“Luciana…” Francesca began, her voice soft, hoping to soothe Luciana.
Luciana managed a faint smile and rose. “Juliette, you’re late, so stay and keep Mother company. I’m off.”
Francesca saw the cloud in Luciana’s eyes and didn’t push her to stay, not wanting to spark a quarrel.
After Luciana left, Juliette’s eyes glistened with tears. “Did I say something wrong?” she whimpered.
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Francesca sighed, her voice gentle but firm. “Your sister’s got more sense than you. Back then, the marriage was to be settled by a fair draw. But you threw a tantrum, refused to go, and Luciana stepped up to wed Hadrian’s son. And now you’ve got the nerve to talk like that?”
“I didn’t mean it.” Juliette sniffled, on the verge of sobbing.
She’d messed up, yet here she was, acting like the wounded one.
Francesca shook her head and waved to her maids. “Send those new pearl necklace to Luciana.”
Juliette dropped her gaze, hiding the resentment flaring inside. Everyone favored Juliette, but it still wasn’t enough.
Born twins, they had to share everything–love, attention, all of it. Juliette hated it. She wanted it all for herself.
No matter how hard she tried, she always fell short. If only Luciana were out of the way.
Luciana had slipped out early to avoid Juliette’s sweet–talking act. No wonder everyone flocked to her sister–Juliette’s honeyed words could
charm anyone.
She didn’t need to lift a finger; a few sugary phrases outshone Luciana’s hard work.
“My lady, you’re going the wrong way,” Camille whispered.
Luciana smirked. “Nope, right where I need to be.”
She wanted to check on Jacob. ‘Ain’t he just waiting for Juliette to come riding in to save the day? Has she shown up yet?‘
Theo and his men had already left–they couldn’t keep at him forever; other duties called.
Jacob was locked in Silverwing Lodge, a rundown old place once used for geese, now serving a grim new purpose.
The Velmora Empire’s palace had a similar spot. In her old life, when Luciana was sent there as a bride, Jacob had “welcomed” her in just
such a place.
Back then, he was a king, decked out in fine threads, living the high life. But he’d gripe about not finding Juliette sooner.
‘Is he kicking himself now?‘ Luciana mused. ‘Ditching a crown for this heartache?‘
Luciana strolled up, eyeing Jacob’s sorry state. “My sister told Mother she was late for morning respects because someone held her up. That
someone was you.”
She tilted her head, her tone light but sharp. “I said nobody here but me would bother saving you. You didn’t believe me. Do you now?”
Jacob staggered to his feet, jaw clenched. “No way.”
He couldn’t fathom Juliette acting so callous. To him, she was an angel–her heart too soft to let anyone suffer. She’d come back to him, he
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12:32 UF 7 Aug.
Chapter 7
was sure of it.
Luciana? She kept showing up, and he was sure she was trouble.
“Fine,” Luciana said, almost cheering his stubbornness. “Let’s see who sticks to their word.”
She turned to leave, and Jacob didn’t beg her to stay. He was still waiting for Juliette.
Juliette never came. Her maid showed up instead, saying she was there to “teach him a lesson” for her lady.
A few palace servants, pockets jingling with silver, got to work. No need for fists or shouts–there were plenty of ways to make life hell in the palace.
The maid’s idea, they claimed, but the servants knew better. Juliette was mad, so she sent her maid to handle it.
She always played the sweet, innocent princess before the king. The dirty work? That was for others.
Jacob glared at the maid like he’d choke her, but deep down, he still believed Juliette was an angel.
“Prince Hutton,” Theo said, his voice heavy with meaning, “you’ve got time to see the truth.”
On her way out of the palace, Luciana heard Edmund was still lurking outside Juliette’s manor like a lovesick fool.
“Juliette’s got a real knack,” Luciana said with a sly grin. “A few sweet words, and she’s got them trailing her like lost puppies.”
She didn’t even need to try–just her silver tongue did the trick.
Donovan peeked out from behind her. “If you want a pup, my lady, we could find one.”
“No thanks,” Luciana laughed. “I’d rather not get bitten.”
She was thinking of the wolves who’d turned on her before. Two down, more to come.
Donovan’s tone turned playful. “Then pick a tame one.”
“Where am I gonna find one as good as you?” Luciana teased, her smile bright as she pinched his cheek. Too cute to resist.
Donovan blushed but didn’t pull away. A true gem.
When she let go, he said, “Edmund’s been seen near Princess Juliette’s estate, but he’s keeping quiet. No trouble yet.”
“Hmm…” Luciana thought for a second. “To the Chancellor’s estate.”
The Faulkner family wasn’t behind any rebellion–they’d been framed. If the real culprit spotted Edmund, they’d come for him.
Luciana had promised her grandfather to keep/Edmund safe.
But now that he’d run off, she needed to clear things up in person: she hadn’t failed to protect him; Edmund just wouldn’t stay.
When Edmund first sought refuge, both sisters were there.
Juliette wanted no part of him, and Norman Ingram, the Chancellor, was too cautious to deal with a traitor’s kin.
But he wanted the truth about the Faulkner family’s fall. So did Luciana. She wasn’t afraid of trouble, so she took Edmund in.
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12:32 THU, 7 Aug O O C
Chapter 7
The investigation was long and grueling, Luciana didn’t want Edmund cooped up in her place’s back garden, hidden from sight. So she named him her advisor.
At first, it worked–no gossip, no trouble. Edmund had some dignity.
Then the whispers started, from who–knows–where. They called Edmund her lover, her kept man.
The rumors grew nastier: Luciana was shameless, her household a mess, brimming with male favorites.
She’d thought about clearing his name, but Edmund wouldn’t leave.
He either didn’t care about her kind gesture–or didn’t even notice.
All he remembered was Juliette’s soft promises, her gentle smile.
Even after a night in the cold, he was lost in memories of her vowing to take him in.
As he stood there, lost in thought, Juliette’s carriage rolled up. She stepped out, and Edmund rushed forward.
“Oh!” Juliette squealed, nearly jumping out of her skin.
‘What’s the deal with today? Everyone’s out to spook me silly!‘ Juliette fumed inside.
Her temper flared, and she kicked out, smudging her fine gown.
Her maids rushed to calm her. “My lady, don’t bother. He’s just a madman. Let the guards handle him. You’ll ruin your dress.”
They swept Juliette inside, leaving Edmund no chance to speak. He took another beating.
Two men, fresh from their time–traveling, one battered in the palace, the other roughed up outside. Neither got what they wanted.
They had it coming.
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