They Bound Me and Delivered Me to My Own Palace

I was on a self-imposed sabbatical in the countryside when the text came in: I was the long-lost, biological son of the Kincaid family.

When the two men in black suits strapped my hands behind my back, dragging me through the grand front hall, the fake heir, Chadwick KincaidChadstood behind my presumed parents, looking suitably distressed. He was a master of the wounded-gazelle routine.

My biological father, Mr. Kincaid, a man whose face was chiseled from old granite, spoke in a frigid tone. Your brother ruined the painting the Sinclair heiress sent to her younger brother. You will go to the Sinclair estate and apologize on his behalf.

Chad sniffled, his eyes red-rimmed, playing the role perfectly. Dont worry, little brother. If anything unfortunate happens to you, I promise Ill be the dutiful son for Mom and Dad.

And my rumored fiance, Brielle Lockhart, was staring at me with naked disgust.

Honestly, straight from the sticks. You reek of the gutter, she spat, then turned her full venom on me. Chadwick is too proud to ever bow his head. If you dare shirk this duty, youll be sorry you ever showed your face here.

Gutter?

I looked down at the perfectly tailored high-end bespoke suit I was wearing. Id only spent a few weeks in a quiet, remote town as a break from Manhattan life. How did that make me "poor"?

More importantly, was my sisterthe infamous Sloane Sinclairreally that heartless? It was just a painting Id accidentally scuffed. Did it really warrant me being tied up and forced to grovel?

Wait!

Just as the bodyguards began to haul me out, Brielles voice cut through the air.

Ill go with him.

She walked toward us, adjusting the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. The Sinclair estate isnt some backyard BBQ. Their rules are absolute. This country bumpkin knows nothing of decorum. If he tries to run along the way, or if he gets there and opens his mouth to spout nonsense, offending one of the Sinclairs

She paused, her expression still one of pure contempt. Well, then not just him, but all of us will pay the price.

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. Remember, you must kneel for twelve straight hours at the Sinclair manor. Thats the only way to show true sincerity. Otherwise, your dirt-poor foster father back in the village

The threat hung in the air, unfinished but crystal clear.

Foster father?

I froze. What in the hell were they talking about?

When I was little and got lost, I hadn't been picked up by a struggling rural family. I was found at a quiet Jesuit retreat by the founder, a man who saw me praying alone and declared that I was a child sent by God, full of good fortune.

He processed the adoption paperwork instantly, taking me in. Coincidentally, the year after I arrived, his niece, who had been struggling with a chronic, debilitating illness, made a miraculous, full recovery.

The whole family believed I was the source of her good fortune. They had spoiled me senseless.

They must have mistaken a family groundskeeper, Mr. Henderson, who had recently gone back to visit his own relatives, for a rural foster father.

Son, your mother and I do care about you, truly. After this whole ordeal is over, we will treat you properly. My biological mother, Mrs. Kincaid, spoke up reluctantly, perhaps remembering the weak tug of blood relation. Your brother grew up with us, sheltered. He hasnt had a hard day in his life, so youll have to take the fall for him this time.

Treat me properly?

I scoffed internally. My father had kept my DNA on file with the police for twenty years, just in case. But they didnt come for me until Chad screwed up and needed a human shield. Did they think I wouldnt notice the convenient timing?

He hasnt had a hard day in his life, but I have?

Fine. This was the clarity I needed. Id see this through, and then Id call my real father and tell him he could finally close that decades-old missing person file. The Kincaids could have their perfect little family back.

Brielle, youre an angel. Chad gave me a smug, triumphant look, then wrapped an overly familiar arm around Brielles waist. Maybe I should go too. My little brother has been in the boondocks for so long, hes probably untamed. A second person is just insurance.

I think you just cant bear to be without me. Brielle tilted her head and gave him a quick, possessive kiss on the lips.

Untamed?

I was shocked. If the Sinclairs heard him describe their 'good-luck charm' in those terms, the Kincaid family would be annihilated before sunset.

Swallowing the laugh that threatened to spill out, I plastered a look of terrified obedience on my face.

Brielle, please dont worry. I wont run. I know youre my fiance, and I have to listen to you. Wherever you tell me to go, Ill go.

Shut up! How dare you call her Brielle? And whether or not that engagement even stands is still up for debate! Chad raged, furious that the fake-heir title was about to expire.

Brielles face softened fractionally. Enough. Get in the car.

I watched the venomous jealousy flash in Chads eyes. This was his limit? We hadn't even started.

The car pulled slowly away from the mansion.

Youre dead, Chad hissed, leaning in close. His eyes were bright with a dark, ugly excitement. The Sinclair heiress wont let you off the hook. Lets see what youll use to compete with me for Brielle and the Kincaid empire then.

He gripped my shoulder, his voice dropping to a theatrical whisper. Im telling you, everything here belongs to me. Once you get to that Sinclair estate, youre finished.

The Sinclair estate.

