PBPGD

CHAPTER 108

Claude skimmed the note, hand on his forehead. "The cause?"

"Most likely an issue with the explosives. Either the foundation was weaker or the explosion stronger than expected," Caruso answered, wincing as if he had personally caused the accident.

"We'll head out right away. Get the car ready, Owen. Caruso, you stay here and help Mother."

"Claude! I'm the one in charge of these mining operations. I should-"

"I managed them long before you ever took on the job. It'd be more efficient for me to go," Claude said, cutting him off.

He stalked into the bathroom, shrugging off his robe. There was no time to waste. He needed to send out a rescue party and head to the accident site as fast as possible. He turned the shower on, drenching himself in cold water as he grasped the bathroom sink with shaking hands.

Camellia was in Gaior.

Del Casa was in the process of reconstruction. This accident felt like a moment of truth. The ordeals he needed to go through to be tempered as the true lord of Del Casa cascaded over him like the cold shower water.

He glared at his reflection, sweeping back his wet hair and striding out of the room.

Donning the clothes set out for him, he looked out the window at the timeless beauty of Del Casa.

Until now, obtaining what he wanted had been easier than breathing, and it was just as easy to throw it away once it no longer pleased him.

But now he had to strive to attain what he wished for, and even then, it often slipped through his fingers like sand.

What I make mine will be mine. I will not let go of anything I desire.

Ivan and the knights ran out from their quarters, lining up in an orderly fashion.

Cars carrying construction experts were driving into the manor as well. If they hurried, it would take a little under four hours to get to Valencia.

Claude draped his coat over his arm, pushing a hat down to his eyes.

"Let's go."

***

Lia rubbed her full stomach, staring at the spread laid out before her. Ian had ordered a dessert to be delivered to her hourly since her arrival.

Every meal was a wonder featuring dishes she'd never seen before, yet perfectly catered to her palette.

However, Lia could barely taste any of the food; she was too busy watching her mother. Laura was no different.

The two shared a room and slept on the same bed every night. Lia reverted to her childhood in Louver, when she was stuck to her mom like glue.

"You've grown. So much."

"You said that a million times, Mom. I didn't grow very tall, though."

"I'm not that tall either."

"Is that where I get it from?"

"Tell me more about you, love. I want to know how you've been, about... what happened when you were there."

Lia pushed her plate away; she wasn't going to make much more progress on it anyway.

Taking her mom's hand, she headed to the garden for a walk.

"I had a surprisingly good time, actually. They gave me clean clothes, my own room, and good food. I even received tutoring from the best teacher in Cayen. The only downsides were not being able to see you and cutting my hair short. Lady Bale wanted me to live as a boy."