Roman tried to rub the tension from his forehead, but all he could see was Violet screaming on the ground, her beautiful hair in that man’s filthy hand. “You did what you could, and for that I owe you my gratitude.” He gestured to the armoire that sat opposite the modest bed.
The room didn’t have much. A bed against the wall beneath the window; two nightstands; an armoire; a large, overstuffed chair; and a dressing table. “Please grab the small wooden box at the top of the armoire.”
“I can grab it,” Violet tried, but he shushed her with a scathing look. His sanity dangled by a thread and holding her was all that kept him hanging on.
Bea retrieved the box and tried to hand it to him, but he refused to take it. “What is your last name?”
“Trenton.”
“Bea Trenton, if you ever need anything, contact me, and you will have it.” He pointed to the box. “For now, take this as my gratitude.”
Bea peeked into the box and gasped. “I cannot accept this for doing what is right.”
Roman arched a regal brow. “You will.”
He could tell she wanted to argue but thought better of it. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Forgive me for my rudeness, Bea, but I need to be alone with Violet.” It was a wonder he’d remembered his manners at a moment like this.
“I understand. Thank you, again.” She stepped forward to say goodbye to Violet and hurried from the inn like her shoes were on fire.
Violet’s body quaked, and Roman pulled her closer. “I shouldn’t have left you.” Every time he did, she suffered for it.Never again.
The weight of her head settled against his shoulder. “It’s not your fault. We were at a festival. Everyone was having fun.” She reared back and swiped at the side of her face. Blood from his shirt had smeared across her cheek. He’d forgotten it coated him. “Gods,” she whispered.
He stood and carried her into the bathroom. Setting her on the side of the clawfoot tub, he filled it with warm water and scented oils. “Do you need me to help you?”
“No. I’ll be okay,” she promised with a weak smile.
“I’ll be right outside if you change your mind.”
Against his better judgement, he stepped out and closed the door, resting his forehead against the cool wood. How could he let this happen? He swore he’d never let anything happen to her, but it had.
Killing two of the men and mutilating two others in front of the villagers was irresponsible, but he would do it again a thousand times over.
20
Roman’s panic clawed at his insides as he stood in front of Violet’s cottage, willing her not to go. “Please don’t leave yet. In a little over a year, I’ll be able to leave the kingdom. I’ll go with you.”
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” she said softly, “and with what happened at the festival two weeks ago, it’s not safe for me here right now.”
Maggie, the seamstress Violet worked for, once traveled Eden to learn about the other kingdoms’ clothes, or something like that. Violet had decided to take the trip herself, leaving Roman for a year, if not longer. “I swear on my life, no one in this kingdom will harm a hair on your head again.” He wanted her to be happy, but not without him at her side.
“Don’t make this harder than it already is,” she begged. “I’ll write. I won’t spend as long in each kingdom as Maggie. She’s already taught me a lot, so I won’t need to stay as long as she did.” She threw her arms around his middle and buried her face in his chest. “I’ll miss you. I promise I’ll be back for your coronation.”
Roman wrapped his arms around her, knowing he couldn’t change her mind, and if he chained her to his bed, she might hate him. “Griff and Ares are going with you.”
She stepped out of his hold, leaving him empty. “You’re already sending War with me.” The tigon at her feet nudged her leg. “I don’t want to take them away from their families and friends for a year.”
He’d already spoken with Griff and Ares in the event he couldn’t convince her to stay. He’d been trying since she’d announced her plans shortly after her attack. “This is non-negotiable. I won’t let you leave unprotected.”
“I can go, too,” Slayton offered from behind them. He, Griff, Ares, and Violet’s parents stood around them to see Violet off.
“I will gut you if you set foot in that carriage,” Roman warned.
Slayton’s cat-like grin made Roman want to knock his teeth out. “No, you won’t,” the man retorted.
Violet huffed and pointed at Slayton. “Stop antagonizing him.” She turned back to Roman. “And you, stop threatening my friend.”
