The Academy - Book One (Published)

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Four
Ah'Taria - The Gold District inside the Palace

"Are you happy now," Celeste stared frustrated at Patricia.

It had been over a week and Jacob and Lucas had not returned; Kayla and Kaelen hadn't been found.  The peace with Nah'Bye was strained after the Orlando's event and other planets were speculating that those wishing to oust the ruling party were gaining ground.

Patricia tried unsuccessfully not to preen at her reflection while she contemplated Celeste question. Pouting into the mirror she responded, "Why do you think I'd be happy about this?"  Feigning sadness she went on, "My husband and his paramour have both gone missing."

Celeste stared at the naive woman, her husband had chosen to be Lucas's wife, and felt an acute disdain for her.

Two days after the Orlando's Charity Gala she and Acadia had questioned all of the witnesses.  They'd listen as they confirmed Kayla's disrespectful behavior and they had believed them initially.  But one person, Mason Talisman from Mizu, finally spoke the truth of the events and when the other's saw that lying for Patricia was placing them in disfavor with Acadia and Celeste they told the truth begging for mercy.  A mercy that she and Acadia hadn't felt like giving but under the circumstance had anyway.

"Isaiah and I would like you to join us for dinner tonight in the private dining rooms of the heads," she watched Patricia's face light up at the invitation and wished she could kill her.  Holding back a sigh she ran her fingers through her hair, "Acadia and Joshua will be joining us.  There is a lot we want to discuss about your pregnancy and since Lucas is not here we felt it best to do it now."

Patricia smiled as she patted her stomach; she'd learned three days ago that she was expecting and was overjoyed at the news.  The heir she carried would cement her position as Lucas's wife.  "At what time should I arrive," she murmured demurely.

Not fooled by the display Celeste turned away to roll her eyes, "18:00 sharp.  Do not be late."

"Mother-," gushed Patricia.

"Do not ever call me that," snapped a Celeste turning to gaze with contempt at Patricia's reflection.   "We will discuss things tonight," she grinned at the shock and confused look on Patricia's face and continued. "There are several things I believe you have failed understand regarding the next Sinclair heir apparent."

"Like what," asked Patricia nervously.  She remember vaguely Lucas saying things about how the heir was chosen but assumed the child his wife produced would automatically be his heir.  They'd had her see the medic as soon as she announced her pregnancy and she know they had test run to confirm it was indeed Lucas's.  Pouting she wished she'd had listened to Lucas as she'd happily stared at his gorgeous face.

Celeste smiled brightly as she walked out of her room, "You've shown yourself to not listen on more than one occasion, Patricia.  Make sure you listen well tonight as you'll find out soon."

Shifting uneasily she glared at Celeste departing reflection in the mirror.  "Bring me wine now," she snapped at Elsey, her servant.

Elsey handed her the mulled wine frowning, "My lady didn't the medic say you should stop drinking alcohol?"

Gulping the yellow liquid Patricia growled, "I am the future Queen and mother of the next heir! I can do what I want."

Elsey hid a smirk as she nodded at the naive woman, quietly she walked toward the door, "I apologize for speaking out of turn.  I will go get you a snack before you rest," she hurried to report this to Celeste and Acadia that Celeste wasn't following the medic's order.