TOO many shocking things had happened all at once. Nonetheless, she had to know. This was something Sonia had to hear. It had been nagging at her for so long now.
King Patrice sat across from Sonia on a well-cushioned, luxurious chair. Seeing Sonia across from him in such low spirits filled Patrice with concern. He had recommended their conversation wait until she’d had a few days to calm down, but Sonia would have none of it.
Patrice had left mid-celebration upon receiving word from Chris. As it was the last day, the festivities were at their zenith. Until it was time for the finale, it was doubtful anyone would notice amidst all of the hubbub if the star of the party slipped away. With the Diamant Knight, Chris, at his side, anyone who saw him leave would breathe easy knowing he was safe.
I’m still flabbergasted by the stupidity of my son! Patrice glared at Severin, having heard everything from Chris. He couldn’t believe Severin would propose to Sonia for her money. And he’d had the audacity to sneak Catherine, who was prohibited from so much as glancing at him, into the castle. And to top it off, he’d foolishly let his mouth run with an outsider about the Clare curse. If they were alone, Patrice would have loved to give the boy a good smack.
The wind had blown out of Severin’s sails upon learning how the woman he thought reciprocated his love truly felt, but he had brought the heartache upon himself with his naiveté.
Blessed with extraordinarily good looks, Severin was popular with all the ladies, including his mother, from the time he was a young lad. He’d grown up showered with tender love and affection, constantly surrounded by a throng of idolizing women. It was hardly surprising for some of his admirers, men and women alike, to harbor impure intent.
Severin had learned the pleasures of sexual relationships at an early age. Patrice caught on and tore him away from the riffraff, but Severin refused to take Chris’ training to heart. So he wound up running from Chris and falling in love with Catherine, who was a notorious gambler, temptress, and tramp.
There were a few lessons Severin had learned about women, based on his own experiences. They included:
*Women are soft and kind.
*All women worship and praise me.
*There is no such thing as a woman who doesn’t love me.
On the one hand, his feelings toward women and love were pure. Yet on the other, he never questioned or doubted them. If it came from a woman, he would believe even the most superficial lies.
I’m not sure if he’s too trusting or just plain dumb... I’ll deal with him later. Patrice sighed to himself and looked at Sonia.
Her smile that could light up a whole room had disappeared, and her eyes dropped down to her hands balled into fists, as if she were fighting to hold her own. Her once clear aquamarine eyes looked clouded, no longer reflecting anything.
“...Sonia, I fear this will be too much for you to bear now,” Patrice confessed.
Keeping her head bowed, Sonia shook her head in protest. “No, please tell me. I must know...! As Duchess de Clare, it’s my obligation. If it’s directly related to the deaths of my parents and brothers as well as the bizarre things occurring around me, then all the more so!” Sonia cried, her plea coming out a desperate wail that only made Patrice all the more hesitant.
Standing at the King’s side, Chris pointed out, “Your Majesty, Her Grace knows that rumors are popping up around her. I believe it would be better for her to hear the truth from you than be swayed by the bits and pieces that slip out.”
After a brief silence, the King sipped his lukewarm tea. Upon quickly downing the cup, a look of determination covered his countenance as he faced Sonia head on.
“Sonia, I’m sure you will be terribly upset when you hear the truth. But take heart knowing you have people pouring their hearts and souls into finding a way to save you,” Patrice said.
“...I will,” Sonia assured him.
The worry painting Sonia’s face once she finally raised her head filled Patrice with sadness as he said, “The Clare house takes pride as our kingdom’s most prominent financial power. It reached its peak during the generation of your grandfather, William.”
Patrice’s voice was solemn as he told the story that began it all...