Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 17

" Clara," Ian said slowly. He had blocked out the audio from the other side.

I was silent. " This is vital information. Please pass the information on to Zak." My voice came out weak.

I ignored the uneasiness I felt and began making my way back to the cottage.

Maybe it was the thought of Theo dying at the hands of his family or the fact that the royal family was as cold-blooded as serpents. But I jumped when I felt a hand on my back, a tiny shriek escaped my lips.

It was Frederick. My heart skipped a beat.

" Whoa. It's just me." He waved his hands, a grin on his lips.

" Hey."

He looked so innocent, with his head tilted and a grin on his lips. He didn't look like the type of person to be so harsh.

" You forgot something."

I tilted my head, my heart was racing. I could see it right now as he stood over Theo's terrified face, a wicked smile graced his lips as he delivered the final blow.

He opened his palm. My earring.

The air felt suffocating, it was too hot. I pulled at my sleeves. How could I have been so stupid?

" Be careful next time. You don't want to lose a pretty thing like this." He drops it into my open hand.

Frederick didn't seem to notice anything.

" I think it's a good time to put in action what Peter taught you," Ian said.

I put on a shaky smile and tucked my hair behind me. " Thank you. I don't know what I would do if I had lost it."

I curtsied lowly and turn to take my leave when he stopped me.

" Wait. How would you like to be my maid?"

I hesitated, " What do you mean Frederick?"

" How would you like to work for me instead of my brother, I could double your salary and offer a nicer room."

" That's very kind." I said carefully, but I don't want to leave Theo. " but I have to ask why?"

" What you said before was correct, you're efficient and well-spoken. And I would like you to be my maid, so what you say?"

**

The sun was already starting to rise, I was gone most of the night and my eyes were starting to fail me.

I fell into my bed, careful not to wake Oria or Rachael and shut my eyes.

It didn't even feel like five minutes before Rachael shook me awake.

" Theo wants us in the ballroom." The sound of his name caused my heart to drop. His own brother wants him dead, his own father, the man who raised him, who held him, who conceived him wants him dead.

I made a decision right there. I want to save him.

When Rachael told me that Theo wanted us in the ballroom, I didn't think he would just want us sat in the corner.

Frederick approached him and I tensed. I still hadn't given him an answer from yesterday. He had a smile and just told me to give him an answer when I was ready.

He said something to Theo and Theo nodded before exchanging a few words. His eyes looking past Frederick.

Rachael folded her hands neatly and placed them on her lap. " Relax, we're just going to watch the princes dance today."