I was pure, unadulterated fury held in check by little more than my shredding will and my clenched fists.
Rooke didn’t want me back in the Shadowlands.
He’d held my hand and stared down at me like Imeantsomething to him, while I’d handed him my heart, shown him this city I loved, and then…he’d begged the queen to let me stay. To live my life here, in Tempeste. To continue being the commander of the armies, as if that’s what made me happy.
I turned sharp left at the end of the hallway, worn-out boots flying over the pristine marble, nothing in my head except escaping this crushing weight in my chest, the way my lungs felt like they were caving in.
Ryland caught up to me. “Lyrae,” he murmured, low. “Talk to me.”
I ignored him.
If I started talking, fuck knew where that would lead. Probably to an all-out screaming match, and I knew how voices carried down these halls.No fucking thank you.
Bad enough I felt humiliated and betrayed.
No sense for our doomed little mess to become tomorrow’s hottest palace gossip.
I had no plan except to reach my rooms without falling apart, strip off these leathers I’d been in for far too long, and soak in a hot bath until my skin pruned. Maybe I could time everything so I never saw Kaden Rooke again. Maybe he would fly himself back down to his realm and eventually I’d forget all about him and?—
“Lyrae, slow the fuck down.” Ryland caught my arm, spun me around. “Just…where the fuck are we going?”
“My rooms. There’s…” I waved my hand at everyone, doing some quick mental calculations that fizzled out because my temper was running the show right now. “Enough room for all of us. I think.”
“Why are you so angry?” Rooke caught up to us, his puzzled gaze flickered over Ryland and Var, then landed back on me. “That went well. We all got what we wanted.”
My quiet laugh turned ugly. “Yes, I suppose you would see it that way.”
I turned on my heel. Ariel jogged alongside me, shooting Rooke evil, sideways looks that told me she understood exactly what was going on.
Ryland and Varian were smart enough to stay quiet until we reached my rooms, where I pushed the door open in a whoosh of stale air, striding across my living chamber to light a bank of candles.
I set one beneath a pile of already-stacked logs in the fireplace, letting the kindling catch before I stepped away, flames crackling up the dry wood.
Burning to ash, just like the future I’d pretended existed for six wonderful hours.
Ryland set his hands on his hips and let out a low appreciative whistle as he spun in a circle. “I thought you said you didn’t live in the palace? This is…impressive.”
“This is just a place to sleep,” I grumbled. “Ari, there’s a separate bedroom in there with a bathing chamber, fresh sheets on the bed, extra blankets in the armoire—if Varian can get a fire started.”
With a dip of his head, Varian took one of the candles, pushed the door open, then the two of them were chattering away in there like teenagers, a soft golden glow flickering against the walls.
“I’ll take the couch,” Ryland grumbled, shooting me aresigned look. “If we’re all flying back tomorrow, I’ll need the sleep.”
“We aren’tallflying back,” I corrected. “And I’m taking a bath. See you in the morning.”
I headed for my bedroom, intent on slamming the door and shutting out this absolute disaster of a day.
I didn’t get far, blocked by a big body that I would have to touch to shove out of the way. And I refused to put my hands on this male who’d…fuck, I didn’t know.
Handed me back to my queen, now that he was finished with me.
Or that’s what this felt like, anyway.
“Why in the fuck are you so pissed at me?” Rooke demanded. “What did I do that was so godsdamned terrible? Ibowedto your queen. I gave up the Triune. I gave Anaria what she wanted, which I thought was theplan.”
“Yes, you did give her exactly what she wanted,” I said, my low voice practically a growl. “Good for you.”
Ryland looked between us and sat down on the couch, like he wished he had snacks.
