It was Lola's. She had told me it was the only thing her mother left her. And she had given it to Milton Stephens.
He paused at the door, as if just remembering. "Oh, right. Lola transferred the deed to this estate into my name. I hear you're fond of the pastoral life. Just remember, you're living under my roof now. Mind my rules."
My whole body went rigid. When Lola burned down the cottage, she had told me this estate was bought for me. That I could fill it with fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
From the very beginning, she had never intended to give me anything.
"Milton Stephens."
I called after him, my voice scraped hollow.
"Has the young heir ever laid eyes on the Crown Prince?"
Milton froze for a moment. "What, you're going to claim you have some connection to the Crown Prince? The one who barely shows his face in public?"
I let out a bitter laugh. "I've heard he's fond of colored sky lanterns. If we could earn even a smile from him, get him to attend your wedding, wouldn't that be a feather in your cap?"
He looked half-convinced at best. "A lowborn wretch like you would know the Crown Prince's preferences?"
"Believe it or don't. If it turns out to be false, it costs you nothing."