Page 84 of Reign of Betrayal

“It’s not what you think at all, Lukene.” She gulps as I lean in, staring directly into her vile gaze. “All I did was make sure you couldn’t help her. That’s all, I swear. I didn’t touch anything except your mind, to plant the command and wipe away the memory of me doing it.”

“If you ever,evertouch me again, Vanna, I will tell everyone what my childhood was like.” My voice drops to a lethal whisper. “Then, I’ll kill you. Consequences be damned. Mark my words, Vanna, I will end you and takemythrone back.”

“As heir to the throne, I demand you release me!” she spits back.

I slowly retreat toward the door, a malicious smile spreading across my face as I withdraw my shadows, letting them slink away from her trembling form. “Remember what I said, Vanna. You will never touch me again. I vow it.”

With those final words, I slam the door behind me, leaving her shocked and breathless, adrenaline coursing through both of us. The door shudders from the force, echoing the rage seething inside me.

Skipping breakfast,I head to the training yard, hoping to relieve the anger still burning in my veins. The sun is just now rising, casting a golden aura over the kingdom. The wind is crisp and refreshingly cool, but it does nothing to calm the searing irritation I feel.

As I approach, I notice a fire blazing in the hands of my purple-haired prisoner. Why is she out here alone, unattended?

Walking over to her, I watch her powers soaring, burning high and bright. She is getting better and better. She is stronger than we thought. She looks over to me and my anger instantly simmers down. Now it’s just an ember, barely fizzling as I flash her a sensual smile.

“What are you doing out here alone? The sun is barely waking,” I ask as her flame dwindles down to nothing.

She rolls her eyes. “I wanted to be alone. After yesterday…” She lets out a long, dramatic sigh, her expression haunted by painful memories. “I just need some time alone, Prince.”

“Spar with me,” I challenge, my tone playful.

“No. I beat you once, remember? It was too easy, boring even.” She grins, a wicked smile that makes mine widen. She is beautifully reckless—a light in my bleak darkness.

“You cheated last time,” I tease. “Well, come on then… Use magic, weapons, even your fist if you would like.”

“I wouldn’t call it cheating. But sure, if you want to have your butt kicked again… Who am I to deny you, Prince,” she says, as she gives me a mocking bow.

“You can definitely try,” I retort.

She hurls a ball of fire at me, but my shadows devour the flame. She holds out her palm, conjuring an even larger blaze that slams into my shadowy shield. Darkness meets light. Which will prevail? Will darkness smother the flame, or will light pierce through the shadow? I push back, and her fire flickers.

We trade blows—magic, fists, and steel—until the new guards arrive to train, accompanied by Kylo and James.

Reign is slowing, growing tired. Seizing the moment, I send a shadow snaking around her ankle and yank. She falls, letting out a string of colorful curses that make me chuckle.

“Are you just going to stand there gawking while I lay on my back?” she snaps, extending her hand.

“Oh, Reckless, if I had you on your back under different circumstances, I’d be doing anything but standing and watching…” I tease, earning a blush that spreads down her neck. I clasp her hand, and the fit feels perfect, like a piece of a puzzle clicking into place. I pull her up, jerking her closer until she bumps into my chest. My arm snakes around her waist, her lips inches from mine. I should hate that she is against my chest, but I don’t. It feels… right. She feels right. As long as her hands don’t touch it, I can tolerate it, even like—this.

Her plump lips catch my attention, and I cup her face, tracing her lower lip with my thumb. Lifting her chin, I search her eyes and find them filled with want, desire, caution, and trepidation—an exact reflection of my own emotions.

Her breath comes out in shallow pants, and I realize we have an audience. James watches us with a stern expression. Releasing her I say, “Go see a healer to ensure you are alright.”

“Prince, I’m fine,” she argues.

“That wasn’t a request.”

“I know what you did,” she replies. “You made me spar to distract me.”

“I did. Now go to the healer.” I smile as I give her the demand, knowing she doesn’t like being told what to do.

She huffs, submitting to defeat, and walks back to the palace.

“Getting cozy with her publicly, I see,” Kylo says, laughing.

“Enough chatter… Powers out,” I reply with a chuckle.

James approaches, lightning dancing at his fingertips. “I thought I told you to stay away from her, Luke.” He fires off a bolt, and I deflect it, shadows swirling. Kylo is just looking back and forth between us.

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