Page 67 of Heir to His Court

Not. . .entirely.

He disliked frightened creatures, and fear seeped from her pores. The only reason he’d delayed snapping her neck was the vicious courage in her eyes, her obvious exertion to control herself—he approved. It meant her fecklessness was possibly a result of Raniel’s poor training, not a deficiency of character. Her devotion to her kin pleased him as well. She would die for them, also a valuable trait in a soldier, if the soldier’s loyalty could be leashed.

He could train her, in truth this time and not dabble because the Lord of Avallonne’s softness toward the girl made his teeth itch.

You haven’t been in her presence even a day,Darkan said.Give it time.

“I know the Kuthliele. I trained her.”

You persist in telling that lie as if we are not aware of the truth,Raniel said.I trained her. Youassisted.You were barely present. It is why she loves us. All of you owe ME. I handled her with utmost care.

Of all of them, Raniel of Avallonne was the most possessive of the girl. He considered Aerinne his, and his alone. He barely tolerated his other aspects. Which amused the General, because the weak Isle lordling had no more choice over this state than any of them.

“You all annoy me. I should destroy the three of you and begin anew.”

I would pay money to watch you fail the attempt,Darkan said. He paused, growing distant, then returned with a sharp spring.Rinne is upset. Release me, so I can go to her.

“You make her weak.”

You all confuse her,the Prince said.It is my name she must learn to call now. I am awake.

You are a self-centered, blood thirsty dilettante,Raniel said.I would not trust you with a sea tortoise, much less with my Lady.I am the only one who has her best interests at heart.

Really?Darkan drawled.Is that why you showed her the Cuffs? Because you have her best interests at heart?

They are her birthright.

And if she does not don them, then you cannot take the Trident. Her best interests. . .of course. Of course.

Forget the Trident,the Prince said.Everenne is our stronghold.

Everenne is a fractured princeling’s playground,Raniel said, the impression of a sneer in his mental voice.It has no history. Avallonne—

“Avallonne serves no strategic purpose.”

The Cuffs. The Trident.

“The Cuffs may only be worn by the Lady. How convinced are you that the Kuthliele will wield them on our behalf? Without the Cuffs, the Trident will not be moved. No, we must turn our attention to taking Ninephe.”

You're a fool if you think Nayya is not preparing for that possibility.Displeasure seeped into Darkan’s sardonic tone.If you plan on retaking Ninephe, you cannot do it without Aerinne and the Trident, which she will not give you if you anger her further.She is not ready for Ninephe, and I will not allow you to break her open and take her power for yourself.

I love her,Raniel said softly.I have always loved her.Usingher is not my intent.

She is mine,Renaud said. Iwill break her.

They all ignored him. Their son’s murder hit Renaud the hardest. The boy shouldn’t have tangled in their game, however. Embriel had learned consequences the lethal way.

Fucked around,Darkan said in that abominable mortal language,found out. I keep telling you all she is dangerous. One day you will believe me. Continue playing with her. I dare you.

Renaud’s hiss of anger in the darkness.

You are only angry because you still love her,Raniel said, a sneer in his voice.

A bite of cold silence, and then,Speak,Renaud purred.Speak again, and I will—

Please. You willwhat?

This is what batshit crazy means,Darkan muttered.I understand the application of the term better now.

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