I drew in a breath and carefully removed the item. “It belonged to my mother.”
“It’s exquisite. Who made it for her?” He grabbed the magnifierand inspected it. “The soldering is nicely done, and the flowers were flawlessly processed.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“This is your creation?” He raised an eyebrow. “Your design?”
I shook my head. “My teacher designed it, I only produced it. It took a long time, but I was just a novice and made a lot of mistakes.”
“Mistakes make the final version exceptional. We learn, adjust, and walk away with something better than it would have been if we’d done it right to begin with.” He placed the necklace around my neck and clasped it together. “It’s difficult to appreciate the finished product without all the work it took to get it there.”
“What’s going on here?” Ryder’s voice ricocheted through the workshop. “Get out of there right this instant.”
I looked up to find Ryder, Grave, and Amalee in the open doorway. Grave’s expression was flat, while Ryder’s was full of indignation. His eyes narrowed on Orlan and then shot to Fisher, who only blew out an exasperated puff of air.
“Now, Audryn,” Ryder growled.
Putting my hands up, I didn’t move. “Promise, I’m safe. I studied under a master jeweler for years and know my way around a worksh?—”
My voice trailed as my gaze settled on him. Even during a bout of anger, he was handsome. Maybe if I walked out, he’d kiss me the same as he had on the cliffs. My stomach fluttered, recalling his tongue exploring my mouth with our bodies pressed together.
“Maybe I can make you something? Perhaps something using Rivale’s hue?” I offered a smile.
“Why must you disregard my orders? I don’t want your makeshift jewelry when I have the best in all the kingdom right here!” Ryder shouted and walked inside. He grabbed my arm sotightly I shrieked as he pulled me through the open door, causing me to stumble on the way out. “Why can’t you follow a basic order? Must I force you to obey at every turn?”
I looked down at his hand, still wrapped around my forearm, with his trimmed fingernails somehow digging deep into my skin. My heart raced, and for the first time, Ryder’s much bigger stature intimidated me.
Everyone around us stilled except for Grave, who quickly reached out and tore Ryder’s grip from me. “If you must put your hands on someone, let it be me. Don’t touch her again.”
My eyes shot to him as the two men faced off. Grave was just as muscular as Ryder, but a couple of inches shorter. His muscles flexed against the fabric of his silver shirt while he maintained his stare on the Prince.
“You challenge me inmykingdom? In my castle?” Ryder snapped.
“I don’t need you to involve yourself, I don’t need your charity!” I snapped at Grave. “I can take care of myself!”
His brown eyes turned black in an instant while he scanned over Ryder and me. The depths were a deep, endless void, filling me with panic even greater than the prince’s hands had. Amalee wordlessly stepped to Grave’s side and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He took a breath, and his eyes faded to a chocolate brown, though I could’ve sworn they should’ve been amber.
“Your Macabre magic isn’t welcome here,” Ryder said, snarling, “and I’ll put my hands where I please!” He whirled to Fisher. “And you! Why would you allow my future betrothed to jeopardize herself around such dangerous tools?”
I stepped in front of Fisher. He might’ve been a guard, but I wouldn’t let him take the blame for my misstep. “It wasn’t his fault.” My voice trembled from the influx of adrenaline. “He tried to stop me, but I insisted.”
Ryder turned to Orlan. “You’re relieved of your services fortoday,withoutpay. Bring better judgment when you return tomorrow.”
Orlan dipped his chin, but didn’t dare move. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“Ryder! You can’t do that, he—” I started.
In an instant he stood over me, as if he’d grown another foot taller all at once. “You will address me as Prince Sutton and show me the respect I am owed.”
I looked up under my lashes. “Yes, Prince Sutton.” He stayed in place and gestured me down into a bow. I complied and averted my eyes to the ground.
With a firm hand on my neck, Ryder’s voice erupted, “You will learn respect if it’s the last thing I teach you. Lower yourself.”
Tears filled my eyes, and I willed them to hold fast in their troughs. My throat burned as I dipped further down. I hadn’t truly cried in front of anyone since I was a child, and I didn’t intend to start.
“On your knees,” Ryder demanded of me.
“Is this necessary?” Grave grumbled. “She understands.We allunderstand, no need to further your point.”
