Rix was seething. He took a step forward, and Carver tensed. But Rix didn’t attack him. He gritted his teeth, his voice low and harsh. “You may be the Butcher, but if Ieverlearn you caused her pain, I will end you.” He didn’t wait for a reply, just pivoted on his heel and stalked away.
As he stormed back into the house, Elowen slipped out. She watched Amryn’s uncle disappear, then turned to face Carver with raised brows. “Should I even ask how that went?”
Carver blew out a breath. “Better than expected, actually. He didn’t stab me.”
“That’syour measure of success?”
“It’sameasure of success.”
His sister snorted. “Good luck.”
Saints, he’d need it.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Elowen asked.
He shook his head.
Elowen pursed her lips, then came over to hug him. “It’s going to turn out all right.”
He tightened his hold on her. “How do you know?”
“Because all the best love stories do.” She eased back. “And you’re a Vincetti.Invictus manemusand all that.”
Unconquered we remain.A line from their family’s creed.
He slowly exhaled. He’d made a mistake in rising to Rix’s bait. He’d been too defensive. He’d do better next time. “Thanks, El.”
“What are sisters for?” She poked him in the ribs. “Don’t answer that with anything sarcastic, or you’ll ruin the moment.”
He grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Carver?”
They both turned to see Amryn standing at the top of the stairs. She looked worried.
Elowen rubbed Carver’s arm, then moved back toward the house. She gave Amryn a smile before going inside, closing the door softly behind her.
Amryn and Carver met at the base of the stairs. Her teeth were buried in her bottom lip.
He slid his thumb over the abused flesh, freeing it. “Everything is fine.”
“Rix didn’t exactly give me that impression.”
He tensed. “Did he say something to you?”
“No.” She eyed Carver. “What happened?”
He released a breath, then told her everything. By the time he finished, deep lines creased her forehead. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ll apologize to him.”
“It sounds like he needs to apologize to you.” She cupped his cheek. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to him.”
It took a considerable amount of willpower to not melt into her touch. Somehow, he kept his focus. “You don’t have to do that. This is between me and Rix.” He brushed a soft kiss against her furrowed brow. “We’ll sort it out. I promise.”
Her fingertips caressed his stubbled jaw. “He was just surprised. He didn’t expect this.Us. Just . . . give him some time?”
Since Carver would do anything for her, it was easy to nod. And when it was time to return to the palace and they all rode back in the same carriage, he didn’t return even one of Rix’s glares.
“No!”The shout tore from Carver as he thrashed in the darkness, sweat coating his body. His chest heaved with ragged breaths. His ears rang. His skin burned. Something was binding his legs—trapping him. He shoved frantically at the constriction, but it wouldn’t be pushed away.
