Someone Katelyn had once met had arrived. It was Barry, the king’s trusted aide.
Barry’s demeanor was even more deferential than usual. He said to Vincent respectfully, “Mr. Adams, my actions last time were quite presumptuous, and the king has discussed this with me. I sincerely apologize and hope you can forgive my previous misstep.”
Katelyn watched Barry in silence.
Vincent had deliberately damaged an important device Barry had brought, yet here was Barry, offering an apology instead.
This gesture suggested that Vincent was highly regarded by the king.
Perhaps the king found Vincent too significant to provoke, which might explain Barry’s presence.
With a slight nod, Vincent responded, “Okay.”
Barry exhaled, visibly relieved by Vincent’s acceptance.
“The king has extended an invitation to the palace for all of you, with a special mention for Miss Bailey and Mr. Lawrence.”
Jaxen, looking confused, questioned, “Why should we go?” He harbored no affection for the royal class, not sparing even the king from his disdain.
To him, the notion of an aristocratic hierarchy was an antiquated and amusing concept.
Remaining composed, Barry explained with a smile, “Because you are friends of Mr. Adams and valued guests of our king.”
While speaking, Barry noticed Alfy by Katelyn’s side.
“Why are you here, Miss Norris?”
Everyone’s attention shifted to Alfy.
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Katelyn then realized they had been referring to the girl as Alfy, her online handle, which certainly wasn’t her real name.
Barry’s recognition of her hinted at Alfy’s possible ties to the royal family.
Katelyn, who respected privacy, had never delved into these details.
She would listen if Alfy chose to share, but wouldn’t press her if she decided against it.
Alfy appeared somewhat nervous.
“Yeah, my real name is Tina. But just keep calling me Alfy, you guys. That’s what I’m accustomed to.”
Barry smiled and asked, “Miss Norris, would you care to join the visit to the palace?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Alfy clasped Katelyn’s arm.
“If Katelyn is going, count me in as well.”
Barry responded with a knowing smile. “Of course, Miss Bailey is expected there. The king has extended a special invitation for her.”
Katelyn’s brow furrowed, sensing there was more to Barry’s words than met the eye.
She had previous disputes with Annie, and now the king’s warm invitation made her wary.
Katelyn harbored doubts that something wasn’t quite right.
“I’d rather not go. I’m not interested in the royalty or a court visit,” Katelyn replied directly.
Barry, visibly concerned, pressed further. “May I ask why? Have I done something to offend you?”
He was under strict orders from the king to bring Katelyn back, and failure was not an option.
In fact, Barry himself was baffled by the king’s particular interest in Katelyn.
It had been a long time since he’d seen the king so invested in someone’s presence, possibly not since the queen’s childbirth.
“It’s nothing personal. I just don’t enjoy the palace atmosphere. I’d prefer to stay at the hotel alone.”
“Miss Bailey, please reconsider. Think of it as a little trip. I assure you, this visit could be quite memorable.”
Barry’s eagerness raised suspicions in both Vincent and Jaxen.
There seemed to be no open issues between Katelyn and the king.
What was the reason for her specific invitation to the palace? Was it the king’s way of supporting Annie?
Or had the king heard about the numerous life-and-death experiences between Katelyn and Vincent and wanted to protect his daughter by summoning Katelyn to the palace for a warning?
Either way, the circumstance was not in Katelyn’s favor. Under the king’s influence, they were simply at his disposal. Updates are released by find?novel.net
Just as Katelyn was about to decline once more, Barry confidently said, “His Majesty is aware of what’s been troubling you lately, Miss Bailey. A visit to the palace might just provide you with the answers you seek.”
Surprise flickered across Katelyn’s face.
.
.
.