RUDE AWAKENING

Outside the palace, Adric exhaled when he stopped walking. Dipping his hand inside his trouser pocket, he took out a pack of cigarettes. Taking one stick out, he placed it on his lips and raised the rest of the pack for Oriana's father to take one, but Curtis shook his head, rejecting the offer.

Adric hummed, lighting the cigarette. He puffed smoke with numerous rings, then said, "I thought you might have picked some habits while warming my dearest mother's bed."

Curtis cleared his throat and looked to the side, trying to unbutton his shirt properly.

Sophie glared at her father. "Everyone knows?" She sighed. Her family was embarrassing her way too much. She replaced her frown with a sweet smile just for Adric. "Your Highness, I—"

"King Curtis," Adric continued, "you'll be leaving Avon with your family today."

Curtis raised his brows. He wanted to ask why, but seeing that Adric already knew his dirty secrets, he kept quiet.