“Hannah.” He said my name in an exasperated tone while arching his brow. “I am well aware that you were hidden in his larder. Had the wyvern not attacked, I would have found you. Do you think me a fool?”
“No, I was definitely there.” I matched his pose and lifted my chin. “But he had no choice. I took him hostage and threatened to kill him if he betrayed me.” Though I wanted to look between Kai and Ashren to see if either believed my story, I remained focused on Kai. He was the one I had to convince.
This was a lie, but it was an essential one. Olen hadn’t asked to have his home destroyed or volunteered to help me. I’d broken into his home, and he’d gone above and beyond to give me aid and then to help others. Even if my judgment of men was shit, I knew Olen was a good one. “He didn’t want to betray you. He’s loyal and good. He even warned me that what I was doing was wrong and dangerous, but I didn’t listen. I thought you were going to kill me or keep me locked in that prison to freeze to death.”
I placed a hand on my heart, hoping Kai would soften some. “Please.I’m willing to stay here as we bargained, but I ask that you don’t punish someone who showed me genuine kindness, even though I’m sure I scared him half to death.”
His nostrils flared, and he closed his eyes. “He still should’ve told me of your presence as soon as I entered the house.”
“Olen lost Isabella.” I turned to Ashren in surprise. “If he feared for his life, then he wouldn’t be comfortable telling you about Hannah. Not only that, but what would punishing him say to your people after seeing how heroic he was?” Ashren lifted both hands.
Tension spiked as soft flakes of snow drifted down. My butt wanted to get inside, but I couldn’t throw Olen to the hounds… or the wyverns. I wasn’t sure which one was more vicious, since nothing made sense here, but I guessed either worked.
Kai tensed then sagged while his jaw worked. Ashren looked between Kai and me while Thea appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression incredulous, as if she’d caught my plea.Her arms were folded over her chest with her hands tucked into her long, blue velvet sleeves.
With a long sigh, Kai looked back at me. “Did he harm you? Demand anything of you?” He asked these questions softly and with a look in his eye that made my breath catch.
“He was a perfect gentleman.” I raised a hand to put on his chest and stopped myself. “And—he said he had a mate.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it had sounded important when he’d said it to Kai earlier.
Ashren offered a slight shrug. “Isabella was his world. No one will ever replace her for him.”
Kai's expression shifted, and something unreadable passed behind his eyes. He glanced at Ashren, then back at me. "Very well. Olen will be released without punishment. But he will be watched." His voice carried a warning edge that made it clear this was as much mercy as he was willing to extend. It was as much as I could hope for.
The knot in my chest loosened. "Thank you." The words came out softer than I intended. Part of me had feared he would still insist on some draconian punishment.
He gave a curt nod, then turned toward the stairs and gestured at Thea. “Hannah, you are to go with Thea. She will escort you to your guest chamber and ensure you have all you need. Ashren, are the reports fully prepared from all the outposts and agents?”
I reached out to touch his elbow and then let my hand drop to my side. “Wait. Can I speak with you in private about something else?” The words were out before I could stop them, but I needed clarity. “It’s important.”
Kai hesitated a breath, then turned back to me. “No, Hannah,” he said firmly, his eyes violet though his voice remained flat. “That won’t be possible.”
CHAPTER 22
Hannah
Shock ran through me, and my spine went stiff. I swallowed hard and tried to collect myself. Surely I’d heard him wrong.
Yet, thenorepeated in my head like an echo. The way he’d said it—so simple and cold—shook me to my core. I wanted to talk about what had happened, but I’d be damned if I was going to beg. That wasn’t who I was.
My chest constricted, and fear clawed my throat as if I were on the verge of losing something precious. I hated the tears that pricked along the backs of my eyes. Fuck me. I wasn’t weak. Yet, the words spilled out of my mouth anyway. “It’simportant.”
Kai motioned for Ashren to go on and said, “Make sure the reports are ready for me, and have the attendants prepare for my journey. I’ll read them before I leave for Silver City.”
My heart locked in my chest. I hated myself for even trying to plead with Kai. Who even was I anymore? I pressed my lips into a tight line. “I could talk with you while you’re preparing to go.”
Ashren hesitated, then bowed slightly. He started up the staircase, pausing only to speak to Thea. Thea nodded slowly, though she did not look at him.
Kai waited until Ashren was out of earshot, then stepped closer, lowering his voice as he leaned in. “Hannah,” he said softly, his pupils wide and his irises all violet. “What happened was…intense. But it was a biological reaction to closeness after a near-death experience. I have given you my word that I will ensure you end up where you belong. You are under my protection.” His hand started to lift as if to touch my face, but he drew it back.
Then, he squared his shoulders as he stepped away. “Trust me. When I wish to pursue an actual physical relationship, there will be no doubts. I am not a man who is shy to admit what he wants. But right now, we both have other matters that require our full attention. Make the most of your time here. I will return in a few days. Perhaps in the next week or so, and we will speak then.”
He was talking to me as if I were a child. Rage burned hot and bright within me.
When he stepped back and looked at me, I forced the anger into the center of my chest and gave him the sweetest smile I could muster. “Oh, please don’t trouble yourself. I understand completely. I’m just a woman. It was wrong of me to assume that I could take up your time. I misunderstood. Silly me.”
He frowned and canted his head. His hands moved to his belt as he studied me and then stepped back. “I appreciate your understanding.” He turned and walked up the stairs.
When he neared the top, he slowed as if debating whether to look back. Then he shook his head and continued. He murmured something to Thea that I didn’t catch and disappeared at the top.
