Page 33 of His Brazen Bride

“Now you can’t contact anyone.”

So much for letting Ryz know where I am.

“We’ll be on Qoth in two moons,” Cirn says.

The third Ocrevv, who has yet to say anything, pulls up a stool next to the door.

Cirn gestures toward him. “Don’t bother trying to talk to Jekril here. He’s mute.” He scoffs. “Or maybe just stupid.” They both laugh as they leave the room.

Funny. I’m getting what I wanted. These guys are taking me to people who, by the sounds of it, have Iris and Lacey. But really, I’m worse off than before. And even if Ryz figures out where I am… Would he even want me back, now that I’ve made a complete mess of things?

* * *

I can barely feel the movement of the craft as we hurtle off toward Qoth.

My wrist is killing me where my implant was zapped. I touch the angry welt gingerly. “Ow,” I moan.

Do the Ocrevv have electric skin or something?

Jekril glances my way as I’m running my fingers over the wound. He gets up and searches in a nearby cabinet.

His horns are thick at the base near his dark hair and curve into a point, similar to a bull’s. Cirn’s and Drak’s horns were different.

I can’t see what he’s looking for, but it’s probably something to knock me out. I’m not opposed to it at this point.

He finally grabs something and squats down to my level in the cell. He holds out what looks to be gauze with a gel-like substance on it and motions for me to come closer. He points to my arm with one of his long black claws.

I crawl over, and he reaches inside the bars of the cell with just his claw. Smart. If he put his entire hand inside, I’d have tried to crush it.

I take the gauze and sniff it cautiously. It has an organic, herbal odor. I hold it to my wrist and instantly feel the cooling effects.

“Thank you, Jekril,” I say, and his brow lifts in surprise. Then he nods and goes back to his stool at the door.

Maybe I can reason with him. “If you really wanted to, you could let me out of here.”

He gives me a deadpan look that says,whatever lady.

I sigh. “I’m the new Queen of Ydris, you know. Ryzordiek Urralix is myhusband. If he finds out the Ocrevv are behind this, he’s going to be furious.”

Jekril tilts his head to the side. He’s listening.

“If you set me free, I’ll see that you’re unharmed. As it stands now, he’ll be on a bloody rampage for you all.”

Jekril runs a hand through his hair nervously. He’s definitely considering it.

“I swear, Jekril. You have my word. If you let me go, you’ll be spared.”

He purses his lips, then turns toward the keypad.

Just then the main door slides open and Ryz and Zadren burst in, weapons ready.

Jekril reaches for his dagger, but Ryz is on him immediately. He knocks the dagger to the floor and punches him hard enough to knock him unconscious.

Anddamn, it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

Zadren wastes no time working to crack the code on the keypad.

“You came for me,” I say to Ryz as he stands outside the bars of the cell.

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