Gianna was there to greet us, her smile pleasant but somewhat reserved as she approached. She enveloped Jacob in a warm embrace that spoke of genuine sibling affection. “I'm so glad you're back safely,” she said, stepping back to look at him with evident relief.
Lord Zacharia approached with stately grace, his voice resonant as he greeted his only son. “Jacob, your return warms my heart!” he said, clasping his son's shoulder.
Gianna then turned to me, her expression carefully neutral. “Arya, thank you for accompanying him.” Her tone was polite yet distant—a clear reminder of the tension simmering between us.
“Of course,” I replied, trying to keep the mood light. “It looks like you've prepared quite a feast.”
The banquet was indeed impressive. Tables were set with gleaming silverware and crystal glasses while servants moved smoothly, offering trays laden with delicacies. Gianna led us to the main table.
“We've missed these family gatherings since you’ve been gone, Jacob,” Gianna said, managing a smile as she gestured to the seats. “Please, let's enjoy the meal together.”
Jacob, clearly eager to shift the focus from formalities to the food, chimed in cheerfully. “I hope there's some of that smoked ham I love. It's been far too long since I've enjoyed a good meal at home!”
“Indeed, it's on the menu, along with several other specialties,” Gianna confirmed, her smile becoming more genuine at her brother's enthusiasm.
As soon as we took our seats, the first dishes were brought out, each more aromatic and inviting than the last. Despite the lavish setting and the array of delicious food, there was an undercurrent of formality that made the atmosphere stiff and uncomfortable. Gianna's occasional glances in my direction were polite yet searching, as if she wanted to bridge the gap between us without stirring up past disagreements.
The meal unfolded with a combination of light conversation and shared laughter, especially as Jacob regaled us with anecdotes from his time at the border. Despite the underlying complexities of our relationships, for a moment, it felt like a genuine family gathering with loved ones celebrating a long-awaited homecoming.
“Is there anything important I’ve missed since I’ve been gone?” Jacob cleared his plate of a third serving and looked up at his father.
I tensed and peered up, meeting Maeve’s eyes from across the way. This was the prime time for Lord Zacharia to tell his son about the family’s bankruptcy, but from the look that stole across his father’s face, it seemed he planned to postpone telling him the truth.
Gianna cleared her throat. “Prince Damien and I are no longer in talks of marriage.” Her cryptic gaze turned to me. “But it seems he might be pursuing our little sister.”
My eyes widened in shock at her bold declaration that seemed so out of character.
Lord Zacharia slammed his fists on the table so hard, the cutlery and dishes rattled. “Arya!” his voice boomed. “Explain yourself!”
Jacob glanced between the three of us and frowned. “I’m not following. While I can see it being upsetting for Gianna, why is Arya not allowed to be in talks of marriage with Prince Damien?”
Of course this outburst seemed odd to Jacob, especially since Arya had always been Lord Zacharia’s favorite. That declaration shouldn’t have been enough of a reason for their father to be this angry with her and side with Gianna, the black sheep.
Lord Zacharia grunted, “Because the emperor warned us to stay far away from Prince Damien and cut ties with him completely. Associating with him could bring catastrophe to this family, Arya!”
I stirred a bowl of watery porridge as Lord Zacharia yelled until he was blue in the face. I peered up at Gianna and saw the slight twitch of her upper lip. It was obvious she was enjoying this a little too much. I rolled my eyes. “Petty bitch.”
“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” Lord Zacharia shouted. “I’ve put up with a mountain of your antics, Arya, but this one, I cannot let slide by! You are grounded until further notice!”
“My lord!” Maeve tried to plead, but I waved her off.
“Don’t bother, Maeve. Obviously, he’s going to believe what he wants, regardless of what we say.” I sighed and pushed my chair back to stand.
“You have not been dismissed!” he yelled.
I shrugged. “Andyouhaven’t told Jacob we’re broke. But you don’t hear me complaining.”
“Arya!” Gianna gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
“Broke? What are you talking about?” Jacob asked, glancing between the three of us.
I chuckled and nodded my head towards Lord Zacharia. “Ask Pops over there. The mines are empty and they aren’t producing iron. We have no money. So this fancy lunch we’re having? I honestly don’t even know who’s footing the bill.” I snorted and looked over at my so-called sister. “Good job, Gianna.” She looked at me in horror.
Jacob’s brows furrowed deeply as he turned his incredulous gaze from me to our father. “Is this true?” he demanded, his voice heavy with disbelief and a growing edge of anger.
Lord Zacharia’s face was a mask of frustration and resignation as he nodded slowly, his eyes darting away from Jacob’s piercing stare. “Yes,” he admitted in a low voice. “The mines have run dry. We've been trying to find a solution before it becomes public knowledge.”
Gianna’s hands were tightly clasped in her lap, her expression a mixture of shame and fear. “We were going to tell you, Jacob,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “We were just waiting for the right moment.”
