Page 56 of Shadows of Ruin

He was leading a rebellion against his own father, standing up for his people while at the same time being forced to murder traitors. Hearing their story made everything from Canyon City click into place. I’d never seen dead bodies, never saw the man and woman after Kade’s shadows engulfed them.

I’d been swept up in those shadows enough to know they didn’t always cause harm.

Far from it.

I’d condemned him immediately. Even if that was exactly what they wanted me to see, I still felt guilty. Jax teased Kadeabout being the Monster of Mysthaven, but I saw what it did to him. He truly believed it. I’d believed it too for a moment.

I shuddered. Thinking of the risks Kade took, the awful things he allowed his people to believe, all in the name of saving others, broke my heart. How lonely it must be here for him. Forced to obey a father who used his son so terribly.

This new information battled the dichotomy of the man I knew, who he was with me, versus the atrocities he was forced to commit. I rubbed at my chest, the ache there threatening to permanently etch itself in place.

No matter how much I tried to hate Kade Blackthorn, I couldn’t.

The pull toward him felt too strong. In some moments, my very soul called to him. Wanted him, despite the heartache he’d caused.

I sighed, walking away from the mirror and leaning against the bed. I wanted to curl up in a ball and not move until the world made sense again. Even if I knew that wouldn’t solve anything.

Storm had popped his head in about an hour ago, saying I would be by myself for a while and reminded me not to leave my room until Raya came to get ready with me for the ball.

He didn’t leave until I swore it no less than five times.

I’d wanted Kade to come. To reassure me he’d talked with Cassandra, and they would all be safe. That he would be safe. He had yet to appear though.

Time dragged by, giving me a taste of what a long, boring day I had in store.

Tits and daggers, there better be alcohol at this ball tonight. I could at least drown my sorrows.

A knock at the door startled me, only until I realized it was probably Raya, sent to be on babysitting duty earlier than either of us wanted. Or Storm making sure I hadn’t attempted to escape.

Or maybe Kade had come after all.

I took my time to answer the door, opening it slowly, about to say something rather obnoxious, when I saw who stood before me.

Not Raya. Not Storm. Definitely not Kade.

King Dargan.

I inhaled sharply before remembering myself and curtsied, opening the door wider. Even if I knew only a little about the king, defying him would surely land me on his bad side. I knew my place around a castle, and how to act around powerful men.

“My apologies for the way we first met, young lady,” King Dargan said, a smile I’m sure he thought alluring dancing over his face. “When I heard you’d been placed here in the royal guest quarters instead of the Guardians’ wing, I was intrigued. Would you care to join me for the Festival of Swords this morning?”

I pressed a hand to my chest, bowing my head submissively, even if my skin crawled doing so. “I’ve been asked to wait here until the celebration tonight. I’d hate to be in the way of such an important event.”

“Nonsense,” King Dargan said sharply. “I’ll be escorting you to the colosseum, I insist.”

Not good.

“I’d be honored, Your Majesty. If I could have a moment to change?—”

“Unnecessary.” He reached forward, tugging me through the door to his side. It took all my wherewithal not to flinch at the way his hand curled around my waist. “You look perfect for witnessing a battle.”

My instincts told me this certainly would be a battle with him, just as much as the Guardians’ battle in the ring.

Even though his grip loosened around me, an eerie sensation pricked at the base of my skull. I knew I should notbe anywhere near this man, but when a king gave an order, it must be obeyed.

Hopefully Kade would understand I didn’t go looking for trouble. I almost snorted at the quick thought.

Two guards fell in step behind us, their persistent presence as heavy as the king’s. I lowered my head, tracking the king’s footsteps to make sure I followed slightly behind. Appearing subservient would make me seem less threatening.

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