Fated Eclipse: The Illegitimate Princess And Her Alpha Suitors

Chapter 294: The Note and The News

Chapter 293: The Note and The News

Lyria’s POV

Debbie handed the letter to me, her expression curious but respectful. I took it from her, my fingers brushing against the folded parchment.

I unfolded it carefully, smoothing the paper flat against my palm. The handwriting was neat and, once again, quite beautiful.

Your Highness,

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been some time since we have seen one another in private, though it would be quite incorrect to say that I have not gazed upon you in passing or during the competition. Nevertheless, I must admit that I long to hear you speak with me directly.

I would have come to your chambers to deliver this message in person, or perhaps simply to speak with you, but I fear that would not be appropriate. The rules of the competition are clear, and I would not wish to place you in any difficult position. Therefore, I write to you instead, trusting that my words will find their way to you and that you will receive them kindly.

The reason I am writing to you is this: the invitation I extended to you previously still stands. If you wish to continue learning to dance, then, as before, I would be honoured to take on the role of your dance tutor. The elimination ball is fast approaching, and you will be expected to dance with at least three suitor candidates. I would hate for you to feel belittled or mocked during the ball because you do not know how to dance. You deserve to stand tall and confident, not to be made to feel small.

I know that you are still recovering, and I do not wish to push you beyond what you are capable of. But the offer remains, should you wish to accept it. There is no pressure, no expectation. Only the hope that you might consider it.

To prevent the issue that occurred last time, I propose that we change the location. We can use the lakeside near the forgotten wing of the palace. I trust you know it very well.

I will wait for you there from eight until nine in the evening. I will also bring snacks, so you need not trouble yourself with bringing any. Though I must warn you—there will be no cherry pie. I fear that is the only thing I have been feeding you, and you need to eat more healthily lest you fall ill again. I will bring something more substantial, something that will help you regain your strength.

I hope to see you there. But if you do not wish to come, I will understand.

Yours sincerely,

Lucian Aurelgrave.

I did not realise I was smiling until I finished reading.

The letter was warm and thoughtful, filled with simple words that I could read without difficulty. He had written it in a way that made me feel as though he had been thinking of me, as though he had taken the time to consider my feelings.

Pippa made a sound, breaking the silence that had settled over the chamber.

"Your Highness," she said, her voice bright with amusement, "you have a besotted look upon your face."

I blinked, startled out of my reverie.

"I d-do not," I said, though I could feel the warmth in my cheeks.

Debbie laughed, the sound light and teasing.

"Pippa, did you just learn that word today?" she asked.

Pippa turned to her, scandalised.

"Be quiet," she said.

Debbie giggled, and Pippa joined in, their laughter filling the chamber. Margery shook her head, though I could see the smile she was trying to hide. Even Elara’s lips twitched.

I folded the letter carefully, tucking it into the folds of my dress.

"I have s-somewhere to v-visit tonight," I said.

Pippa and Debbie exchanged a look, their giggles subsiding into knowing smiles.

"Besotted," Debbie whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

They dissolved into giggles again.

I ignored them.

I turned to Bridget. I had yet to hear what she had discovered, and she looked as though she had something important to tell me.

"D-did you l-learn anything?" I asked her.

She nodded and stepped closer.

"Yes, Your Highness," she said. "I followed Baron Frederick, as you instructed. He met with someone in a storeroom near your chambers. The man was masked and cloaked, and he had concealed his scent. I could not see his face."

I listened carefully, my heart beginning to beat faster.

"Baron Frederick was afraid," Bridget continued, her voice low. "He begged the man to help him leave the palace. And I learned that he had discovered some secrets."

Bridget’s voice dropped even lower, as though she feared someone might overhear us.

"He said the priestess is a fraud," she said. "She does not hear the voice of the Goddess. The royal family tells her what to say. And—"

She paused, her eyes meeting mine.

"The King plans to take Your Highness for himself. Baron Frederick was also of the opinion that the King is a psychopath, which is hardly surprising. He further stated that the Queen is aware of everything."

I remained quiet.

I already knew that the King was a psychopath. That was hardly surprising. And I already knew that he wanted me. Glenda had said as much.

I wondered where Glenda was.

She had said she would come looking for me, but it had been days already, and I had yet to see her. I wondered if perhaps I could task Bridget with finding out more.

I shook my head.

That would be too much to ask of her. She had only just uncovered information about Baron Frederick and the strange man he had been speaking with.

I paused.

A strange man.

Who could he be?

"D-do you know w-who the s-strange man t-the Baron was s-speaking with is?" I asked.

Bridget shook her head.

"No, Your Highness. He was masked and hooded. I only saw his build. From what I know, I believe he is some sort of secret guard serving the King. I have never seen him before."

I frowned.

A secret guard?