His eyes searched my face, willing me to understand.
My own narrowed in return, but I could not detect his meaning.
“It’s all right, Riordan,” I said, placing my hand on his forearm. “I am content to hear what Lord Thorne has to say.”
“Cadence.” The single word was a warning.
He did not like this. Not one bit.
“You’re just outside the door. If he tries anything, I’ll scream.”
“Ryker would not approve. In fact, he would likely cut off my cock for even entertaining the thought, and sweetheart, I am rather fond of the appendage.”
I rolled my eyes, giving him a gentle shove.
“Five minutes,” he said, pointing a finger at Fallon. “And I will be right outside.”
I returned my gaze to the lord. The self-assured bastard looked at me as though he’d already won.
“Nicely done, Lady Cadence.”
“I wasn’t aware I was seeking your approval, Lord Thorne.”
He chuckled, the sound threatening. “Your father said your tongue was as sharp as your wit.”
My blood froze in my veins, and my eyes widened. A savage grin worked its way across Fallon’s face as he stepped closer.
“It’s you. You’re the traitor who has been feeding information to the Wraith Borne.”
“Come now, Lady Cadence. It’s not like you haven’t done the same.”
I had, but not willingly.
His gaze raked over my body, and I resisted the urge to squirm under his scrutiny.
“Who could have imagined that, after all these years, the Prince’s downfall would be at the hands of his own mate?” Fallon drew his bottom lip between his teeth, savoring my discomfort. “And the best part is, the arrogant prick has no idea.”
“What do you want?” I said, venom dripping from my tone.
“Your father is no longer waiting.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, trying to reconcile this turn of events.
“It means,” he drawled, “that the blight we call the royal family is soon to be eradicated.”
“But I haven’t been able to retrieve the intelligence my father needs. How can he be ready to attack?”
“You were but one plan, Lady Cadence. One of many. Your father has contingency plans, none of which rely on you.”
“Then why come to me at all?” I asked, my frustration warring with my fear.
“To determine your loyalties, of course.”
The way Fallon delivered his rebuke made me think I had failed my father’s test. His dull green eyes assessed me, and his upper lip lifted as though he found me wanting.
“When is the attack taking place?”
“We can’t spoil all the fun, Lady Cadence. But rest assured, when it’s time, you will know it.”
