawakens, stretching itself into every corner of my being.

I lick my lips, my mouth suddenly dry. “He’s here?”

There’s compassion in his eyes as he nods. “Ivy, I?—”

A dark shadow falls over us, cutting off Bellamy’s words. Another ghost from my past appears, this one far less welcome.

“Daughter,” Lord Pomeroy says the word like a joke. His cold eyes rake over me, no doubt finding a thousand flaws in my appearance.

“Father.” I match his tone, making a mockery of the title we both know doesn’t truly belong to him. Everyone is aware I’m not his child, but the great Lord Nigel Pomeroy will never publicly admit it, despite the rumors that circulate. He believes himself above such petty gossip.

“Have you been making yourself useful?” he asks. “I trust you’re keeping the king happy?”

A muscle clenches in Bellamy’s jaw at his father’s implication.

“He’s very pleased with me,” I respond coolly.

“See to it he stays that way.” A hard glint enters his green eyes. “I’ve heard that little weasel Kaldar is trying to push his niece as a bride. You can’t let that happen. The Burgess family has too much influence already.”

“I won’t,” I lie, looking forward to his disappointment when the news is announced later tonight.

I’m sure he will be dripping with displeasure for the happy couple. Hopefully if Baylor announces Bridgid as his bride, he will stop calling me to his chambers at night. If that happens, I’ll likely fall to her feet with gratitude. She can insult me as much as she wants, as long as she keeps him away.

“Father,” Bel growls, his fists balled tightly at his side. “You haven’t seen your daughter in years, and this is all you have to say?”

“Nothing else comes to mind.” Lord Pomeroy paints a charming smile onto his face, probably for the benefit of the prying eyes that keep flicking in our direction.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing as a realization settles over me. I don’t care what this vile man says. Any power he had to cause me pain died in that lake, along with my innocence. Now, he’s nothing but a bitter memory.

“Apologies for the interruption, my lords.” Remy’s voice comes from behind me.

Turning around, I’m shocked by the sight of him in his formal uniform. Pride swells in my chest as I note the insignia and accommodations decorating the left side of his jacket. Despite being forced to serve a selfish king, Remy has always done his best to make the city of Solmare proud.

“I’m afraid His Majesty is asking for Lady Iverson,” he continues, unable to hide the simmering hatred blazing in his eyes as he glares at Lord Pomeroy.

“Then you must not keep him waiting, daughter.”

I ignore my father and turn to Bel. “I’ll find you later.”

He nods, regret shining in his brown eyes. After all these years, I’d hoped if I ever saw my brother again, we’d have more time together. I have so many questions. Why did he never reach out to me? Why didn’t he come to visit? Does he blame me for the things that happened that night? I can only imagine how the memories of Clara’s screams must haunt him.

I push aside the deep well of sadness that opens up every time I think about the young governess. Now is not the time to let such emotions consume me. With so many eyes watching me tonight, I need to play my part flawlessly. Courtiers whisper in every corner of the ballroom as Remy escorts me along the edges of the dancefloor. Couples move in sync with each other, their graceful bodies swaying with the music. There’s a part of me that longs to join them, but Baylor would never allow it.

Glancing up at Remy, I can’t help but notice the dark circles sitting beneath his tired eyes. Despite the time he’s been spending outside, his skin has become pale and sickly, making the thin scar along his neck stand out more than usual. The search for Darby has worn him down, yet Baylor keeps pushing him harder. Remy is strong, but everyone needs to rest eventually.

“Any new developments?” I ask quietly, knowing he will understand I’m referring to thealmanova.

He shakes his head, his gaze dropping to my collar momentarily before meeting my own. “The king is displeased.”

“That’s never good,” I murmur distractedly as we dodge a group of lords arguing over some business matter. It appears the crowd is getting antsy as we wait for the Gods to arrive. I glance toward the staircase, searching for a specific face.

“He’s not here,” Remy says.

My gaze snaps to his. “Who?”

The warning in his hazel eyes has my spine straightening. “You need to be careful where you place your trust, Iverson.”

My jaw clenches. “You don’t know him.”

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