The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 438

“We are not going to do anything.” Marcus put his hands on my shoulders, warm and certain, and for a moment, I felt some of the tension slip away. “I’m going to the witch academy tonight to look into this woman. In the meantime, I need you to focus on staying safe.”

Another wry laugh, although a bit thicker this time. “I don’t know if I know how to do that anymore.”

“Of course you do. I trained you, didn’t I?” Marcus’s face softened a little when he saw my expression. “Listen. Tonight, all you have to do is attend a banquet your father is hosting; keep him, Ambrose, and especially that witch busy. It’ll be quite public, so no harm will come to you.”

“What’s the banquet for?” I asked.

“That, I’m not sure of. Your father mentioned that he had an announcement to make, but he won’t tell anyone what it’s for.”

I took a breath. “Okay. Keep them distracted. I can do that.” I sniffled. “I think.”

“Oh, Liora.” Marcus wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pulling me close. I went easily, hooking the crook of my chin over his shoulder. “It’s okay, Liora. You’ll be okay.”

“I don’t feel okay,” I murmured. “My mom won’t help me at all, and my dad—”

“I know.” Marcus pulled back just enough to look at me. “I know. But I’m here. I’m going to help you.”

I sniffled again, wiping at my eyes this time. My hand came away wet. “I’m scared, Marcus.”

“I know.” He paused, then reached down for his belt and unclasped his knife, sheath and all, and pressed the whole thing into my hand. “Take this. Keep it under your skirts. Just in case.”

I looked down at the knife, then back up at him. “But this is yours.”

I stood there for a moment, watching her as she picked at her food, and a feeling of bitterness washed over me. All she was missing was a crown, and then she would really look like a queen while my mother disintegrated right next to her.

I scanned the room, spotting Callum at one of the tables. He wasn’t eating, just holding a large mug of ale. He spotted me immediately and sat up a little straighter.

I moved toward him rather than my family’s table. But I didn’t make it two steps before a dark figure stepped into my path, blocking my view of Callum entirely.

Ambrose’s black eyes glimmered as he looked down at me.

“There you are, darling,” he said. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”