Page 11 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

“Lord Octavio.” Paige bowed. “It’s a pleasure.” She looked back at me, as if she was confused why I wasn’t standing, but I remained sipping my tea. “I was just talking of a terrible piece of advice we received as children. Right Sage?”

“Sure,” I said, continuing on my cake. I was not letting this delectable slice of chocolate goodness wait for whatever was happening behind me.

“Well, I’m glad we all agree then.” There was a pause.

“Would you like to join us?” Paige asked. “We have plenty.”

Another pause. “I have a few minutes, if the lady doesn’t mind.”

Was he talking about me? I sighed. I had expected some of this. Since Sorcha was out of the running and Sybil’s marriage would always be seen as a bid to unite nations, I was the only one left, so every lord and lady threw themselves at me.

It was truly tiring, if I was honest, especially when I wasn’t in the mood.

“She doesn’t mind,” Paige spoke for me.

When I turned, her arm was wrapped around his, leading him towards the table. “Right?”

I nodded. “There’s plenty.”

She moved her stuff so he could sit between us and sidled right up next to him. Better for me. I hoped they’d fall in love and have lots of annoying children with bad opinions.

“I hope your travels were good,” he said.

I watched a staff member move forward, probably to pour him tea, but his hand went up to pause them, grabbing the teapot to serve himself instead.

“Very pleasant,” I said.

“The ocean views were magnificent,” Paige continued. “I can’t believe you get to see it all the time.”

It had been what I was actively avoiding, but that was due to my own issues, I was sure it was lovely to most people. My hand drifted to my necklace on instinct.

“Yes, it’s not as exciting when you see it every day, but it is very nice.”

“Maybe you could take us on a tour of the beach before we leave.”

My entire body tensed. While no one knew the whole story, no one who wasn’t there, Paige knew how I felt about the ocean.

“That would be nice. There are quite pretty places on the boardwalk.”

“We’d love to, maybe tomorrow morning?” Paige suggested.

“Can’t,” I said, my voice clipped.

Her gaze shot to mine, venom in it, but I didn’t care. “Nonsense. After breakfast would be great.”

I could feel the knot in my chest tighten.

“I’m sure we can find time,” he said. “I have a pretty clear schedule.”

“That’s great, some of us are busy.”

His brows raised.

“Sage!” Paige snapped. “Sorry, she’s just… a bit tired from travel. This is a great opportunity we wouldn’t want to turn down.”

She did everything she could to hide the rage in her voice, but the fury still peeked through.

He looked at me. “Well, in truth I am plenty busy, but I thought making time for pretty women in the morning couldn’t hurt. Especially with the early morning sun on the break of the water. Nothing quite like it.”