Seventy four

Rylan’s POV

“Rylan, we have a visitor,” Ed announced, causing me to look up in surprise. I glanced at the clock and frowned. “Who would that be?” I sighed. We were not expecting anyone, that I recalled.

“Hello, boys.” the colour drained from my face as I stood up in disbelief.

I watched my mother’s face transform from anxious to resolute as she stood there with Theron, Prince Alex, and Grayson, the weight of their presence palpable. The tension in the air thickened, setting my nerves on edge.

“Mother, what are you doing here? How did you get out? I thought you were being held at the kingdom.” I turned my attention to Prince Alex, but he tutted at me and then let out an irritated growl, which caused my mother to flinch.

“Rylan, there’s no time to explain that, there's something very urgent that you need to know,” my mother said, glancing at Alex again nervously this time, her expression suddenly serious. “It’s about your father.”

My heart sank. “What about him?”

“H