The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 241

I would never stoop so low as to try to have Bianca killed like she had done to me, but I could kill her reputation.

Besides, I had business there. I needed to get those jewels for Bella.

“Princess?” Marcus’s voice came through. I realized that I hadn’t responded.

“I’m not scheming,” I assured him. “Just… trust me.”

He paused, then answered. “Very well. You have my support, as always.”

…

Bianca’s POV

“Mother.” I paced the space beneath the stairwell, my heels clicking across the flagstones. The school was quiet at this hour despite the curfew being lifted. I had retreated to the hallway outside the dorms to get away from prying ears.

“Yes, Bianca?”

“I need you to do me a favor. FInd somewhere for me to host a banquet. Make sure it’s passable as the royal palace.”

She didn’t respond right away, and my frustration mounted. I clenched my teeth together. “This isn’t negotiable, Mother.”

“I know, I know. It’s just… Well, I’m not sure if I can arrange something quite so lavish. The castle you were given access to before isn’t good enough?”

“Of course not!” I snapped, then lowered my voice, wanting to make sure I wasn’t overheard. “I need everyone to think that we’re visiting the royal palace, not some backwater castle. You have to do something! Tonight!”

My mother paused again. “I don’t know, Bianca. It might not be possible… Especially not so soon.”

I huffed hotly and stopped my pacing, planting my free hand that wasn’t holding the phone on my hip. There had to be something we could do. Anything. I needed this—everyone was watching me, waiting to attend the greatest event of the year. And this had all been started by that little troublemaker, Liora.

I wasn’t sure how she could have found out, but it was possible that she had at least an inkling that I wasn’t really the princess.

With that, I hung up. I removed the ribbon from around my neck and looked down at the brooch in my palm. It was a pretty trinket, but this—this was far more important. I didn’t hesitate to wrap it up and give it to the overnight courier.

The following morning, my mother sent the text before the sun had even risen.

“The courier arrived just now. I received your gift.”

“And?” I typed back.

Three bubbles popped up. Then, a moment later: “The location has been arranged. I’m sending you the address now.”

I grinned. “Where is it?”

“A castle in the mountains known as Falcon’s Reach. It’s old and full of history—unforgettable. The King’s cousin, Ambrose, owns it. I think it could pass for the home of a princess.”