Page 92 of Shadows of Ruin

“Thatgirlis a grown woman. A warrior, as proven at the festival. She is not a pawn for you to threaten me with.” I stalked forward as an angry tempest inside of me thrummed. My shadows didn’t explode from me, they crawled. Restrained as if they knew if they moved any faster they’d rip the king to fucking shreds. Purposefully resisting the temptation to do just that in order to maintain a sliver of sanity as my mind raced at Lana’s fate if left in the king’s hands. Leaving her behind would never be an option. “You may own me, my life, and the lives of my Guardians, but you do not own hers.”

“Tread carefully, boy, you forget your place,” he snarled.

I needed to get out of here. I couldn’t threaten him while Lana remained here, the risk was too great. “She has a right to see what the darkness can cause. It affects her lands as well,” I said, forcing the anger in my voice to calm. Emotion would only further paint a target on Lana’s back. I had to be smarter with him, especially in his current state.

“It’s not our job to help them rule.” My father waved his hand, dismissing me, but I didn’t move.

“She is a damn princess, Father,” I said, knowing my use of his name may buy me some sort of listening ear. I loathed it, but I’d call him that for her. “It’s of use to us to be on good terms with Brookmere’s royals. It could be beneficial should our worlds ever combine. It is only a matter of time at this point, she knows we exist.”

A smile played across the king’s face, and he stepped down the three small stairs from his throne, taking his timestriding toward me. “Do not think I am a fool, boy.” His eyes grazed over me in disdain before a dangerous light flickered behind them. “Have your fun and take care of the traitors, my monster. We’ll discuss this further upon your return.”

The menacing tone did nothing to appease the worry I felt through every fiber of my being, but I refused to linger and allow him the opportunity to change his mind.

I bowed my head, pacing myself to slowly leave with my head held high. The moment the doors shut behind me, I raced back to my rooms. As long as I had eyes on her, she was safe.

Storm and Jax stood perched at the front of the wing that housed Lana’s chambers along with my own. Waiting.

“Ready the horses,” I said for the ears I knew could spy in the halls. “There’s a new traitor to hunt.”

I stopped, touching my chest at the throb there.

“Something wrong?” Storm asked.

I shifted, standing straighter and shaking my head. They exchanged a look, but I didn’t linger.

The anxious weight in my chest accompanying the throbbing didn’t lessen until I saw Finn exit my room and close the doors to my chambers behind him. “There won’t be any breakfast left for you if that one has a say.” Then he smiled. “I like her.”

Relief was powerful knowing he had been with her seconds ago. “So do I,” I said, grinning at him. “Thank you.”

He nodded and left, not bothering to further the conversation. One of the many reasons he remained in my employ and a personal favorite in this castle.

I strode through my chambers, deliciously aware Lana remained in my bedroom. The door to the room already stood open, but she wasn’t in bed. Instead, she paced by the window, brushing her hands over her clothes.

“Good morning, Little Rebel.”

She jumped at my voice but relaxed once she saw it was just me. “Did it work?”

I nodded, the agitation inside of me soothing ever so slightly. “I’ll walk you to your room. As soon as you’ve packed a bag, we’ll be off.”

She twisted her hands together, even though her shoulders sagged with relief.

I fought the urge to go to her. She’d saved me from the monster inside of me last night, and while she’d made it damn clear she wanted me, I didn’t want to push my luck and believe her desire remained the same in the morning light.

“Ready?” I asked, daring to hold out my hand and leave the choice up to her.

She hesitated, pulling her hair over her shoulder, but then reached for me. I closed my eyes at the rush of our contact.

With that spark, I weakened in my resolve to approach this cautiously. I tugged her toward me, running a hand through her long hair and inhaling deeply as I let everything about the woman engulf me. “Thank you for last night,” I whispered.

A soft smile crossed her lips as she stared up at me, leaning toward me.

Fates, I needed her. I leaned down, preparing to steal a kiss.

“Too bad you didn’t give me anything to thank you for.” She retreated, a playful gleam in her eye, as she left me behind in my own bedroom, high and dry.

Possessiveness had never been an issue for me before. Not once. Not until Lana.

If Jax hadn’t diffused things with his incessant laughter as we readied the horses, I would have lost all the progress I’d made with Lana as I demanded she ride with me.

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