Chapter 632
“Yes. Scentbane was her invention.”
“What? She created something so vicious?”
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Alicia’s eyes widened as a thought struck her. “Was it revenge? Because you expelled her back then? She must have held a grudge and made this poison just to make even you helpless against it.”
Aurelius let out another weary sigh. If this truly was Quarta’s doing, peace would be a luxury no one could expect again.
“No matter what, you must help Caitlin,” Alicia pressed.
“I will,” Aurelius promised with a nod.
At least convincing Aurelius to come with them had gone smoothly. They stayed the night at the Varga estate and prepared to depart at first light.
That evening they checked in with New York: James and Kelly had arrived safely and were settled. Caitlin no longer needed to worry. Everything was in order–except for Xero. His safety was uncertain. He was still in Graystone Castle, far too close to Zorro, and that was dangerous.
That same night, the great hall of Graystone Castle blazed with lights. The banquet glittered with wealth, nobles from across the land invited as guests.
Zora appeared in a wide princess gown, gleaming like a jewel, soaking up every glance. She was every bit the haughty heiress, basking in the adoration.
She extended her hand to Xero. “Xero, will you dance with me tonight?”
From the high seat, Zorro’s sharp eyes bore into him. Xero had no choice but to bow.
“Of course.”
They entered the dance floor together, spinning gracefully beneath chandeliers.
The nobles whispered. Xero’s presence at Graystone, dancing with Zora, could only mean one thing: a potential alliance between the Preston and O’Malley families.
Zora made sure every eye was on her. She danced three times with Xero before entertaining other partners. She was the daughter of the Earl now, a precious jewel. Men vied for her attention, and she reveled in it.
By the end of the night, she was aglow with triumph. The nobles filed out, but Xero remained. He stepped onto the terrace, gazing toward the distant hills of Santa Aurelia, his thoughts with Sebastian and the others.
“So here you are, Xero.”
Zora’s voice drifted from behind. She approached, smiling.
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“Miss Preston.” Xero greeted politely.
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“Tonight made me happy. Thank you for dancing with me.”
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She studied him closely, realizing how striking he was–his looks no less than Sebastian’s, no less than her brother Zeke’s. With the O’Malley family’s wealth and influence, he was the perfect candidate for a political match. And, she thought, not a bad man to marry.
Her father’s plan was clear: cultivate their bond, then propose marriage to both the royal family and the O’Malleys. Neither would object.
“As long as you’re pleased,” Xero replied coolly, his tone distant.
“You don’t sound pleased yourself.”
“I am only worried for my aunt, the Queen. I don’t know if my men will reach Aurelius, or if he will agree to help.” He looked back into the night.
“She’ll be fine. She’ll recover. And if you still worry, once your men bring Aurelius back, I can accompany you to the palace myself.”
“That won’t be necessary. I wouldn’t trouble you, Miss Preston.”
“You don’t have to be formal. I only want to help. After all, I fell for you at first sight.”
She stepped closer, tilting her face up toward him, unashamed in her confession. Her meaning could not have been clearer.
It was the perfect moment, in her mind–romance poised to bloom.
But Xero stood stiff as stone. He did not move, did not bend.
“You really feel nothing for me?” Zora’s voice softened, her arm slipping around his neck. “Am I not beautiful?”
She leaned forward, ready to kiss him.
Xero finally pushed her back. “Stop. Miss Preston, you are the daughter of an earl. You should be poised and dignified. Don’t act like some streetwalker throwing herself at a man.”
“You… what did you just call me?”
Her face drained of color, rage flashing in her eyes.
“I only remind you,” Xero said evenly, “the night is cold. Take care not to catch a chill. Excuse me.”
“Stand where you are!”
Her shriek cracked across the terrace. “Do you forget whose domain this is?
”
“I know. The Earl’s domain.”
“Then how dare you treat me this way?”
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Xero gave a faint smile and spread his hands. “I have treated you with courtesy, nothing more. If I had put my hands on you, that would have been improper–and surely even the Earl would not forgive such insolence.”
With that, he dipped his head and walked away.
Zora stood frozen, trembling with fury. Yet her father’s words came back to her. To achieve greatness, she must endure. She must not waste herself on pride.
Fine. Let Xero sneer for now. When the O’Malley family was cornered, let’s see how long he held himself so high.
Morning.
Caitlin and the others prepared to leave. Aurelius entrusted the Varga estate to his disciples and joined their
party.
As agreed, they should have gone back through Graystone Castle to retrieve Xero, but it was too dangerous- Zorro’s trap waiting.
“Are we really just leaving him there?” Zeke asked.
Sebastian explained, “I’ve already notified Harvey. He’ll see to Xero’s release.”
“Then we move fast,” Caitlin urged.
Their convoy rolled out of Santa Aurelia, passing Graystone’s checkpoint without incident.
Three kilometers on, they met Harvey’s column approaching. Both sides halted.
Sebastian greeted Harvey, who climbed from his vehicle. “Don’t worry about my brother,” Harvey said firmly. “I’ll go to Graystone with His Highness and negotiate.”
The Prince himself was there, Harvey’s uncle by marriage. He had come to support the O’Malleys.
“Thank you,” Sebastian said, and all of them bowed.
“No need for formality,” said Prince Ignacio as he stepped from the armored car. In his forties, tall and commanding, he carried himself with a sovereign’s air. His gaze swept the group, then came to rest on Aurelius.
“I have a request.”