Page 66 of Blooms of Darkness

And Storm.

My mood turned icy, and I growled. “What the hell are you doing here? Figure out more ways to blackmail a princess, have you?”

Kade cocked an eyebrow. “I must admit I was rather intrigued to find an invitation to your bedroom. Especially one that told me to bring Storm as well.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“I invited them,” Ian said, jumping up quickly from his chair, while giving me a not-so-subtle eye roll and waving the two men in. “They shouldn’t be seen coming in, Lana. Use your brilliant brain for a moment.”

“They shouldn’t be here at all,” I hissed back.

Kade brushed past me, inciting a spark spreading from where he touched me all the way to my toes. He paused, almost as if he felt it as well.

Arrogant.I shoved my shoulder into his chest. “Might want to move faster so I can close the door.”

He flashed me a grin, bowing his head and walking inside toward the center of the room, close to Ian, who awkwardly stood next to the sitting area. Kalliah hadn’t budged from her perch on the chaise next to him.

Storm’s exasperated sigh as he passed revealed his own impatience with Kade. It gave me more satisfaction than it should, knowing he annoyed everyone, not just me.

“Well, apparently you called this meeting,” I said, striding toward Ian while I tried and failed to keep the annoyance from my voice. “What wassoimportant that it must be done without my knowledge and in the sanctuary of my chambers.”

Ian cleared his throat, fidgeting on his feet slightly. “If you want to continue being the Hidden Henchman, then we need more help. Specifically, more men who can fight. The increase in attacks is bad enough, but there are too many dark ones ambushing the drops at once for our group to successfully operate alone anymore.” He didn’t even look at Kade or Storm.

Just me.

My shoulders slumped, but only because I knew he spoke the truth. I loathed asking for help, but the thought of asking Kade Blackthorn seemed even worse.

“As honored as I am at yourenthusiasmof recruiting my friend and I,” Kade said, tapping his chin and arrogantly cocking his brow, “we never agreed to join your gang of bandits.”

Damn it. I was not prepared to have a mental image of Kade in my chambers. Why did he have to look so good? Even if he ruined it by running his mouth.

“Oh, no, whatever shall we do?” I mocked, feigning shock and sadness, my hand clutching my chest. “Well, we tried. Looks like we’ll keep things status quo for now.”

“Lan,” Ian said. “They already know who you are, which makes them our only choice. Right now, it’s this, or we have to stop until we learn more about what the dark ones are, and why they are getting closer to Ellevail.”

Kade strolled forward, propping himself against my inner bedroom door. “Perhaps if Princess Illiana asked nicely, I’d be more inclined to offer my services.”

“Fucking hell, here we go,” Storm muttered. He hung his head in a clear sign of defeat, shaking it slightly.

“You prick.” I planted my feet firmly in place, crossing my arms. “You’re not the only skilled warrior in this realm. We don't need you. I could find someone else I trusted. Besides, shouldn’t you be off thinking of all the ways you can win this fates-forsaken trial so you can get your precious crown?”

“You saying you trust me is already an incredible start, Little Rebel.” Kade’s smile grew wider by the second. My dagger lay hidden on my thigh, as always. I wondered what would happen if I threw it at his muscular arm.

It wouldn’t be too bad of an injury for him to heal quickly. He certainly had enough power. One little stab couldn’t hurt.

I reached forward, my fingers curling around the fabric of my dress.

“Don’t even think about it,” Ian warned.

I frowned at him. “You ruin all my fun.”

His gaze wandered down to exactly where my dagger hid, so I added another dig, despite the pettiness. “You’re becoming more like Ruppert every day.”

“I don’t think tossing daggers at him will get him to agree to anything.” Ian glared at me, unfazed by my attempt to rattle him.

“Oh, you don’t know me very well then, my friend.” Kade chuckled.

“You know, I’ve been wondering, how did you know how to contact us at the palace?” I asked. Pivoting, I glared at Ian. “I would have thoughtyou’dask that, actually.”

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