Delusions of Loyalty (The Braykith Series Book 2)
Page 42
Evangeline knocked on the door, and at the queen's answer, she entered. Several trunks laid by the door, one laying opened and half-filled on the table as Kyleigh continued folding clothes into it.
“Kyleigh, what is all of this?” Evangeline asked, gently closing the door behind her, scared that sudden noises might spook the queen in her current delicate state.
Kyleigh paused, picking up a necklace and running her hand over the polished stone. A large onyx set in a diamond of gold looked heavy, but Kyleigh treated it as if it was fragile and close to breaking. Evangeline touched her own ring of gold and onyx and realised this was the symbolism from Quintus to his wedded wife, much like the ring had been a gift from Glais when she first arrived. “I thought Glais would have told you,” Kyleigh answered.
“There is no rush to leave these rooms vacant for us,” Evangeline said, looking around quickly and realising that the place catered two separate bedrooms. She looked away, knowing the reason for it and yet not ready to be so confronted by the idea of Glais taking his meals so close to where she slept.
“I am returning to Eoboven,” Kyleigh said, adding the necklace to the luggage.
“Eoboven?” Evangeline asked. “Your home country?” Kyleigh nodded. “Oh please, do not do that.” Evangeline rushed her words, but Kyleigh just smiled at her.
“It will only be for a few months,” Kyleigh promised, touched by Evangeline’s concern. “I need time to digest all that has happened here, and I can not do that with reminders of all I have lost.” Evangeline nodded. She understood, but it saddened her to think that Kyleigh would not be here. “I am taking Adeline with me.” The Queen added.
“I am sure she will like that,” Evangeline said, but not sure if the princess would agree. From what she had heard from Sable, the princess had refused to eat much of anything except simple foods since her father’s death. “A change of scenery can do wonders.”
Kyleigh snorted at her suggestion. “If I could think of any other way Evangeline, I would take it.” She confessed. “But Glais needs no further distractions and Adeline needs me more than ever.”
“I will miss you,” Evangeline said, and the women embraced quickly, but something was lacking in the way Kyleigh held her. She could not think of what it was, and so Evangeline stayed quiet on the unease. “You will always have a place here in Braykith. I will make sure of that.”
Kyleigh nodded. “There is so much for you to make sure of, Evangeline. Be ready for those challenges.” The former Queen moved past her daughter-in-law without looking back. Collecting a simple carrying bag and her cloak she left the room, and Evangeline had a feeling it may be the last of Kyleigh she could ever see.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am always surprised when people get to this part of the book, and I hope that if you did get this far, you enjoyed the experience as much as I did. You have Cat Dawson to thank for that. It was her who got me to realise how much further I could take my little premise
I want to thank my children, my friends, and my family who have been struggling alongside me while this book was written. Sleepless nights, days stuck at home and embarrassing moments of Mummy working in public but never once did anyone complain. I can never express how much I depend on that constant support these people provide.
I write because I think I have good stories to tell. Without readers, then for me, writing means nothing. Some of you have been following me from the beginning, and others might have picked this up years after publication, and I think that is a magical thing. Whatever inspired you to select this title, I hope it keeps helping you make healthy choices. However long this ride lasts, I am honoured to be taking it with you.