Real convincing, bucko.
“Are you still hell-bent on world domination?”
“If that’s how you choose to view it.”
“Hmm, well in that case, let me think.No. What makes you think I’d go anywhere with you? After all you’ve done?”
“After all I’ve—” His voice rises, a rare look of surprise skipping across his face. That scent of his breezes toward me as he takes a step closer and says in a lethal whisper, “I’m not the one who drove a dagger through her heart moments before her nuptials.”
“You didn’t leave me much choice,” I snarl. “How do I know you won’t just chain me up like last time?”
He smiles, his eyes giving nothing away. “We have to be able to trust each other, darling.”
“That is the single most hilarious thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“I’m being serious.”
“I know you are. That’s why it’s so absurd.”
“The bargain seems more than fair.” His hard body grazes mine as he palms the rock behind my head. “Two weeks, then you’re mine. It’s simple. I won’t even punish you for running from me.”
Oh, gee, thanks.
“All I need in exchange is for your friends to bend the knee to me, and they can keep their little lives.”
“No one is going to bend the knee to you, you sadisticfuck!” I shout, shoving against him. Kylian catches my face in his hands.
“You want to avoid a war?” His eyes gleam. “This is your chance. No one has to die. Your friends…your kingdom. Think of the lives you’ll spare.”
I bite my lip. A victorious smile spreads over his face as he releases me and slips a hand into his pocket. “Two weeks.”
He begins backing away.
“I haven’t agreedto anything.”
“You agreed to marry me, darling. A deal is a deal. Don’t you know about faerie bargains? They are ever-binding. So youwillbe my wife. Or you will payverydearly. I’m offering you a chance to make good on your word. I’ll see you in a fortnight.”
“No—”
“And if you try anything, the bargain is forfeit, and your little friends are fair game.”
“Kylian—”
But he is gone. Vanished into thin air.
How the hell…
“Serena?” Zadyn calls. I smooth my jacket and step out to meet him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Your scent just kept leading me in circles. What happened?”
“I just had a little run in…with Kylian.”
Zadyn’s pupils flare. “What?” Gripping my shoulders, he looks around, snarling. “Where is he?”
“He’s gone.”
Zadyn stares at me. “Heleft?”
I nod.
