In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 76: Family Resemblance~

How much do you love me?? ;) An unexpected update for you all!! I had part of this written already and the rest just worked itself out really well!!

Dedicated to @meowtainfeelsss bc she remembered something from the second prologue that actually got removed due to timing conflicts. But she's the real MVP and makes me super happy bc she's been following this story for so long ❤️❤️❤️

There's a new character introduced who will play a BIG role in the future, and he's one of my favorites 🙈 because I have him as being played by one of my favorite actors/people of all time.

Enjoy!

"We've prepared this banquet in your honor," Murdoch continued. "Join us at the royal table and have repast."

Duke Crothers led them forward to the table, stepping up to the seats Murdoch gestured toward, ones positioned directly across from the royal family.

Kalysta did her best to breathe, but between the restricting dress and the tension of the situation she felt faint. She lowered her gaze and took her seat as a servant pushed the chair in behind her. Immediately, her plate was filled with delicate meats, caramelized fruits, and dishes she couldn't identify.

Remembering what Zayn had said when they first met, she remained silent. It would be poor planning to antagonize the people straightaway. Even if their customs were outdated and horrific, she would do her best to adhere to them.

"Ambassador Crothers," the King started, not even letting them get properly settled into their meal, "why did you replace the original ambassador from Elysium?" It was ridiculous that he was so blatant and unashamed in his line of inquiry.

"It was deemed to be more productive if I represented our nation," Crothers answered. "While we may not agree on every point, King Jonathan thought it would be best to cater to your desires, particularly keeping in mind what these negotiations will produce. Some parameters of our country's ways will be in need of altering, and what better time to start than now?" He finished speaking and sat stiffly, leaving his food untouched and gripping his armrests tightly.

"So diplomatic!" Murdoch gasped mockingly. "It's a wonder you weren't made Ambassador in the first place!" He took a dainty bite of his food. "Answer me this, though." His voice took on an edge now. "How is it that my dear nephew's body came to be found in a small village on the outskirts of my kingdom?"

Kalysta bit her tongue to keep from giving a visual response to the question. It seemed Murdoch's suspicious nature made him question what had really happened to Hayden. William would have been sure to make it seem like a bandit raid, but Murdoch was known for his paranoia.

"I'm not sure what you're insinuating, Your Majesty," Crothers answered carefully. "I know nothing of your nephew, unfortunately, but I am sorry to hear of his passing." At least he could say that honestly.

Now Kalysta was glad for the feigned deference as it gave her an excuse to avoid eye contact with the Mullingans.

"That's strange, but my son gave a similarly vague response." His paranoia wasn't limited to outsiders, then. He scared her the more he talked. "Zayn, what did you tell me in regards to Hayden again? Wasn't he supposed to be in your care?"

Kalysta stopped breathing entirely. She hadn't even noticed Zayn she'd been so focused on Murdoch. It was lucky happenstance, though, for looking at him would surely betray her feelings. She wasn't that good an actress.

"As I said, Father, Hayden refused to follow my instructions," Zayn sighed. His voice was arrogant, but it was still the most welcome sound in the world. He was here; she wasn't alone. "He almost ruined our negotiations by breaking Elysium capital law and when I reprimanded him for it, he left. The gods witness me that the last I saw of him he was flouting my implicit orders, but he was also perfectly safe. Before the Princess turned ill, he had left King's City Haven for places unknown. It's a tragic loss, to be sure, but I've apologized to Uncle Adrian for not looking after Hayden more clearly. I take full responsibility for this regrettable incident."