Page 81 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“If you vow to accept this trothwithout a fuss—I will release Ryland. He will no longer be a castle guard, but he will be free.”

“Acceptable,” Llyr said, sensing the noose tightening around his neck. But he would accept it if it meant Ryland would be freed. “How soon will you free him?”

“Soon.”

“Now,” Llyr said. “I want to know it’s done.”

His father eyed him a moment before sighing. “Fine. Now,” his father said before calling for his captain of his guard to come into the private castle cavern. “Free the traitor, Ryland. Take him to the edge of the realm and release him. Make sure he is aware he canneverreturn.”

“You didn’t say you would exile him!” Llyr cried.

The captain of the guard nodded and went to do the king’s bidding—ignoring Llyr’s protest.

“I didn’t say Iwouldn’texile him, either. As a citizen of my realm, I haveeveryright to send him away—especially considering the ill he might have caused our entire world. He will be free,” King Augustine said. “Under my terms.”

“Without being able to see his family or friends again.”

“But hewillbe alive,” his father said. “As promised.”

Llyr clenched his fists, needing to slam them into his father’s face. But another thought came to mind instead.If my father can twist his side of the agreement, so can I.

He faced King Claus and smiled. “Did my father tell you, I only just arrived back after a few days on the surface…”

“Llyr…”his father warned.

“Where I met my mates—I hope your son won’t be too upset over receiving spoiled goods.”

King Claus’ face became bright red, and he rose from the stone he rested upon. “Spoiled goods?”

“Llyr,” his father said, grasping his upper arm. “It’s time you went back to your rooms.”

Ignoring the fact his father was dragging him away, Llyr continued, “Well, Ididgo into heat… but no worries about me being pregnant. They’re human. Well, then oneisa half merman, so perhaps there’s a chance Icouldbe pregnant already.”

King Claus rushed forward, pulling Llyr from his father’s arms. “Did you say ahalf merman?”

“He has no idea what he’s talking about,” Llyr’s father said.

“I did,” Llyr said. “His mother was a mermaid who knew my father. I believe he called her Deandra.”

King Claus shoved Llyr away. He flew across the cavern, his back hitting the stone wall. Across the room, a battle between two kings commenced. Claus punched Augustine before pinning his father against the door. “You’ve realized where she was all along, haven’t you? You bastard!”

Llyr’s father got in a punch, sending Claus sailing across the room. Before the pair could clash again, both sets of king’s guards rushed in and stood between the two kings, tridents drawn at one another.

“Who is she to you, King Claus?” Llyr asked, unwilling to let the truth fade.

“Take Prince Llyr to his rooms,” his father shouted.

“Do not let them take the prince!” King Claus screamed at his guard.

The guards inched closer to one another, the situation growing tenser by the moment. One of Claus’ guards—a bronze-skinned mermaid—stared at Llyr closely. Llyr met her gaze, curious.

King Claus focused on Llyr a moment. “My sister, Princess Deandra of Atlantia,” he spat before eyeing King Augustine and roaring.“Where is she?”

Llyr’s heart clenched. “I’m so very sorry…I didn’t knowshe was your sister.”

“I order you to silence!” his father cried.

Llyr ignored him, unable to remain silent to the Atlantean king’s obvious pain. “She’s no longer alive. She died when Oz was young.”

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