Free Web NovelChapter 180: Chapter 180
Ansel stared at his mother and cousin, seated across from him, his expression pensive and tight. Weeks had passed since the luncheon, yet he still had not been able to stop thinking about what Princess Circe had said to him during their brief exchange. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
He had replayed that conversation over and over again, dissecting every word, turning her statement over in his mind multiple times in an attempt to understand it better.
Logically, he knew he could not do what she had asked of him. She was Prince Ragnar’s wife. Someone Ragnar seemed to care for profoundly, enough that he was ready to pull his favor from the Hawthornes because of her.
If Ansel had acted on her request, even out of compassion, it would have spelled ruin for him and for his entire family. Their businesses, their estates, their investments, would be gone. Ragnar would have obliterated it all in a single heartbeat, and Ansel was certain the man would not hesitate.
So why, then, did her words still follow him everywhere he went? Why did he feel like a coward for saying no? Did refusing a woman who was clearly in need make him a bad person?
The table before them was filled with an assortment of pastries. Flaky tarts, sweetened rolls, little fruit-filled pockets that they each took turns slowly devouring.
His mother and cousin, Mina, were deep in their own lively conversation, so engrossed that they barely noticed the pinched look on Ansel’s face. If left alone long enough, the two women would likely forget he was even sitting at the table with them.
This was simply how they were. Mina would either come over, or Maelis would go to her house, and the two of them would talk about anything and everything until they completely lost track of time.
Maelis had never given birth to daughters, and Mina’s mother had died when she was still a small child. But when Lord Soren married Maelis, the two had forged a relationship that grew into something far deeper. They became family in every sense of the word and were now inseparable.
Ansel tapped his fingers against the table once, twice, then cleared his throat.
"What can you tell me about Her Highness, Princess Circe?" he asked, and the question was directed at Maelis. He had wanted to ask this for quite a while and now that he had, he was still shocked that he had gone through with it.
Maelis paused, blinking slowly. "As much as I’m sure you already know," she replied.
By that she meant: not much at all. She tilted her head, studying him with quiet curiosity. "Is there a reason you’re asking?"
"I just find it odd," Ansel said, choosing his words carefully, "that we all live here in Amris, yet we still know so little about her."
Maelis lifted her shoulders in a light shrug. "I suppose it’s to be expected, given the circumstances surrounding their marriage."
That was a massive understatement.
Ansel’s lips thinned. He wanted to say more, to ask more, but every time he thought of the princess he drew a blank. She puzzled him greatly, more than he wanted to admit.
Mina, ever so quick to fill the silence, shifted toward Maelis eagerly.
"I did notice the princess was a bit reserved at the luncheon," she said, "but she was still such a delight to have around. I think she’s simply not familiar with us yet. She will warm up once she spends more time here. I’m actually planning to ask Elara to extend an invitation to Her Highness for the garden party."
"Isn’t that a little too soon?" Maelis asked, her brows lifting. "I doubt His Highness will be keen on letting her attend."
That was clearly not the response Mina wanted. A scowl overtook her entire face, an expression she wasn’t too used to wearing.
"You speak of him like he’s her jailer, and not her husband," Mina scoffed. "You’re starting to sound like the way Sasha did at the luncheon."
Maelis exhaled slowly, her voice gentling. "You didn’t see how he looked after Her Highness almost drowned. I’ve never seen anyone look so shaken. All I’m saying is he will be more cautious now about where she goes, and who she’s with until he feels she’s safe again. I’m sure Gracil would do the same if he feared for your safety."
She rarely spoke of what happened that night at her estate. It wasn’t her place to do so. But despite her silence, the news had spread and Mina had been one of the first to hear it.
Mina didn’t look convinced. She arched a brow at Maelis, lips twisting with skepticism.
"But the luncheon was weeks ago, Auntie," she argued. Then, with a smug little smile: "And Gracil knows better than to try that with me. Not unless he wants to part ways with his family jewels."
Ansel, who had just taken a generous bite of his scone, promptly choked at Mina’s latest remark. His shoulders jerked as he let out a series of harsh, sputtering coughs in an effort to dislodge the rogue piece of pastry.
"Oh dear," Mina said, trying, and failing, to smother her laughter. A few giggles still slipped through. "Are you alright?" fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"It’s not even safe to eat around you," Ansel groused once his coughing fit eased.
He knew he had no real right to complain. That comment was mild compared to some of the scandalous things Mina had said in the past.
"I heard Lady Taryn and her children will be staying in Amris through the winter," Maelis said, smoothly redirecting the conversation. "No doubt so her son can court Sasha properly and they can finally settle on a date for their inevitable nuptials."
Mina threw her head back with a dramatic groan.
"Please, Auntie, don’t remind me," she muttered darkly.
Maelis clicked her tongue. "I don’t understand why you’re so opposed to it. You should be pleased. If Sasha marries Rylan, she will move to the capital and you will finally be rid of the greatest thorn in your marriage."
"That’s the only silver lining," Mina conceded. "Flip the coin, and you will realize Sasha marrying into the Caelorth family means I will be connected to them too. Which means I would have to tolerate she who shall not be named."
It took a great deal for Mina to truly dislike someone, but that particular person had made it remarkably easy.
"Mina, be reasonable," Maelis sighed. "You can’t still be holding a grudge. She was just a girl when that happened, and children do the most foolish, thoughtless things. She’s an adult now and has most likely grown out of those habits so you’re worrying over nothing." Maelis tried to reassure her. "Their mother will be looking for a match for her as well, now that she’s of age."
Mina visibly shuddered at the thought her aunt’s words conjured. "Heavens help the unfortunate soul she decides to set her sights on."
