The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 448

Bianca’s POV

“You like your tiara, I take it?” The King’s hand was warm around mine as he led me across the dance floor. “I had it specially made to your tastes.”

“It’s wonderful, Your Highness.” I blushed a little. “I guess I should call you ‘Father’ now.”

The King smiled. “I think I would like that.”

He pulled me close as we swayed, and I rested my head on his shoulder, surveying the packed banquet hall. Many of the guests had moved off the dance floor to give us space, watching us with wide, wonder-filled eyes.

Watching me.

It still felt as if I was walking through a dream. Ever since I had set foot inside the palace, everything felt like a blur. Being here, in the home that should have been mine from birth, was all I had ever truly wanted in life.

Well. That, a crown on my head, and, of course, Callum.

I looked around, furrowing my brow as I searched for him. “He’s not here,” I whispered.

My father pulled his head back and scanned the crowd. His eyes briefly glazed over before he said, “Belinda found him.”

My jaw clenched. “He was with her, wasn’t he?”

“Do not fret, daughter.” The King touched my cheek and smiled again. “Callum will soon forget all about Liora. Once she’s married to Ambrose, tucked safely away in Falcon’s Reach…” His brows drew together briefly, as if saying it out loud made something protest deep inside of him. But then he shook his head and continued. “He won’t even remember her name. No one will.”

I let out a small breath and stepped back. “I’m tired. I’m going to rest my feet.”

“Whatever you wish, darling. It’s your party.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the handmaid murmured. She took the Queen by her elbow and guided her away. The Queen didn’t look back at me even once.

I watched her go, maintaining my smile the entire time even as my wolf snarled with rage. I knew the Queen wouldn’t accept me; Aunt Belinda had warned me of that, not that I needed the warning. I was the child of an affair, unwanted, hidden away for years. Now, out of seemingly nowhere, the King was naming me his heir and casting their daughter aside.

“Don’t worry about her,” a soft voice said from behind me. “She’ll be taken care of soon enough.”

I turned to see Aunt Belinda approaching, and exhaled. “She hates me.”

“What did you expect? You’re the daughter of the whore who slept with the King.”

I looked at my Aunt. “And I’m the niece of the whore who intends to install herself as Queen.”

Belinda’s lips curved. She inclined her head toward the table, and we both sat, quietly looking out over the party for a few moments. The festivities weren’t even close to winding down; the party would go on for some time yet, perhaps even well into tomorrow, if royal banquets lived up to their reputation.