Page 14 of The Knight
“Yes, you know exactly why I am here. Don’t play games with me, Ryker. How long haveyouknown?” The anger on his face was palpable. His golden eyes seemed to glow. I bit back the intimidation I felt.
“Shad,” I said his name with a scowl. I enjoyed the twitch he made at my use of his name. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
“Nothing? Are you serious? This is not nothing. How you could even say that to me, baffles me. How could you not remember what The Ancient told us?”
“Of course, I remember. I know it’s a big deal, okay. I get it,” I said, running a hand through my hair.
“You have changed; back home, they would not even know you. Do you not understand how important this is—for her, for us, and for our people?” Shad asked. The last part he whispered.
“You can’t just come here and expect me to do whatever you say, Shad. Seriously—this isn’t Embr—”
“Ryker, I can come here and do what I wish, and you know that I have just as much of a right as you. I have been all over this realm, and you knew about it the entire time. I asked about this place, and you told me—”
“Just stay away,” I quietly retorted. I wanted it to come out more demanding, but I sounded like I was begging, and to be honest, I was. “She doesn’t know anything.”
“You think after all these years, I’ll just walk away? You have no right to that wish—or warning—especially after what you have done. It was tasked to us both. Sixteen years, Ryker. For sixteen years, you have had your time.”
“Shad, you don't understand. I couldn’t—things have happened. She is in danger.”
“I thought you were a Torren Knight? What have you been doing? Do you even remember who you are?”
“Do not patronize meShad.” I said his name mockingly. “You know I’m not a seeker, and I’m not an Ancient; I’m not invincible. I need help finding someone. I don’t have any more connections, and someone, someone from Terra is after her. I believe one of Tarick’s men.”
“I will help. Keil and I have resources of this realm’s magic, or technology rather, at our disposal, and you have had your chance. You have failed miserably, so now it is my turn.”
He was right, I knew he was. I had failed, my oath broken. If I was to return to my kingdom of Torren, I would most likely pay for it being broken. But at the moment, I still had to protect Emma.Perhaps, I should get as much help as I can–even from this pompous prince.I sighed, brushing my fingers through my hair.
“Well—okay, fine.” I backed down. I could not let my pride hurt Emma. “I would appreciate any intel Keil could give me on this guy. He has been almost impossible to track.”
“I will update you,” Shad agreed.
“I guess we have to work together again,” I said, irritated at the idea.
“Seems so, but you need to give me time with her. I do not want you interrupting my relationship with her.”
“What relationship?” I asked in anger.
“Unlike what you may believe Ryker I would never force her into anything. I just wish to get to know her and help her as best I can.”
We were silent for a time. I felt his melody reach out to speak with mine, but I didn’t dare unshield my soul so close to Emma. I would never do it around him. I had too many secrets to keep.
“Why do you shield your melody, Ryker?” Shad asked, and I tried to remind myself he was perceptive–that he had not just heard my melody and knew I was keeping secrets.
“Emma and I are close. She and I—”
“Are you fond of each other?” he asked.
“Yes, we are.”
“I understand, and although I am more enraged than I can possibly explain, I am grateful that she is safe. Even if I didn’t know about her being here with you, her safety is what matters most.”
“Agreed,” I said, hating that I respected him for that comment.
“I need to go. I do not wish to be late to my first day of this realms academy.”
“Little hint, Your Royalness. Don’t call it ‘this realms academy,’ Call it high school.”
He nodded and walked across the street, back to his house, and I couldn’t have been happier about that.
