Chapter SAGE

23

There are a lot of things going on inside my head right now. Aside from planning to escape, I still need to reassess my conflicting feelings for Lord Titus.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice as her person following me from behind.

"The palace suits you well, sister," said that familiar voice behind me.

I rolled my eyes as I stopped my track. Of course, she's here as well. Why am I not surprised?

"Hello, Annika," I said without a trace of warmth in my voice.

"That's not the most sisterly greeting, Sage. Oh, forgive me, Lady Sage," she jabbed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Stepping forward, the enveloped me in a tight embrace before placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. "Did

you come here with your brother?" I inquired, brushing aside her snide comment,

"Still fixated on my brother while you already had a handsome man warming your bed! My, my, aren't you a bit greedy, sister she reported, her words laden with disdain.

"What happened inside my bed was none of your business. If you'll excuse me, I still have important matters to attend to," I said before turning my back

"Dad

I needs some money, and we came here to ask. His Majesty, she said.

I scoff, "And what does it have to do with me

"You're going to help us convince His Majesty to give us money, right?" she asked confidently.

"Tell me, why would I do that, Annika

"We

We feed you. We gave you home. This is the least you could do for us," she replied.

"You do all those things just so I can take your place! I exclaimed

And look how it turns out You should be thankful we did that. If not for that, you

ouldn't be wearing these fancy clothes and sleeping on that comfortable bed. You should be thankful' she smirked

£11

hopeleze tænks. T'm

was wing the park's money to

It's not my fault that your gambling addiction. If

orng around. But I haven't even taken a few reps since she spoke again. However,

the

dumbfounded

someone" she taunted her words ripping with mockery, as if she held some

squared my shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin.

is my business. After all, we are family," she said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. Well, aren't you being a little bit busy entertaining my brother. His Majesty, and another mystery man? Her tone dripped

the rising panic within me. There was no way she could know about

Just.

don't appreciate what you are implying, Annika. May I remind you that you are a gurst, and I'm

said. "But don't worry, sister. Your secret is safe with me as long as you do as I

Whiat

I said, acting as if I had no idea what she was talking about. Though I'm starting to put every piece of the puzzle Together. The shadow that I saw in the garden-could it be her? "Stop acting

he becomes aware of your infidelity,"

in panic. I was dumbfounded and lost

about. I wasn't planning on telling His

be serious, I managed to say, my wire trembling with disbelief. "You're

a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Call it what you want,

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Chapter 23

you know what we want, and you know what will happen if we don't get it." Her word sechoed

words

within me, but I knew I had to tread carefully. "I won't let you manipulate me," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "You and your brother may think you hold all the cards, but I won't bow to your threats." Annika's smirk widened, her confidence unshaken. "We'll see about that, sister," she

couldn't shake off the feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

to use it against me. I need to do

move. As soon as I saw the door,

Would you like me to help you settle for the night?"

offered.

"Thank

decline. If I pursue my plan, I need to get

everything alright, my lady?"

the door behind me. She was trying to say something, but I didn't bother waiting for what she was about to say. As soon as I reached my room, I hurried over to the dresser to find something comfy to wear. Most of the clothes there were fancy dresses and skirts, but luckily, I spotted a pair of trousers

I knew I had to do something. I couldn't just sit around and

familiar surroundings one last time. With a determined nod, I slung the bag over my shoulder and made my way to the door. As I reached the door, I paused, listening for any sign of movement outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the silence adding to the sense of urgency that pulsed through my veins. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped out into the corridor. I moved. quickly but quietly, sticking to the shadows as I made my way

the shadows, blocking my path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of

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