I refused to drown in the weight of yet another betrayal. Ryker had a way of making me feel like he was the very air I needed to survive, only to steal it from my lungs in the next breath.However, the constant volatility of our relationship had gone some way to dull the sting of his deception.
The faint tapping of knuckles against the door pulled me from my thoughts. I knew it wasn’t Ryker. The sound was too tentative, unsure.
I crossed Ryker’s chambers, making my way to the entrance. The intricate carvings etched into the paneling of the doorway might have been beautiful if they hadn’t belonged to the gilded cage that held me captive.
My hand reached for the doorknob, then hesitated. I took a moment to steady myself before gripping the smooth metal. I wouldn’t allow any of the Unseelie Fae so much as a glimpse of my inner turmoil.
Letting out a controlled breath, I turned the handle and pulled the door open.
Melania stood on the other side, her golden braid draped over her shoulder as she fidgeted with the leather belt at her waist.
“Melania? This is a pleasant surprise. Please, come in,” I said, waving my hand toward the spacious antechamber.
“I am glad to see you have recovered from the trials.” There was a tense undercurrent to her words, and my spine stiffened in response.
“I won’t lie and tell you it was easy,” I laughed without humor.
“No. I can’t imagine it was.”
Melania studied me for a long moment, her brows furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. Her gaze swept over my body, as if replaying every vivid detail of what it had endured during the trials.
“You showed the swine of the Unseelie Court you are not one to be underestimated,” she said, admiration lacing her words.
“To be honest with you, Melania, their opinions of me are none of my business. Like me or hate me, I do not care.”
I slumped into the vacant armchair by the window and, with a wave of my arm, invited her to join me on the chaise.
“You may not seek their approval, but you have earned it all the same.” She pursed her lips, as if holding back more.
The tension slowly began to rise in the room, and I shifted uncomfortably. “Would you like me to call for refreshments?” I asked, just to cut the silence.
“No, thank you. I’ve come to discuss your proposal.”
A sharp jolt ran through me at her words. It wasn’t fear or excitement, but rather nervous anticipation.
“And?”
Melania let out a slow breath. “Against my better judgment, I have decided to help you, Cadence.”
The grin that spread across my face was impossible to contain.
“Before you get too excited, I have conditions.”
I sobered immediately.
“We give the food to the refugees. I want to know my treasonous actions will be of benefit to the kingdom despite my apparent lack of loyalty to the crown.”
“Done.”
Melania craned a brow. “Concede that fast during negotiations and your opponent will smell your desperation,” she said.
“Is that what you are? My opponent?”
Melania didn’t respond straight away, instead taking the opportunity to sift through her thoughts as though she was searching for the right words.
“We are not opponents, no. I only wish there was a better way to achieve your goals.” The slump of her shoulders had guilt eating at me. Melania was my friend, and I didn’t like myself for putting her in this position.
“I meant what I said, Melania. I do not seek to hurt your kingdom, I only want my freedom.”
