Page 63 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
Thalen stood behind me, his hands clasped behind his back and that crooked smile on his face. His shaggy silver whitecurls half covered his amber eyes, but that didn’t keep me from imagining all the jokes and quips spinning in his head. “Everything all right here?”
“Yes.” I glanced at my guards.
“Never had a doubt.” Thalen nodded and looped his thumbs in his belt. He leaned forward to scan my little assembly. “Tensions may be running high, but the truth has a way of coming out in time. And if we’re watching someone, I think we keep an eye on that one. She’s obviously trouble, yeah?” He pointed at Myantha and winked.
Myantha’s eyes widened until they were completely white-rimmed, and her cheeks reddened. She stepped toward him, one hand lingering on the door frame.
“We’re just worried about our friend, Th-Thalen.” Her voice caught on his name, and she ducked her head before peeking back up at him and coming a little closer. “Briar is innocent. Please. We have to get her home and safe. I know you’re agood, intelligentman. You'd never let an innocent suffer.” She tugged one golden brown lock around her finger, the coil tightening with each of her nervous breaths. “Can we count on you to bring her back safely? She’s a good person, and we all love her so much.”
Thalen hesitated, his posture stiffening. All the women except Myantha were now glaring at him as they awaited his response.
Kaylen groaned under her breath. “These women are so annoying.”
I crossed my arms, torn between amusement and annoyance. This was what he got for trying to crack jokes all the time.Yes.See how miserable it feels to be caught in this position, you silver-tongued fiend.I could tell he hadn’t expected Myantha to ask him this. Either way, I had to fight the smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth.
But it was a step too far to include Briar’s friends in our plan. Even if none of them were involved, how likely was it that all of them would remain silent? It had been risky enough to bring Rhielle into my confidence, and I hadn’t told her everything. Something would have to be done, or these five might go off on their own rescue and get themselves killed because Briar wouldn’t be there to rein them in.
Myantha stared at Thalen like he was the only one there and stopped directly in front of him. Reaching out with her palms up, she stared up at him. “Please. It can be all I ever ask of you. Help us help Briar. Convince your prince of her innocence and bring her back.”
“It wouldn’t have to be the only thing you ever ask of me.” His words hitched.
“So you promise?” Her face lit up.
He laughed breathlessly and took her hand, then kissed the back. His lips lingered a moment longer than necessary. “Honey Clover, I will make sure to satisfy you in every way I can.”
Myantha burst into giggles and covered her mouth. Her eyes sparkled, and the rosy glow spread over her golden brown skin.
My heart twisted all over again. What I wouldn't give to have Briar here. I’d set my own kingdom ablaze to have her back at my side.
Kaylen opened her mouth, but Velessa raised her hand. Her fingers curled in a sharp pulling motion, and then she winced. The lack of words escaping Kaylen’s lips and the indignant expression that followed transformed into a rictus of silent but impotent fury when Quen stepped in front of Kaylen with a confident stance that clearly dared her to try something.
Thalira placed a hand on Myantha’s shoulder as Yuki scowled, leaned in, and whispered something to Myantha that I didn’t catch. But Myantha blushed and then cut her eyes back to Thalen. “I-I look forward to that and…to ourmutual…satisfaction.” She lifted her fingers in a small gesture. “I’m counting on you fulfilling that first promise you just gave me so I’ll owe you that favor.”
Fecking void, was he about totellher? I adjusted my stance, and one of my shadows swirled up, hooked on the back of his right wing, and yanked him away from her.
He stiffened, shook his head, and gave her a big smile. “Gotta be careful with promises, you know, but what I can definitively promise you is…I’m on it, Honey Clover. There won’t be any injustice happening here if I have anything to do with it, and I certainly plan to. Briar will get exactly what she deserves, as will everyone else involved, good or bad.”
“Thank you…Silver Smirk.” She clasped her hands and hunched her shoulders, then ducked back.
Yuki shook her head, but there was no venom in her gaze.
Thalen straightened and stared after her like a lynx watching a rabbit, his chest rising and falling with tense breaths. Fate save him, he was already gone.
The problem was that I now understood that feeling and desire. And I’d be getting my beloved back.
I cleared my throat and gestured to Kaylen. “All right. I need a word with you, Kaylen. Ladies, I recommend the rest of you return to your rooms. If you have any information that can assist in resolving the king’s assassination, please report it to Captain Finbar as soon as possible. One of my guards will escort you to him. Do not go alone. Wecannotspeak more fully on this subject.” I gave Thalen a meaningful look and used my shadow to nudge him again.
He shot me an annoyed glance and folded his arms.
I continued, “Rest assured that I have heard your statements, and I will not permit injustice to flourish in my kingdom. But even justice takes time.”
“All well and good when you aren’t the one falsely accused and rotting in prison,” Quen muttered under her breath.
I pretended not to hear her as I gestured toward Kaylen. “I need a word with you, Kaylen. In private.”
Kaylen’s eyes brightened at my words, and my stomach churned. She stepped forward with practiced grace. "Of course, Your Highness," she purred, her voice oozing with eagerness. "I would be honored."
Eyebrows rising, Thalen shot me a look that was equal parts pity and amusement.