I almost chuckled. That sprawling property was where Id spent my childhood being absolutely lawless.

And the Sinclair heiress, the rumored cold and stunning womanif I remembered correctly, my sister, Sloane, had once helped me steal a priceless antique chess set from my grandfathers study. Wed both been punished with two hours of military-style drills in the sweltering heat.

I wondered what kind of spectacular meltdown she would have seeing me, her little brother, bound up like livestock, delivered to her doorstep as a sacrificial lamb.

Would she break their legs first? Or start with their hands?

Ten minutes passed, and we hadnt even made a dent in the drive. I strained against the ropes binding my arms, a surge of regret hitting me. I hadnt realized the Kincaids lived this far from the Sinclairs.

You idiot, what are you doing? Chad instantly yelled, his paranoia spiking.

It hurts, I muttered, rolling my eyes inwardly. Was he always this dramatic?

Hurts? Youre some poor piece of trash from the country. Youre thick-skinned! Youve been bound for ten minutes and youre already pretending to be in pain? I bet youre just trying to escape.

Escape? Im hogtied in the back of a black SUV. You show me how to run. I was almost laughing at the sheer absurdity of his logic.

Brielle, I told you his intentions werent pure. He just said hed obey you, and now look. Chad fixed me with a hateful stare and then turned to Brielle, clearly hoping to egg her on.

Brielle, predictably, took the bait.

Im warning you, stay in line. Dont try anything clever, she sneered, her voice laced with superiority. Who do you think you are? Dont assume that just because you share a sliver of Kincaid blood, youre suddenly someone important.

Everything belongs to Chad. Just look at yourself. You cant even compare to one of his hair follicles. She paused, her voice dripping with further scorn. As for me, dont even dream about it. My husband will be a man of true pedigree, like Chad. A peasant raised in the middle of nowhere like you isnt fit to tie my shoes. Get that through your head.

Chad smirked triumphantly but played the peacemaker. Brielle, dont talk like that. Even if he came from a low-class background, hes still Mom and Dads son.

Low-class background.

No one had ever dared to speak to me that way. I struggled to contain the furious emotion swelling inside me.

My sister had taught me early on never to argue with an idiot.

I deliberately curled my arms, making the tight knots dig into my wrists, and adopted a pitiful expression.

Im sorry. I wont move again. I said, my voice meek. Chad, you dont have to worry. You are the sole Kincaid heir, and Ill listen to everything you say. I wont fight you for Brielle, either.

Seeing me so completely broken, Chads arrogance exploded. He couldn't help himself.

He sighed dramatically. Little brother, were only doing this for your own good. Its good that you finally understand. He leaned back, crossing his arms. People like us, born into this status, are on a different level than your dusty village. Were taking you to the Sinclairs to show you how the real world works, and to teach you to be careful. Don't make mistakes.

But I wasn't prepared for his malice to escalate. He turned to Brielle again.

Brielle, Im still worried. What if he gets nervous? What if hes clumsy and offends the Sinclairs? Hell get us all killed.

We should practice first. Give him some mental prep.

What are you talking about? I lifted my head abruptly, a sudden, chilling sense of dread washing over me.

What am I talking about? Dont you get it? Chad spoke with a cold calmness. Were going to practice. A dress rehearsal. You need to show us how youll beg and grovel. Just so you dont choke when the real show starts.

Before Brielle could respond, he ordered the driver to pull over into a deserted, wide-open spot.

Before I could process it, he violently yanked me out of the car.

I landed hard on the cold asphalt.

Alright, little brother. Kneel for me. Chad stood over me, his gaze contemptuous. Practice how to kowtow and how to plead for mercy.

Go to hell! I glared back, unable to stop the words. I kneeled only to the heavens, the earth, and my parents. Chad was nothing.

Still talking back? The fake smile instantly vanished from Chads face.

He drew back his leg and kicked me hard in the stomach.

A shockwave of twisting pain radiated through me. My bound hands made it impossible to brace myself, and my forehead slammed into the ground. A warm, sticky liquid immediately flowed into my eye.

I knew you were faking it! Chads face was a mask of pure fury. You spoke so sweetly in the car, but now you refuse to kneel? Youre clearly plotting to get me killed!

Brielle rushed over, equally enraged. You pathetic trash! We almost fell for your act!

You think youre too good for this? Im telling you, you will kneel whether you want to or not. You have no choice!

Dream on! I gritted my teeth and spit a mouthful of blood and phlegm toward them.

Still resisting? Brielles palm struck my face with all her strength.

The ringing in my ears was instantly replaced by her furious voice. Im giving you this chance! You are Kincaid property, a mistake they picked up. Youre lucky to be alive! Its an honor for you to take Chads punishment! If you don't start respecting the rules, Ill be the one to teach you what they are.

Dont you dare! I stared at her, my eyes blazing.

I had been treated like a little prince, a source of good fortune my entire life. No one had ever dared to raise a hand or a voice against me. Who was Brielle Lockhart to teach me a lesson?

