Page 51 of The Night Prince 3
“Who–”
“Come now, Rahven, you know.” So Rahven had gotten some words out of him, but not the ones he wanted.
More brow movements, but then the brow cleared and Rahven’s face smoothed of all emotion. “Father.”
Vex let that word sit between them. He’d never thought to hear it uttered in regards to him. And if he had known about Rahven sooner… Well, the boy would have never uttered a single word. But now… now things were different. And he got to enjoy this.
For now.
“What have you done, Father?” Rahven now used that title as part of a demand. That was interesting to experience too!
“Now that is better!” Vex smiled. A genuine smile that he knew made his eyes light up appeared on his face. A smile that he hadn’t experienced since… Well, since before he’d discovered that the wheel had turned and those he lost had returned.
“Where are the others?” Rahven’s eyes might have flickered beneath the sunglasses, but Vex knew that they did not. Rahven was smart enough to know that though his blade touched Vex’s skin, this situation could change in an instant. But not even Rahven knew how fast.
“Nearby,” he answered, which was and wasn’t true.
Rahven’s attention was fully on him then. “Why not here?”
Vex let the smile shift to a grin. “Because you’re all in Illithor for different reasons. So I merely helped them along to where they needed to go to find what they needed to find. Or, at least, to start that journey.”
A frown tugged on his son’s expressive mouth. “We’re all here to save Finley.”
“Ah.”
More frowning. “We are.”
“Of course.”
“I am not lying.”
“No.”
“Then why are you behaving as if I am?” Rahven growled.
Such a dangerous, beautiful boy! Delightful!
“Surely you know that while each of your companions has the surface desire to save Finley that each of them also has an alternative reason–some might say a deeper reason–for being here?” Vex pressed him, wheedling really.
Ailduin always said he wheedled when he really wanted the person to ask him something or come to some conclusion on their own. But really, he was just being personable! Wheedling indeed!
“It does not matter if they do. They want to save Finley. He is the first priority of everyone. Where is he? Earlier, you said he was with you,” Rahven would evidently not be pushed off this subject.
Vex sighed. “Finley is… well, I cannot say ‘fine’ as that would be a lie. He is in danger, but it is of his own choosing.”
He added that last part quickly as Ardreth’s very sharp blade pressed harder against his throat. Maybe it had been a little foolish to think he could control Rahven completely when the boy had a Niri blade. The young man was his son after all. But he was so young. So inexperienced. And he didn’t even seem to remember this place.
Seemingly.
“Where is Finley?” Another low growl.
“Facing Death.”
That blade really was beginning to annoy as it pressed against his throat harder again. Should he take it and spank Rahven with it? Didn’t some parents do that? Or was spanking wrong? All he knew were the delights of spanking, which he didn’t think his son would appreciate, especially if it was his hand.
“Take me to him now!” Rahven demanded.
“No.”
