Page 27 of Marked Dragon

The damn guard isn’t leaving, he replied, his anger slamming through me.

I flinched at the internal assault, but I was more perplexed as to why I hadn’t felt his turmoil before now, as if he’d hidden his emotions from me.

We’re about to begin,I informed him.

I’m on my way. Nobody will stop me,he replied.

A stabbing pain assaulted my heart.Thorn, no. The guard will alert everyone, and they’ll catch you.

He didn’t respond, and the anger tamped down once more.

Dear goodness. What had he done?

More determined than ever, I forced a smile and lifted my chin, despite my knees weakening. “Okay, give me a second. I’ll meet you and Eva in the living room. I need a moment to myself.”

Queen Mira placed a hand on my arm. “Of course, my dear. Just don’t be too long.” She looped her arm through Eva’s and led her out the bedroom door.

Eva glanced back at me, her face twisted with worry.

I waited until their footsteps had reached the living room, then took the hairbrush from the counter and butted the end against one corner of the mirror. It took a few solid hits, but a large section splintered off, and a crack zagged across the entire mirror. I didn’t have it in me to care.

The largest chunk of glass was about three inches long and two inches wide—big enough to use as a weapon but small enough to fit in my bra. I snatched the hand towel hanging to my left, ripped the material in half, then grabbed the piece of glass, careful not to cut my hands. I wrapped it in the cloth and delicately placed it in my cleavage, low enough that neither the white cloth nor the glass could be seen.

A strangled sensation wafted through the fated-mate bond. Breathing rapidly, I linked,Are you hurt?

It felt like forever before he responded.

CHAPTERTEN

Time stood stillas I waited for Thorn to respond. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I prepared myself to go find him.

Damn Drake and everyone else.

I wouldn’t allow my mate to be harmed.

I’m fine,he replied, but his dragon hissed.The warrior swooped down and attacked me. My magic responded…and I took his dragon.

He was outside, and anyone who passed through could recognize him.Thorn, don’t risk yourself for me. I’ll find a way out of here.I placed my hands on the counter and lifted my head, staring at myself. My fierce determination made me look like a different person.

There’s no way in hell I will wait here while you take on the royals and the warriors on your own,he replied.I’m coming for you, Everly.

My heart swelled. A nagging part had lost hope that there was a way out of this, but his words made my determination more desperate to prove it wrong.

“Everly,” the queen called as the bedroom door opened. “It’s time. We really do have to leave.”

I jerked upright and tensed. She couldn’t come in here and see what I’d done to the mirror. I had to go.

Taking a deep breath, I strolled into the bedroom and met her. I couldn’t walk too quickly or let my panic show; otherwise, the warriors might think I was up to something. I needed to act like the broken girl they expected.

“Sorry. I just—” I forced my bottom lip to quiver, and my dragon snarled at how pathetic I looked.

“Oh, darling.” Queen Mira mashed her lips together and hurried to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “I promise, this isn’t as bad as it seems. As part of the royal family, you will never want for anything.”

I snorted then coughed to hide my laugh. My shoulders shook, so I hunched over, pretending to sob. Her statement was so ironic. I might have all the luxuries of living in a fancy house with servants, but I didn’t want that. I wanted Thorn, my freedom, and a life with him where we didn’t have to hide. None of that would happen if this marriage with Drake took place.

She kissed my forehead and murmured, “You’ll be happy. You’ll see. We can spend time together, figuring out ways we can help our people.”

Help.

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