Leopold: Part Five by Ember Casey, Renna Peak Read Free Book Online Page B

me.
    There’s one person in this palace on my side, at least. Two if I count Matthias. I haven’t had a chance to explain to my valet yet that Elle and I intend to stay here for the time being. I expect he’ll be pleased to spend more time here at home. And he’ll have a lot to organize for me over the coming weeks.
    I’m planning everything in my head when the door swings open again.
    Sophia is there, looking not the least bit ashamed of the fact that she’s arrived nearly forty-five minutes after the official start of supper. She’s dressed appropriately for the occasion, but it’s clear she readied herself in a rush—in fact, she’s still pulling on one of her gloves as she comes into the room.
    “Good evening,” she says cheerfully, making a quick curtsy.
    I fight back a grin as she comes over to the table. Our father, on the other hand, has gone a bit red about the ears.
    “And where exactly have you been?” he demands.
    “I was down in the city,” she says lightly, “and I lost track of time. I didn’t realize how late it was until the clock tower chimed, and then I still had to rush back here and change. Forgive me, Father. It won’t happen again.” She doesn’t sound the least bit apologetic.
    Our father doesn’t look even slightly impressed by her story. “You’ve been late three times in the last two weeks. That is completely unacceptable.”
    “Come now, darling,” my mother says. “Let’s just all enjoy our meal together.”
    My father ignores her. Instead, he addresses Sophia. “What were you doing in the city?”
    “I told you I’ve been working at the Montovia City School,” she says. There’s more to it than that, I know—there always is with Sophia—but she just innocently picks up her fork.
    “That’s not an excuse for your tardiness,” our father says to her. “And that’s certainly not an excuse for repeated transgressions. You are the Princess of Montovia, and you will show your family the proper respect. That means being on time for supper.”
    She pokes at her rabbit with her fork. “I assure you, Father, it won’t happen again.”
    “You will look at me when we are having a discussion,” our father growls. He’s spent so much of this meal stewing over her absence that he seems to have little patience for her now. “In fact, I think I’m disinclined to let you spend the rest of the meal with us. Next time you are late, don’t bother joining us for supper at all.”
    “Darling,” our mother says, “that’s a little harsh.”
    “It’s all right, Mother,” Sophia says, rising. “I don’t think I’m inclined to be here myself.”
    My mother reaches out to her, but Sophia pulls away.
    “I’m fine,” she says lightly. “I swear, Mother. I’ll have them send something to my suite.” She glances across the table at me. “Good to see you home again so quickly this time, Leo.”
    I’m beginning to wonder why I bothered coming back , I think as Sophia curtsies to us in farewell. A moment later, she’s retreated, gone as quickly as she appeared.
    The second the door has closed, my mother turns a stern eye on my father.
    “That was unnecessary, Edmund,” she says.
    “It was entirely necessary. That girl needs to learn some manners.”
    “There are other ways to teach them,” my mother says. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t all have dinner together.”
    “That was a little harsh,” Andrew says, speaking for the first time since we sat down. “Perhaps there is a better way—”
    “If you’re so interested in keeping this family in line, then perhaps you should do it,” my father says, standing. “Perhaps you should rule this whole damn country, since you seem to know better than your own father how to do it.”
    Andrew stiffens. “That’s not what I meant—”
    “Then I trust you’ll keep your mouth shut next time.” He glares down the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I don’t have much of an appetite anymore.” He doesn’t