The Academy - Book One (Published)

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four

Seven Days Have Passed

"Kayla, you should have something to eat."  Acadia looked down at the tupig she'd made before coming to visit.  "Jacob told me how much you like these," she added picking up a sweet coconut and rice treat.

"No, thank you." Replied Kayla, softly, as she once again gazed out the windows of her suite.  Everyday she'd sit for hours without eating or drinking. Instead she’d just stare out the windows. Sometimes she'd sigh longingly but most of the time her eyes would just tear up as a faraway look entered her eyes.

Celeste sighed in frustration as she looked at the pitiful girl in front of her.  Lucas and Jacob were busy following up on the attempted murder of Kayla and were not expected back until the threat was eliminated.

"You need to eat," she said sharply.  Kayla had lost weight since the attack and was starting to look sallow.

"Celeste you shouldn't speak to her like that," Acadia gave her a reprimanding look as she glanced back down at the treats she knew wouldn't be eaten.

Celeste stood up and pouted as she looked at the girl on the bed, "I cannot understand why she is like this."

Acadia furrowed her brow then glanced with worried eyes toward Kayla. She was relieved to see she was once again gazing out the window.  Quietly she stated, "Both you, and Isaiah, need to understand that she is not an Ah'Tarian or a woman raised under the rule of the Alliance.  Her customs are different, their beliefs are different."

Bitingly, Celeste growled, "She is Lucas's paramour and needs to resume her role.  Her display of weakness is an affront to the Sinclair name."

Acadia looked aghast at what she'd heard from Celeste’s lips, standing she grabbed Celeste’s arm and pulled her toward the door.  With her eyes flashing she asked “Have you spoken to Lucas about what you are saying, Celeste?"  Her eyebrows rose as the other lady glared defiantly at her.  “I’ll take that as a no.”

"I am his mother and know what is best for him."

With a biting laugh Acadia’s gaze crackled with anger, "Do you have his best interest in mind, Celeste?  Do you really think he'd be happy with the words you are saying?"

Celeste frowned at Acadia as she gazed back to Kayla. "She needs to resume her role or be replaced."

Acadia smirked at her as she cocked her eyebrow, "You truly act like you were born a Sinclair.  I guess having to compete against 15 women for your husband's affection has purged you of any emotions you've ever possessed."

Celeste frowned at her words.  "Is what I am saying inaccurate?  Will Isaiah not start the search for a new paramour or even a wife for Lucas if she doesn't resume her role?"

Acadia smiled wickedly, "Are you implying that Isaiah has plans to wed Lucas?"

Celeste stared at Acadia with feelings of jealousy as she thought of her marriage. Her marriage that consisted of no paramours or lovers, it was unheard of to be so devoted to one person.  Acadia born and raised a Lawson didn't understand her position as being a wife of a Sinclair.  Shrugging offhandedly, "It is too soon to see."  With that she walked back into the room and sat back down at Kayla's bed side.  “Isaiah would be furious if he learned you said something so ridiculous  as Lucas being married.”

Acadia’s eyes twinkled. She knew Celeste had said something she shouldn't have.  Acadia smiled ever so slightly and joined her in sitting next to the unresponsive Kayla.  Celeste you act like an emotionless Sinclair but you still have a long way before you think like one.