Chapter 18.1

Anastasia’s voice sounded tired but not without authority. Lia shot a glance at Kieran momentarily and sat facing the Marchioness. Kieran sat by her side and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Come to my room after you talk with Mother,” said Kieran, “I have something to say to you.”

“I will,” said Lia.

Kieran gently squeezed her shoulders as a gesture of comfort and headed to his room. It was a rare but rebellious gesture from soft-spoken, gentle Kieran that he had ever displayed in front of his mother. Anastasia glared at Kieran as he walked away. She finally turned and met Lia’s eyes.

“It’s nice seeing you get along with Kieran. It has been a long four years, indeed,” said the Marchioness, “Have you tried communicating with each other.?”

“No,” said Lia, “This is the first time I get to talk to him for the first time in four years.”

“Yes, well,” said the Marchioness, “Kieran is kind and benevolent.” She lifted the fan off the table and used it to cool herself. She looked at Lia all this time.

“You are going to the capital the day after tomorrow,” said the Marchioness.

“Yes, I am entering the academy by your permission,” said Lia.

“Sir Theodore has spoken very highly of your intellect,” said the Marchioness, “You did well, Canillian. Now you can be proudly called Kieran’s brother.”

Lia did not respond. The Marchioness, beautiful yet terrifying, hadn’t changed a bit, unlike her son. She was still as beautiful, full of authority and a force to be reckoned with.

“Canillian,” called the Marchioness. Lia raised her face to the Marchioness who looked a bit rigid. “Will you find your mother in the capital?”

Lia gulped. She didn’t respond. “Answer me,” said the Marchioness.

“Yes,” said Lia, “I plan to search for her as soon as I can.”

Anastasia sneered like she had expected it. “You are an ignorant and ungrateful child.”

“I do not know what you mean,” said Lia.

“Canillian, you have stepped inside the aristocratic society already. The young Duke has visited, has he not? Many nobles know you and your name. Even Princess Rosina worried about you in her letters! However, you plan on disappearing as a girl overnight?”

“Mother—”

“I warned you to live like a shadow!” the Marchioness’ voice raised. Her hand had turned white from gripping the fan too tight. She was right. Claude, Wade, Marilyn and Rosina all knew Canillian’s name. They knew her. And if she disappeared, it wouldn’t go