Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Twenty-nine - Missing I

Night had fallen over the kingdom, and Serena still had not been found. Guards moved through the corridors in hurried groups. Torches burned along the walls as search parties returned one after another, each carrying the same answer.

Nothing.

James Harrington was barely holding himself together. He stood in the great hall, his face pale with fury, while King Alaric, Queen Celeste, Adrian, and Lucien waited nearby for news. No one dared speak unnecessarily.

James turned toward Alexander. His son had been present when Serena and Lucien had left for their ride. He was supposed to have remained with her.

James crossed the room in several strides and seized Alexander by the collar. "Where is your sister?"

Alexander's eyes widened. "Father—"

"Where is Serena?"

"I don't know."

James tightened his grip. "You were supposed to be with her."

"I was."

"Then how did she disappear?"

Alexander swallowed. "I was with them at first."

"At first?" James's expression darkened even more. "Explain."

"I saw a servant."

James stared at him. "A servant?"

"A very attractive servant," Alexander admitted.

There was a moment of absolute silence before James's fist collided with his son's face.

"You left your sister because you were distracted by a servant?"

Alexander winced.

James released his collar only to point a furious finger at him. "Your sister is missing in the middle of the night because you were chasing skirts."

Alexander didn't even try to defend himself.

He had left when he realized Lucien was an i***t, not a threat. And now his sister was gone.

Adrian rubbed his temple. James closed his eyes. For several seconds, no one spoke. Then James looked at Alexander again.

"You were told to stay with her."

"I know."

"You were responsible for her."

"I know."

"And now she is missing."

Alexander's face had lost its usual confidence. "I know."

James turned away, dragging a hand through his hair. The anger was still there, but beneath it was something far worse.

Fear.

He looked toward the palace doors.

"Find her."

His voice was low. "Find my daughter."

No one needed to be told twice.

The King immediately ordered another group of guards to search the roads beyond the palace grounds, while others were sent toward the forest and surrounding villages.

"She will be found," Celeste said quietly.

Across the hall, Lucien stood rigidly, his usual calm beginning to c***k.

"This is my fault," he said quietly. "I should never have let her near that animal."

For once, the cocky prince had nothing clever to say.

The doors opened.

Everyone turned.

There, in the palace courtyard, was Serena, riding the wild black mare. The horse was so dark that, against the night, it almost looked as though the rider were floating through the darkness.

Serena's wild red hair streamed behind her. Her clothes were torn and covered in dirt, but she was safe.