Page 66 of Fated to be Enemies

Matching my tone, she said, “Your being busy is not an issue, Elias. We both knew why you had to be behind that door. But daydreaming of your lover while I’m trying to discuss matters of territory and rule?—”

I narrowed my brows. “I am not daydreaming, and she is not my lover, Ysabeau.”

“Of course. My mistake. I meant to say the one you loved,” she deadpanned. When I opened my mouth to refute what she’d said, she continued. Looking me up and down, she said, “Go ahead, argue with me. Tell me you don’t love her. You are many things, Elias, but you can’t lie to me.”

I clenched my teeth, the muscle in my jaw throbbing at the tension. “Get to the point.”

“I already did.” She smirked. Ysa was just as bad as I was. She loved being right. “And good for you, by the way. She tempers your rage. But right now? Right now, I’m talking to my king about a rat who’s been found, and he’s off in dreamland thinking about rock climbing with his lady love.” She pointed at me, then at herself. “I will delegate and get someone to look for what you want, but you didn’t make me your second to search the world for picnic spots. You made me your second because I get shit done. I dragged in a traitor, and I’ve held him for twenty-four hours. Jordan Westpoint is waiting for you.”

Shock filtered through me. “You found him?”

She nodded, giving me a tight-lipped smile. “Do I have your attention now?”

Hate filled me. I wanted answers, and I wanted to pry them from him.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” I dragged my hand over the scruff on my face and jaw, taking the stairwell down to the subterranean level in silence. Our footfalls echoed through the dark concrete hallway. The scent of damp earth and moss filled my nostrils. As we approached the dungeon door, I turned to Ysa.

She sighed. “I know, I know. Overstepped my boundaries.”

“Yes, you did.” I cocked an eyebrow, but she respectfully held my gaze, not shying away. “And you are the only one who can. Anyone else would have lost their tongue. I made you my second for more than your ability to get shit done. Remember that.”

I trusted Ysabeau with my life. She bore the scars that proved her loyalty to my family. To my sister. Ysa wasn’t often wrong, and a good king knew when to listen to those he’d chosen to advise him, even if that person treaded a thin line when they did it.

Her features remained neutral as she dipped her head. When I turned and opened the door, she whispered, “You and Dannika complement each other.” I smiled to myself, appreciating the sincerity. “And honestly, you’re insufferable most of the time, so we can only hope she balances that out too.”

And there it was. The type of jab I would expect from one of my oldest friends.

I shook my head and huffed as I entered the holding chamber. Dim candlelight provided visibility, and the dank scent of water and dirt permeated the air, thicker than before.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out large sunglasses, putting them on. Ysa perpetually wore them. I flipped a switch, and an intensely bright light filled the room.

Jordan Westpoint groaned at the sudden assault to his senses, sharply inhaling through his nose.

I walked toward him slowly. He hung from the ceiling in chains, arms stretched high over his head, his biceps pressed against his ears. His ankles were cuffed, shackling him to the floor. A ball gag stopped him from talking, drool pouring from the corner of his mouth.

“You know why you’re here, Jordan,” I started. He squinted, trying to open his eyes, but the light was entirely too painful on his retinas. “And you know who I am.”

A muffled sound came from behind the gag, but whether it indicated a yes or a no, I wasn’t sure. I glanced at the table Ysa had nearby. On display were assorted tools and other objects I would need to help procure the answers I wanted.

Everyone talked under torture. They’d say anything to make the pain stop, but it was only useful when you knew you had the right captive. I didn’t want false confessions. Start slowly. Ask the right questions. Gauge the responses. Listen for the heartbeat. Watch the pupils. Then proceed accordingly.

“Nod or shake your head, Jordan. Do you know who I am?”

He nodded sharply.

“Good. Good.” I circled him, watching him shiver. The sounds of my boots scraped against the damp floor as I walked behind his fixed location. “Do you know why you’re here?”

He shook his head, his breathing picking up.

“I hear you’ve taken to sleeping in Katie’s bed,” I said, not giving him anything more. He gave me a single nod. “I’ve also heard you’ve taken the time to make some friends within Gold and Garnet, yes?”

A pause, then a nod.

“In fact, you’ve stretched that circle of friends to include someone in Fire and Fluorite as well?”

He shook his head.

I sighed. “You’ve disappointed me, Jordan. A little bird told me you’ve been sharing secrets.”

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