My raw fury startled her for a moment. She faltered, then roared, enraged by her own momentary fear. Watch me!

Chad stomped on my leg. Brielle slapped me again, and again, driven by a hysterical, escalating rage.

Im a Lockhart heiress! Youre nothing but cheap goods from the sticks! I have every right to teach you a lesson! Stop looking at me like that!

She turned to the two hulking bodyguards. Hold his head down and make him kowtow! When he learns his lesson, you can let him up!

The two men stepped forward instantly. One pinned my limbs, the other grabbed my head, forcing it down with crushing pressure.

I struggled with every ounce of strength, but it was useless.

Thud.

My forehead hit the unforgiving pavement. My vision swam. Then, the warm, wet feeling returned, heavier this time.

Hahaha! Excellent! Chad roared with laughter, watching my pathetic state.

See, little brother? Wouldnt it have been easier to just cooperate? Thats a lovely, loud sound. Why go through all this trouble? A cheap life should know its place.

He ground the heel of his leather shoe onto my hand. The pain was blinding.

Then, with his other hand, he mockingly patted my bruised cheek.

Good boy. Now, say woof woof for us.

This was the ultimate humiliation.

My body trembled, not from pain, but from white-hot rage. My eyes were bloodshot, staring daggers at him.

I spoke through clenched teeth, every word dripping with venom.

Do you know who I am?

I am Sloane Sinclairs brother, June Sinclair.

I thought they would at least hesitate, maybe show a hint of doubt. Instead, they burst into raucous laughter, as if I had told the funniest joke in the world.

Hahaha! Did you hear that? The Big Sisters brother? You must have lost your mind from the head trauma, or youve gone crazy from poverty and started hallucinating! The Sinclairs? Do you know who they are? Theyre a dynasty that can shake the entire state of Connecticut with a flick of the wrist. Do you really think a piece of trash like you, dragged out of whatever mountain hole, can claim kinship?

Brielle leaned into Chad, giggling. See, Chad? Good thing we made him practice. With this kind of raving madness, he would have ruined everything at the Sinclair estate and gotten us all wiped out.

He looked down at me, a dark glint in his eye. It seems we wont just make him apologize. We need to teach him a lesson for the Sinclairs. Sloane Sinclair is famously protective of her brother. If she hears this idiot is running around claiming to be him, shell be grateful to us for punishing him. Well get contracts, or even that prime piece of downtown land!

Oh? What do you propose, Chad? Brielle prompted, her eyes gleaming.

Chad scanned the area. Didnt the ancients apologize by bringing a whip and thorns? Lets honor tradition. Strip him, bind him with the thick, barbed rope, and drag him to the Sinclair estate. Thats what I call sincerity. I bet the Big Sister will be impressed.

Brielles face lit up. My Chad is the smartest! Why didnt I think of that?

It wasnt until Chad pulled out a length of heavy, thorny vine that I realized he was serious. My eyes widened in terror.

Chad! Are you insane? This is assault! This is a felony!

Law? Chad scoffed. Little brother, out here, I am the law. Im helping you redeem yourself for the Sinclairs.

Chad ran his hand over the menacing barbs, grinning at my fear. This is the only way Sloane Sinclair will believe our sincerity and forgive your insane babbling.

Dont you dare! Chad! Brielle! You wouldnt! I thrashed wildly, but the bodyguards held me fast.

Brielle gave a cold wave of her hand. Tear his clothes off and bind him. Make sure those ropes are tied tight. If a single one comes loose, youll lose your jobor worse!

The bodyguards lunged, ripping my suit jacket and dress shirt off. Then, they began brutally wrapping the thick, barbed vine around my back and arms.

Agh!

With every twist of the rope, the thorns dug deeper into my flesh. Blood instantly began to pour out, soaking the rope and the pavement beneath me. I couldnt stop the scream.

Chads excitement was manic. Thats beautiful, little brother! So beautiful!

He squatted down, forcing his face close to mine. When we get to the Sinclair estate, I want you to make that sound again. Every time you kowtow, I want you to scream it loud enough for the whole family to hear how deeply sorry this idiot is.

The ropes tightened further. More barbs pierced my skin. Each breath was an agony.

I bit down on my lower lip until I tasted blood, swallowing the metallic tang. I fixed my scarlet eyes on them, the hatred absolute.

I was fading. Consciousness was a distant shore.

Suddenly, I heard Brielles sickeningly sweet, placating voice.

Oh, Miss Sinclair! Are you just heading out? What a coincidence.

Then, an older, familiar voice. The Young Master is being a bit flighty and hasnt come home yet. Miss Sloane is worried and going out to search for him.

Mr. Henderson. It was the family groundskeeper, the man they thought was my foster father. He was driving the car.

A surge of frantic hope coursed through me. With my last ounce of energy, I stretched out my hand and fumbled for the car window button.

The window whirred down.

I saw her. My sisters familiar, beautiful, decisive face.

Tears instantly blurred my vision.