Page 73 of A Crown Without Mercy

“It’s Sylvana—it’s bad, Cadell.”

“Is she ill?”

“Only in her head,” Florin replied.

Cadell cocked his head. “I don’t understand?”

“I don’t know how to tell you?” Alaric replied.

“Alaric, spit it out,” Cadell demanded.

“Nicolai and Kieran are bedding Sylvana,” he said, feeling as if he was going to choke on the words as they left his mouth.Cadell stared at Alaric with wide eyes and adjusted his stance.It cannot be, she cannot be?

“There is more,” Alaric admitted.

“What more could there possibly be?”

“They are looking for a purebred Ascelin and I am positive they suspect it is Sylvana.”

“How do you know this?” Cadell asked.

Florin looked at Alaric, who appeared to be at a loss for words. “They didn’t come right out and say it, but it was clear,” Florin replied.

“If you know where Father is, you need to send word,” Alaric said.

“Alaric, I can’t.”

“Why the hell not? They slept in Sylvana’s fucking bed chamber last night!”

Cadell could clearly see his desperation and he felt terrible. “We will take this matter to Lord Cynfadel, but I need you to speak the truth. The rumors? Are they true?”

Fuck, If I speak the truth there is no hiding it. If I don’t, the consequences could be worse.He looked at Florin, desperately trying to figure out what to do.

Florin shrugged his shoulders, not having an answer.

“Alaric, your father is my friend and I will not betray him, nor will I betray his family. I can’t help if I don’t know the truth.”

Alaric straightened his back. “It’s true.”

“Are you, Calista, and Mira Ascelins as well?” After a brief pause, the blank expression on Alaric’s face told him what he needed to know. “There is something I need to tell you,” Cadell admitted.

“Sounds ominous,” Florin mumbled.

“Enatta knows about Mira,” Cadell said.

“What do you mean?” Alaric asked.

“Mira showed Enatta her ability to create life.”

“Oh, fuck me. I’m going to kill her.”

“I’ve spoked to Enatta, and I’ve demanded she remain silent. It is the very reason I am keeping Mira and Laurent apart. I told Mira when I brought her home this morning Laurent would be leaving with me for a few weeks.”

“First Sylvana and now Mira? What the hell am I supposed to do?”

“I assume you will be in attendance for the ceremony tonight?”

“Yes,” Alaric muttered.

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