I ran a hand over my nape and sank into a nearby chair. “Their fear makes them reckless. The raids on the food supplies are only the beginning.”
“Do you think it’s connected? The raids and their discontent?”
“Their discontent is nothing new. Whoever’s behind the raids knows the palace infrastructure, the convoy routes. They’re coordinated.”
Riordan let out a breath. “You suspect someone on the council.”
“I suspect all of them, and I won’t make the mistake of thinking they’ll stay cowardly forever.”
He tapped his fingers against his goblet. “That’s why you’re finally assigning her a guard.”
I glanced toward my brother.
Riordan grinned. “Don’t look so surprised. I know how that dark mind of yours works. Shadows and secrets and brooding stares. You’re very predictable.”
“She won’t like it.”
“She’ll hate it,” Riordan said, a little too gleeful for my liking. “You should pick someone she’s fond of to lessen the chance of anyone getting stabbed.”
“Hilarious,” I deadpanned.
“I thought so.”
“I’m assigning Eamon the task.”
“Good choice.” Riordan mused. “He likes her, and I know she enjoys his witty charm.”
“His charm better not be too witty, lest he find himself incapable of breathing.”
Riordan chuckled. “Never a dull moment with you around.”
His gaze swung back toward the room where Cadence and Callum waited.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I have a Killer to tame.” He rubbed his hands together, and his eyes lit up at the prospect of a challenge.
“Riordan.”
My brother turned his gaze back to mine, expectant. “Someone has to keep a close eye on him. I don’t trust him.”
“Since you asked so politely, Ryker, I will volunteer my time.”
I snorted. “Just don’t let your dick do the thinking.”
“Never failed me before,” he called over his shoulder before disappearing out of sight.
Chapter Twelve
Cadence
The second Ryker and Riordan left the room, I rounded on my brother.
“Don’t talk, just listen. You need to understand who we are up against,” I whispered in a rush. “At the council meeting, Iwatched Ryker kill a man without lifting a finger. He suffocated him with his shadows, and not a damn person attempted to intervene.”
“He’s a fucking monster.”
“Don’t be too outraged, I’m fairly certain Lord Thorne deserved it.”
My brother raised a brow, but I waved my hand dismissively.
