Page 97 of Royal Rebel

She took a small handful of coins from the purse and set them in his hand. “This will suffice for now,” she said. It took all her willpower to make sure it didn’t sound like a question.

His eyebrows lifted, and she caught a hint of surprise. “You’ll pay more later?”

Fates, she’d overpaid. “Yes,” she said, trying to sound confident. “If you treat us well and give us privacy.”

The man shoved the coins into his pocket. “Of course.”

A brutal shiver tore through Grayson. Mia hurried to the bed and tucked a quilt around him. She glanced up at the innkeeper, who silently watched them. Her skin tightened. “I need to clean his wound.”

The man stirred. “I’ll bring you some things,” he said, moving for the door.

“Thank you.”

He paused, as if her gratitude was unexpected. Without another word, he left the lantern on the side table and stepped out of the room.

Mia closed the door behind him. She was relieved when she saw a lock, which she quickly twisted into place. Her heart hammered. Adrenaline had been flooding her veins for so long, she didn’t know if her pulse would ever slow.

She didn’t know what to do, or who to trust. She didn’t know if she’d made a terrible mistake in coming here, but Grayson had needed help. He was incapacitated—completely helpless. It was her turn to protect him, and she felt wholly incapable.

She moved to the bed, and sat on the edge beside him. Sweat streaked his skin, and his face was twisted with pain. He was whispering something—a nearly soundless mutter. She smoothed the hair off his brow and leaned in to kiss him gently. “You’ll be all right,” she breathed.You have to be all right. I can’t lose you.

He moaned, the sound low and trembling. “Needs me,” he mumbled. “She needs me . . .”

Tears stung her eyes and she gripped his hand. “I need you,” she told him. “I’m always going to need you. Please don’t leave me.”

His fingers twitched weakly against hers.

She prayed the healer came before it was too late.

Chapter 23

Grayson

Grayson’sentirebodyburned.Flame’s Breath licked everywhere—even in his blood. And while he burned, he saw Carter straddling Mia on the ground. Raising his knife for a killing strike.

Grayson was too far away. He wouldn’t reach them in time.

He still launched himself forward.

The blade flashed, and Mia’s throat was cut.

Grayson’s very soul wrenched, and he screamed.

A dagger materialized in his hand. He didn’t hesitate to slit his brother’s throat. Then he held Mia as she bled, and the light drained from her eyes.

He blinked, and suddenly Mia was standing in Tyrell’s arms. She smiled up at his brother, and Tyrell brushed a curl from her upturned face. He leaned in. Kissed her.

And Mia kissed him in return.

A scorpion stung Grayson in the heart, and he fell. His father laughed—or was he yelling? His mother smiled—or perhaps she was sneering. Imara was there, talking to him, but he couldn’t hear a word.

Then Desfan glared down at him. “You betrayed me.”

Grayson was on his knees before the ruler of Mortise.I’m sorry,he tried to say, but his tongue wouldn’t work.

Liam stared at him from the shadows, silent and inscrutable.

Desfan twisted away from Grayson, and there was Mia’s lifeless body, her throat cut from Carter’s knife.

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