Claire stood by a corner and unfolded the letter Maria had delivered to her.
It was from Aldrich as she expected.
It read;
Dear Claire,
Due to certain insecurities of mine, I will not be attending the wedding ceremony. But nevertheless, I still expect a response from you.
I must inform you that things have beco more horrid. My carriage was sabotaged on its way to the Capital yestermorn and I was expected to be inside the carriage - the coincidence cannot be ignored. And I should ntion that it was serviced that very morning before the voyage.
Now that the wedding has taken place, I find it appropriate to wed you and consummate out union as soon-"
There was a knock on her door.
She rose from her bed, glancing at her sleeping sister briefly before moving to open the door.
The King’s guard stood there, towering over her.
"The King summons you, Miss Stenly." His voice was deep and gruff, yet... gentle in a manner.
Claire blinked.
Summoned her?
Wasn’t he supposed to be at the chapel with his bride? What in the world could he possibly want with her?
She opened the door wider. "I’m afraid I cannot make the long journey to the chapel and back. My sister has a fever, do tell him."
He just braced his feet apart and cleared his throat.
"The King summons you to his private study, Miss Stenly."
Oh.
Not the Chapel?
Sothing didn’t sound right. There was supposed to be a celebration after the vows had been said, wasn’t there?
With one brief look at the room behind her, she followed him, locking the door behind her.
Her olive-skinned guard made to follow her while Rory’s guard took up a position in front of the door.
Claire counted all their footsteps as they made the arduous journey to the King’s Study.
As they ascended the stairway, Andon was descending. He didn’t look up, intending to pass without acknowledging her. And she had reason to believe that he actually hadn’t seen her - it was very unlike him to ignore her, or any esteed woman for that matter.
"Lord Andon?"
He stopped, his clenched hands gradually loosening.
"Miss Stenly." He nodded at her.
He looked... upset and sad at the sa ti. Sothing was terribly wrong.
Was Yeren dead?
Her heartbeat took on a speed that befitted a horse rider with an adrenaline rush.
*Is anything the matter? You look-"
"I’m fine." He cut her off nearly.
She winced at the way he snapped at her.
"Forgive for the intrusion then. I bid you a good day." She made to leave.
Then he cleared his throat.
"I should be the one asking for your forgiveness. But, I have no wish to talk."
She nodded at him and continued to her destination, unsure of what to make of their conversation.
Alas, they arrived at the picturesque room with the shelves that threatened to reach the sky.
"Your Grace." She stood at the door and skirted a curtsey.
He stood there with a goblet of wine in his hands, staring at the decanter with his back to her.
Claire waited, struggling to steady her breath... and curiosity.
One thing was clear - he didn’t summon her to serve him wine.
"I believe you have heard."
Heard about what?
For one, she was glad that he wasn’t hard in any way.
"Heard about what, Your Grace?"
He took a swig of his drink and let out a sigh before speaking. "About the cancellation of the wedding."
Her breath caught without her realising it.
"Why?"
He finally glanced over his shoulder.
"I thought you heard."
She blinked.
"I didn’t..."
Then he spun around to look at her.
"I’m surprised you don’t know about it. I suspect that you and Garelle had so secret conspiracy in the shadows."
She raised a brow at him in confusion.
Was he talking about the letter she hid from him earlier?
A dry laugh escaped her.
"What is my cri then? It appears that you think I’m desperate enough to sabotage your wedding. I am many things, but not foolish - you were never mine from the start, and just because the wedding was cancelled doesn’t make you mine now."
"Forgive then, I don’t know who to bla."
Sothing in his tone made her step closer.
He looked... helpless.
"Tell what happened." Her voice softened without her realising it.
He downed the remaining wine in his goblet and set it down on the table with a loud thud.
"I found her in bed with Andon."
Claire blinked.
Andon? Which Andon was he talking about?
"They were-"
"According to Garelle, nothing happened. She claims to have drugged him and planted herself in his bed."
Claire moved even closer, until the table was the only thing between them.
"Garelle is too sensible to do sothing like that, Your Grace."
He blinked.
"I have to demote Andon because of this."
"But he is clearly innocent, if all the testimonies tally!" Her voice was slightly raised.
He sank into the seat behind him.
"The court would never forgive him... and I will lose my good na throughout the Kingdom."
She leaned across the table.
"What is your good na compared to Andon?"
He rubbed his eyes.
"I didn’t call you here to judge . If I pardon him, everything would look orchestrated in order for to avoid marrying Lady Plutte. And when such a rumour spreads, I will incur the wrath of almost every noble house in Reden."
She blinked. Claire finally understood where he was coming from.
Then, her eyes softened.
"Are you all..." She broke off. "Do what you think is best."
After a long pause, she t his gaze and asked, "Why then did you call here?"
He ran a hand through his hair and let out a sigh.
"I don’t know."
For a mont they just stared at each other, neither speaking or moving.
Then, he leaned forward and placed his lips on hers.
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