I stepped past the guards stationed outside his study and let myself inside. From behind the grand mahogany desk that dominated the room, my father’s eyes lifted to meet mine.
“Son,” he greeted, without an ounce of feeling in his tone. “Take a seat.”
He motioned to the chair in front of him, and I pulled it out before sinking into it.
“What is this about?” I asked, not bothering with any pleasantries.
My father huffed in irritation before setting aside the papers he had been perusing upon my arrival.
“Your absence at the council meetings has been noted,” he said, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “Some of the lords are getting bold.”
I arched a brow in amusement. “And you’re unable to remind them of their place?”
“That is not the point, Ryker.” My father growled, his frustration heating his skin. “You are next in line for the throne. It is you who needs to solidify your power. They need to fear you, so they never grow comfortable.”
I lifted my thumb to my mouth, running the pad over my bottom lip. “And what exactly do you gain from my attendance?”
I knew my father. He never acted unless there was something in it for him. His sudden interest wasn’t just about securing my claim to the throne.
My father shifted uncomfortably in his seat as I studied him. “There have been an increasing number of raids on the food shipments headed for the palace,” he admitted at last. “There’s no shortage of opinions on how to handle the matter.”
“And you want me to support your view, I assume?”
“Naturally.” My father scoffed. “My reign may be harsh, but every decision I’ve made has been to ensure the prosperity and safety of those I rule.”
I tilted my head, a slow grin working its way across my face as I stared at him. “Is that how you justify slaughtering those more powerful than you?”
“This is not about The Cleansing, Ryker,” he snapped, spittle flying from his mouth. “This is about the present. My council can no longer be trusted, and I need you to bring them to heel.”
“And why would I do that?”
“For the sake of your mate’s survival.”
I clicked my tongue. “We’ve played this game before, Father,” I warned. “It didn’t turn out well for you.”
Crimson stained his cheeks, and a vein throbbed at his temple. “I’m not threatening you, Ryker, merely pointing out the truth. Some would see the death of your mate as an acceptable cost if it meant crippling your strength. So, before anyone gets any foolish ideas… show them why that would be a grave mistake.”
“Ah, but you forget, Father, you’re one of only a few who know Cadence is my mate.”
“Don’t be so naive, boy.” He snarled. “You cast aside a union that would’ve benefited the Unseelie Court for a woman no one knows. People talk. And it won’t take long before they realize who she is to you.”
I gripped the wooden arms of my chair so hard my knuckles turned white, and it groaned beneath my grasp.
He was right, and that infuriated me.
No matter how much I despised being forced onto a path, especially by my father, I couldn’t dismiss the truth in his words. People would gossip, and eventually, their idiocy would catch up with them, encouraging them to make a move against me.
But anyone who dared to threaten Cadence would quickly learn just how far I would go to keep her safe.
Chapter Nine
Cadence
Callum watched me from his spot across the bed.
“Spill, Cadence.”
I glanced toward Riordan, who was busy picking over the breakfast tray that Scarlette had brought up. He’d afforded us asemblance of privacy, but I wasn’t foolish enough to believe that we were unobserved. Riordan missed nothing, and his silence only meant he was watching all the more closely.
