The Academy - Book One (Published)

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Three

"His Grace Lucas Jeremiah Sinclair and Paramour-Lady Makayla Aubree Ward," announced an unseen voice as Lucas and Kayla walked into the gilded ballroom.

The announcement of their arrival had all heads turn toward them as they descended the stairs to enter the extremely large, extremely crowded ballroom of the Orlando's Charity Gala.

"Kayla you look a vision," came the honey drawl of Jacob as he stared with twinkling eyes at her.  He frowned a little when his eyes landed on the barrette and he glanced to Lucas with a cocked eyebrow.

"Thank you, Jacob."  Kayla smiled at Jacob wondering how someone so handsome could be so evil.  He seemed to read her thoughts and smiled even wider at her, swinging her eyes away from him she saw Kae.

"Mia! You look beautiful."  He looked at Lucas questionably when he didn't release her so he could give his sister a hug.  "Jealous much," he snickered to Jacob who laughed and nodded in agreement.

"Lucas, you are being summoned by our parents," Jacob waved toward where their parents stood glaring at them.  He pointed to himself and his mom shook her head and he sighed in relief.

Sighing Lucas placed Kayla's hand on Kaelen's arm and left to see why they were glowering his way scaring the diplomat of Dayum.  He looked around the room and saw Patricia strawberry blond hair as she spoke animatedly to her friends from court.

"Anyone in particular you want to speak to," asked Kae as he looked down grinning.  Her lips slowly sunk into a frown as she looked around.  Shrugging she gave the signal that she'd follow his and Jacob's lead.

They walked around to greet several people conversing briefly before they went to the refreshment table.

"Water, please."  Kayla looked at the mulled wines and champagne with distaste as she was handed a glass of water.  Smelling it she handed back, "Without the herbs, please."  She smiled tightly at the server wondering why he'd put those things in water.

"I apologize, but I don't have any refreshments without-."  He looked at Jacob's scowling expression and gulped as he looked harder for something.  Finally he pulled out a sparkling lemon water and with shaking hands attempted to hand it to her.

Before Kayla could grab it, the drink was snatched from his trembling hands.

"I'm parched," sang Patricia before she drank the entire bottle of water quickly.  After shed drank the entire bottle she turned to smile maliciously at Kayla.  "Oh I'm sorry was this for you."  Cocking an eyebrow she laughed whilst tossing the bottle at the slack jawed servant.

Jacob smirked, within his empty hand a bottle of water appeared.  "I'm sure you were," he replied as he watched Kayla sip looking at him with an expression that asked why he didn't do that before.

Patricia bumped into Kayla knocking the cold water onto Kayla and the floor, "I'm so clumsy."  Feigning sincerity as she made matters worse by using a napkin to wipe at the water.

"Thank you.  I'm fine," replied Kayla sweetly as she pushed her hands away.  She looked down to see dark marks now marred her red dress.  Frowning she turned to Kaelen and Jacob as she waved her hand and the stains remained.

Kaelen frowned and waved his hand, the stains disappeared and his patience was quickly fading as he stared at Lucas's wife.  Attempting a smile he laid his arm out towards Mia, "Let's grab something to eat."

"Yes let's," snickered Patricia as she pushed between Kayla and Kaelen to take his arm.  When he tried to pull away her grip tightened.  "Are you really refusing to escort me," she asked sinking her nails painfully into his arm causing him to wince.  "I was just saying to Melinda that I should consider getting a paramour," she said this while staring lustfully at Kaelen.