Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from saying what I really wanted to say. “May I go now, Adelaar?
“Gale.” His tone softened as he sat forward. “You are my little brother. I love you, and I want you to be happy. I really do. But there are some lines we cannot cross.”
“So, in other words, I need to be happy within the realm of whatever the crown wants for me...like always. I understand, so once more, may I go?”
We stared each other down before he finally agreed.
“You may go.”
I turned to leave. However, he spoke again.
“You’ll need to pack, of course.”
I stopped right in front of the door. I should have known from his expression that he wasn’t finished with me yet.
“Pack?” I repeated, turning back to see him.
However, he was all of a sudden far too busy signing documents to meet my gaze.
“You wanted to spend some time with her, remember?”
“You are sending me to Sunshine?”
“Sunrise. She was born in Sunrise, Gale, at least get that correct. And no, I am sending you to Seattle, where she currently lives. Before you argue, remember the choice is yours. You or—”
“No need for threats.” I bit the side of my cheek again. “When do I leave?”
“Tonight.”
He could not be serious! But he was serious, and there was nothing left to say. This was the harshest punishment.
Opening the door, I walked right into...
“Father?” Arthur said from behind me, and I heard the screech of the chair as he rose immediately.
“Gale, what are you doing home?” my father questioned, sizing me up and down, his face stern. “I hope you did not run away again.”
What?
“No, Father,” Arthur called out. “He has the day off, so he came to visit us.”
Huh?
“Hmm,” he grumbled his disapproval as always. “You should be using that free time to study. Do not think for a moment that just because you’re a prince, they will just wave you through law school. You must set the example and elevate the standard.”
That was his motto. But I’d graduated from law school two years ago.
“I’ve spoken to his professors, and despite his antics, he is actually among the top of his class.” Arty came and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Among the top and at the top are two different things. You cannot always cover for him, Arthur.” He looked back to me, and I was frozen in place, too baffled and shocked by what I saw to speak. “What is the matter with you? You’re strangely quiet. Law has beaten all the buffoonery from you?”
Arty squeezed my shoulder slightly.
“Gale?” my father questioned again, this time, a flash of concern marked his face, and he leaned forward.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I blinked and shook my head. “Huh? Sorry, Father. You know I always take naps during your lectures. I finally managed to do it with my eyes open.”
The concern disappeared, and his face pulled into a sullen frown. “Must you always be a clown?”
“It’s either that or king.” I shrugged.
“Go back to school and stop bothering your brother.” He waved me off and moved to his desk. “Arthur, come. I’ll be looking over the Chart of Lords today. You should see who is among them now.”
“Of course,” Arty said to him.
When our eyes met, I saw the sadness in his eyes and had a feeling mine had the same. But he swallowed and then almost instantly forced a smile onto his face. He dusted off my shoulders and said, “Have fun but not too much fun. Make the best out of it.”
“Arthur!”
“Coming.” Arty let me go and went back to the desk, standing beside it as my father took his seat and put on his glasses. He looked over the papers before him and frowned.
“What is this? Why does this have Eduard Pyry as the Master of Chambers? Your mother chose Vincent? Where is he?”
He died eight months ago.
“On vacation, but don’t mind the rest. I was just imagining who would be next in line for all current positions,” Arty lied with ease as he reached over and picked up the files Father was reading. “I was hoping to discuss what you thought of it.”
“Hmm.” Father lifted his chin, holding the paper closer to his face. “These are some good choices. But do not be in a rush to take over, son. Your time as king will come. Don’t push me out of my seat yet.”
“I would never dream of it!” Arty laughed.
“Everyone dreams of it—Gale, you are still here?” Father peered over his glasses to look at me. “Stop goofing around.”
“The spare is just leaving. Sorry for intruding where I am not wanted.” It hurt to joke like this when he was clearly not in his right mind. I looked once more to Arty before stepping out.