Callum’s words seemed to pacify Eamon. “You’re right.” He stood from the stool he had claimed at the breakfast nook and dusted crumbs from his tunic.
He turned to me, lifting both hands as if in prayer. “I’ll be right outside. If any warm liquids feel brazen enough to attack you while my back is turned, call, and I’ll come running.”
“I think I can manage,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Eamon clapped Callum on the shoulder as he steered toward the yard. “I’ll have you battle-ready in no time.”
Callum shot me an uneasy look, and I sent him what I hoped was an encouraging smile.
Once the door settled behind them, I turned to find Melania already staring at me. She folded her arms over her chest, her gaze patient but knowing.
“Now that we are alone, why don’t you tell me the real reason you came to visit today?”
My throat felt tight, and I swallowed nervously. “What makes you say that?”
Melania grinned. “Honey, believe me when I tell you, your brother, cute as he may be, is not cut out for life as a spymaster. He couldn’t have been more obvious.”
My stomach dipped, and I lifted my cup to my lips to calm my racing heart.
“Now spill.”
Chapter Seventeen
Cadence
I set down the teacup, the delicate porcelain clinking against the saucer. The noise seemed to echo in the sudden silence between us. Melania’s knowing stare burned into me, and I realized there was no point in pretending anymore.
“I need your help,” I said flatly.
Melania studied me as the sound of clashing metal rang out, just beyond the door.
“I figured as much.” She moved closer, lowering her voice to match mine. “What kind of help?”
My heart hammered against my ribs. Once I said the words, I couldn’t take them back. I straightened my spine and raised my chin.
“I’m going to sabotage the food deliveries destined for the palace.”
Melania’s eyes widened. “Cadence, you cannot be serious.”
“I am.”
Her expression shifted as the playful glint in her eyes hardened into something sharper, more dangerous.
“Why?”
“Because Ryker has given me no choice.”
“He is your mate. You would betray him so easily?”
Anger flooded my veins, but I reined it in. I wasn’t angry at Melania.
“He betrayed me first. He kidnapped me from my home and demanded that I submit to him. He had no regard for what I wanted or how miserable he made me. All Ryker cared about was putting me on a leash and keeping me under his control. That is not how mates are supposed to treat one another, Melania.”
Melania winced, knowing I was right.
“Still.” She let out a slow breath. “What you are proposing is treason, Cadence.”
“I know I ask too much, but I have no other allies inside this kingdom, Melania. I have no ill will toward the Unseelie Fae. I only want my freedom. My brother is here, risking his life to bring me home, and I can’t stand back and watch Ryker use himas a pawn against me. I need to get him away from this place, and he refuses to leave me behind.”
