Apollo

Chapter Twenty-Four

A/N Hello everyone! Sorry that this update is just a little late, but here it is! Fair warning – the next two might be fairly tardy, since I have a bunch of tests coming up >< Well, I won't hold you back from this one any longer; enjoy!

"MY LORD—LADY VICTORIA?" PENELOPE SMITH GREETED AS SHE STEPPED into the guest room Emmeline had allowed Victoria Arden to borrow. Emmett had chosen to stay overnight in the palace as well, in a separate room of course, hoping against hope that his physical presence on the castle grounds would increase his chances of gaining his sister's forgiveness.

"I hope I am not interrupting a conversation of any importance?"

    "No, no, Miss Smith, it is wonderful to see you," Emmett answered hurriedly, standing immediately. "Did my sister send word?—Is she all right?"

    "I am here in her stead," she replied. "Her Highness sent you this letter."

    He accepted the envelope from her, and she curtsied and left.   

    "What does it say?" Victoria asked, her voice equal parts anxious and eager. She stood in front of him as he broke the wax seal open and pulled the letter out. "Read it aloud."

Emmett

    I have spoken with Prince Javier about Victoria Arden and her baby. He admitted to being the child's father, but he has not yet agreed to take responsibility (as you so valiantly have). He will not, as he says, 'fight you for it'.

    I would like to make it clear that I am not in support of your decisions. Prince Javier raised a point I think is valid, that perhaps what I want for you differs from what you want for yourself; but I would like to remind you that what you think is best for yourself has previously shown to be most disastrous. Heaven knows what strange motivations you now have for claiming to love that woman! As I have made known I bear no resentment toward her, but from what I know of her I can safely say that the two of you are completely incompatible. I disapprove of your prospective matrimony wholeheartedly.

    At the present moment the very sight of you frays my nerves, and I would not like to see you about this (or about anything at all). If you must have counsel you should speak to Father about this, and speak to him truthfully. You have been successful in breaking his heart once again, and I would like you to make the truth known to him. He is young no longer, he cannot take so much heartache.

    You have to start thinking with your head and not your impulses, Emmett, this bad habit of yours has caused this family far too much grief.

With extreme disappointment,
Emmeline

    He folded the letter up, slid it back into the envelope and placed it in his breast pocket. He did not comment further, choosing instead simply to sit down again in his armchair.

    "I'm sorry I have caused you so much trouble, my lord," Victoria said quietly.

    "This is not your fault," he said, sighing. "My sister is right. I am far too rash, and I have brought the ones I love pains because of it."

    "...Will you tell His Grace?"

    "Yes," he said, "I have no choice. As Emmeline pointed out, none of this is fair to him." Observing the uneasy look that spread across her face, he chuckled, but there was no cheer in it. "Fret not. He can keep a secret."

    "I have no doubt about that, but...my father is one of his dearest friends."

    He smiled tiredly. "He will not divulge any information that we wish him not to, Lady Victoria, I promise. If it helps ease your mind, I will not tell him who the true father is."