Read Family of Lies: Sebastian for Free Online

the prince.”
    “Oh, fuck me.” Lady Orwell turned around and ran out of the kitchen.
    Sebastian stood, shocked because his mother rarely cursed. Seeing his chance for escape, he ran past his frowning brother. He banged on Ophelia’s door on the way to his own. When he burst into his room, Sebastian grabbed a pillow, yanked out the cushion, and hurried to his drawer. He stuffed the pillowcase with clothes and books. Ophelia stood at his door, blank eyes open in confusion. Sebastian squashed her in a hug. “I have to go. Father is going to tell Mother everything, and I love you.” He brushed past her, but she grabbed his arm.
    “Father put wards on the front and back doors this morning.”
    “Of course.” Sebastian hugged his sister again and went to his window. He unlatched it and sat his makeshift bag on the roof before climbing out. “Bye,” he said as he closed the window behind him. Halfway down the gutter, Sebastian’s boot stuck to the metal. “Son of a….” He pulled hard, but the house’s defenses had been activated. He clutched the gutter and lowered himself so his boot was at eye level. He braced himself with one hand and used the other to unlace it. Then, wrapping both arms around the gutter, he slipped his foot out. Finally free, Sebastian dropped to the ground and took off running.
     
     
    “H OW DID this happen, Sir Orwell?” the cobbler asked when Sebastian limped inside his shop.
    “A clumsy mishap I’m too embarrassed to tell you about, kind sir. Do you have any shoes my size?” Sebastian had stubbed his toes on several rocks and didn’t want more injuries.
    “You know, Sir Orwell, everyone’s feet are either too large or too small, but yours are perfect. I have a pair your size, don’t worry.” The cobbler went into the back of his shop, and Sebastian sighed, wishing the man had used another word to describe his feet.
     
     
    S OMEONE IS following me. Again, Sebastian rounded a bend and saw the same brown-clothed man out of the corner of his eye. As he passed Renan’s gates into the once-prosperous woodcrafting town, Sebastian clutched his dagger and ducked behind a bush. The cloaked figure looked both ways and continued down the path Sebastian had been traveling. Once the stranger was out of sight, Sebastian turned back toward the gates. He stuck to the outer stream of people and searched every few minutes for his shadow. At first Sebastian saw no sign, but the familiar brown cloak reappeared. Stupid Father just had to be right. If I’m killed, I will curse him and the prince.
    He didn’t want to attract the City Watch, so Sebastian dived into the crowds. He turned down streets and alleys, making his way to abandoned woodworking shops. Another right and Sebastian pressed his back into a doorway. He raised his hand, and a vine peeking under the paved stones grew. Stop him! Sebastian thought sharply, sending it into the road to wait for the stranger. Light footsteps moved closer, and the vine tripped his pursuer. Sebastian stepped out of his hiding place and wrapped his arm around the man’s neck, pressing his knife into the stranger’s throat. “Why are you following me?”
    “Why did you dump me in a tavern?”
    Sebastian lowered his knife and spun the man around. Standing in front of him with dripping black hair was Prince Turren. He hastily looked around and then shoved the prince away from him. “Sorry, Your Highness, I took you for a brigand. Have a good night.” Sebastian sheathed his knife and glanced down the alley for any witnesses. No one appeared and Sebastian sighed. This idiot hasn’t drawn attention to me yet. He turned to go, but Turren rushed in front of him.
    “Wait! I command you to wait! At least let me thank you.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Is His Highness ill?”
    “Excuse me? You are Sebastian Orwell.” Prince Turren reached out for Sebastian’s elbow and slipped from his grasp. “Your cloak is weirder than I