“The old fox lost a son, and now suddenly gains a daughter. No doubt he’ll treasure her like gold.”
Caitlin <b>wasn’t </b>all that surprised. If Zora had learned her true parentage, and after disgracing herself in the US. it made sense she’d run to S Country to seek out her biological father.
“Of course,” Xero <b>said</b>. “Word is, he’s thrown half a dozen banquets in just one month for her. Even brought her to a royal court g<b>. </b><b>And </b>you won’t believe the most outrageous part.”
“What was it?”
“At that g, the entire aristocracy of S Country was present. He tried to parade her in <b>front </b>of everyone to find a suitable husband. And the girl chose me. I turned her down on the spot. Our O’Malley Family has always kept out of the Prestons‘ <b>affairs</b>. I knew Zorro only <b>wanted </b>to rope us in. Over my dead body.”
He spoke with disdain, clearly unaffected by Zora’s advances.
“You turned her down in public?” Caitlin frowned. “Then she won’t let that go. I know her temper–she holds grudges until the grave.”
“Her feelings are her problem,” Xero said tly. “I won’t entangle my family with the Prestons<b>.</b><b>” </b>
He was pragmatic. With his aunt Nevaeh married into the royal pce as a princess, and his brother Harvey a general, the O’Malleys had to walk a careful line. Their survival depended on neutrality and loyalty to the crown, not reckless alliances.
Caitlin spoke evenly. “There’s something you don’t <b>know</b>. The Zora you met–she’s Zeke’s blood sister. Her real name is Zora.”
“What?” Xero blinked. “But I thought you said Zeke and Zorro aren’t rted.”
Zeke exined quietly. “We’re not. My father is Dean. She’s the daughter of my mother and Zorro.”
“I see,” Xero muttered, finally piecing it <b>together</b>.
No one said more. Before long, their convoy reached the Graystone checkpoint.
Guards blocked the road and ordered them to stop. Xero presented his identification.
“Mr. O’Malley?” The guards were surprised, bowing slightly. “May we ask your destination?”
“I’m on royal business, heading to Santa Aurelia. Clear the way,” Xero said sharply.
“Please wait, sir. We must report to the Count first. Only with his approval can you pass.”
They didn’t move the barricade. Instead, a messenger hurried away.
From the window, Caitlin studied the dense line of guards. “It’s tighter than before.”
“Zorro’s grown paranoid.” Zeke muttered. “He’s afraid of death, so he surrounds himself with walls and soldiers.
Meanwhile, in the Graystone castle grounds, Zorro sat beside the riding arena, watching his daughter gallop across the <b>track</b>.
He had lost his son, yes, but now he had a daughter whose mind and <b>spirit </b>mirrored his own. If she was molded properly, <b>she </b>could inherit everything.
His smile was soft, indulgent. He had ced all his hopes on her.
Zora reined in her horse after severalps, glowing with triumph. She slid down, crossed to him, and said sweetly. “Father.”
“Well done. Your progress is impressive.”
“Thank you, Father.”
She beamed, sitting close. She would use everything he gave her–training, resources, power. If Caitlin could master it, so could she. And one day, she would surpass her<b>. </b>
A servant arrived, whispering news in Zorro’s ear. His jeweled finger tapped the armrest. “So. They’ve arrived.”
“Who?” Zora asked quickly.
“Xero, With Sebastian and Caitlin.”
Her chest clenched, then her eyes sharpened with venom. “Then let’s capture them immediately. Caitlin should die for daring to step into Graystone!”
Her hatred was naked, teeth bared like a wolf.
Zorro fixed her with a cold look. “What have I told you? Have you forgotten already? If you want to achieve greatness, you must hold your temper. My ns <b>aren’t </b>finished. If you act rashly, you’ll ruin everything.”
She dropped her gaze, chastened. “Yes, Father. I was too impatient.”
“Patience,” he said. “The ambitious must learn to control the board, notsh out like children. Shortsightedness will never make you great.”
“I understand<b>, </b>Father. I won’t forget.”
He leaned close and whispered instructions. Zora nodded, eyes gleaming. “Yes, Father. I’ll leave at once.”
At the checkpoint, half an hour passed with no word. Xero grew restless and marched to the guards.
“What’s taking so long? Did you even deliver my message?”
The guard paled at his tone. “We did, Mr. O’Malley. If the castle hasn’t replied, we must wait for their orders. Please, just a little longer–I’ll call again now.”
He hurried to make another report.
Another fifteen minutes dragged by before a military vehicle approached from the direction of Graystone. Out stepped a tall, slim figure in ck riding gear, whip in hand.
“Miss Preston!” the guards chorused, bowing deeply.
Zora’s chin tilted arrogantly as she strode forward, whip trailing behind her. “Where is Xero?”
“Waiting here, Miss<b>.</b><b>” </b>
“Take me to him.”
At once, the guards escorted her to the barricade.
“She’s here,” Caitlin murmured inside the car, frowning.
Zora was transformed–her aura sharper, colder, wrapped in arrogance.
“I’ll handle it,” Zeke muttered, ready to step out.
But Xero stopped him. “No rash moves. Let me deal with her. I already offended her once. What’s one more? The Prestons won’t risk open war with my family.”
He stepped forward with an easy <b>smile</b>. “Miss Preston.”
Zora halted before him, lips curling. “Did youe all the way to Graystone just to see me?”
“You misunderstand,” Xero replied smoothly. “I have urgent business beyond this checkpoint. Please allow us passage.”