But I knew better.
The harbinger of death never retreated. It stalked, waited, and watched. Sooner or later, it would claim its victim.
“I need to —”
The words died on my tongue as a group of the King’s Guard approached the training yard.
“Lady Cadence,” the leader said, bowing at the waist. “Your presence is required in the throne room.”
“For what purpose?” Riordan demanded.
“Forgive me, Your Highness. My only instructions were to retrieve her.”
Riordan moved closer, pressing his mouth to the shell of my ear. “Go with them, I’m right behind you. I’m going to find Ryker, and we’ll meet you there.”
I nodded, and Riordan inclined his head toward Eamon, silently instructing him to remain at my side.
“After you,” Eamon said as he reached me. “It’s going to be all right. There is not a single fae inside those walls who would stand against Ryker.”
My stomach twisted in knots, and I found myself desperate for the man I was trying to escape.
The fates sure had a sick sense of humor.
Chapter Nineteen
Ryker
My morning was ruined the moment I rolled over and felt the absence of my wife. Cadence had joined Eamon and Callum in the training yard every day this week, and I was growing tired of sharing her attention.
Her brother was a distraction I didn’t need, and if Riordan didn’t find a way to occupy him soon, then I might just kill him, damn the consequences.
Cadence was mine, and only mine.
“Ryker!”
My head jerked toward the sound, and I found Riordan sprinting down the hallway toward me.
“Just the man I was thinking about.”
“Weird, but I don’t judge.”
I rolled my eyes at my younger brother. “What do you want?”
Riordan gave a small shake of his head as if clearing his thoughts. “Cadence has been summoned to the throne room.”
A muscle in my jaw ticked, and my hands curled into fists. “What do you mean she was summoned?” I said through gritted teeth.
“Father called for her, that’s all I know.”
I was already moving before my brother finished speaking. My feet carried me toward the throne room with deadly intent, and my shadows writhed beneath my skin, begging to be let out to play.
I reached for the bond I shared with Cadence, and I could feel how her pulse quickened with unease.
My father was a dead man, he just didn’t know it yet.
When I got to the hall, I shoved the ornate doors open without ceremony, my power slamming against the stone walls with a thunderous crack. The guards flanking the entrance flinched as darkness seeped from my skin.
Heads swiveled toward me, but my focus remained on her.
