Cheers erupted, though a few scowls remained. Not only was my declaration for the audience to show appreciation, but it was to put the resistance on notice that one of their own had taken them out.
“Thank you for saving me.” I looked at Audryn, feeling the haughty storm simmer under the surface. But I refused to acknowledge the feelings for the sake of all those who watched.I'd deal with the issue of her family later, but I needed to make a show of my affection. I leaned in close and pulled her to me, placing a gentle kiss on her lips for all to see.
A mixture of audible gasps and mumblings echoed through the air.
28
RYDER
“You knew her.” I watched Audryn, who was still staring at the cloth-covered window as we made our way to the castle. She’d been quiet, which wasn’t surprising given the circumstances. But I couldn’t let the matter go.
“Yes.” Her voice was nearly a whisper.
“She’s with the resistance.” I kept my gaze on her unflinching body, daring her to lie. “And so was your brother.”
“Yes.”
Her easy admission caught me by surprise. While not a death sentence, affiliation to the organization—if you even wanted to call it that—would place you on a watch list kept by the Rivale Guard. I’d not even thought to check it.
“Areyoupart of the resistance?” I asked, unsure what I’d do if she claimed membership. The guards had recognized the house and provided Kamden’s name, but they hadn’t mentioned Audryn’s affiliation. Her brother’s offense, and all information pertaining to it, was kept confidential from most, but I’d intended to access it the moment we returned to the castle.
She turned and looked at me, her hazel pools sad andwatery. “I’m not. My brother made choices I’ll never agree with. His ties ruined our family.”
My heart sank. I wanted to believe she was telling the truth, but I’d need to see the proof before I let myself open back up to her. Words were not enough for me to blindly believe, especially since she’d already so blatantly fooled me.
“Tell me what you know of my brother?” She looked down and fidgeted with her hands.
I shook my head. “That information isn’t given to the public, it?—”
“Am I only a member of the public to you?” Audryn’s words bit into me. “Am I no different to you than a stranger walking down the street?”
My head tilted as I considered. Our connection was there even before I went to Elowen. Before I’d sunk myself deep inside of her, there’d been moments between us that I hadn’t quite felt with the two other women—or others I’d fucked. Maybe the land sent her to me, and she was my mated all along. Perhaps the bond would have clicked into place without interference if its natural form wasn’t ruined; I’d never know.
“With this new information, I—” I drew in a deep breath and stumbled over my words—something that rarely happened. “You didn’t tell me about your brother, and you should have.” I attempted to hide the hurt in my voice and regain my proverbial footing. “I shouldn’t have had to hear it from a guard. Which makes me wonder what else you’ve been dishonest about.”
Audryn sniffed as she lifted her chin and faced the blood-spattered flowing cloth blocking her view from the outside world. She hadn’t denied the association, nor had she denied omitting the truth of who her family was. She might’ve been a liar, but when caught, she at least owned up to her transgressions.
I pushed open the curtain in time to see the waves of flowerscome into view as we ascended the winding path to the castle. “Will you be okay?” I was angry, but still worried about her. “With killing someone you know … do you need anything?”
“No—I’m fine. Jezelle was trying to kill you, and I didn’t even know it was her until—” She blew out a breath. “I can’t explain it. I feel awful for hurting someone, but at the same time, I know it was the right thing to do. I would’ve done whatever was necessary to keep you safe.”
Warmth poured into me with her admission. It hadn’t been a mistake or a desperate move to save herself—she’dintentionallychosen to save me. Perhaps I needed to save Audryn too. Her brother might’ve made poor decisions, but if she were speaking the truth, the consequences of Kamden’s choices should’ve died with him instead of following her around. I needed to meet with Captain Vexley to see what was known about her family.
“Tell me about your family, about your brother.” I’d gather what information she willingly relinquished and cross-reference it with whatever Vexley knew.
“I don’t like to talk about my brother.” Audryn continued, “I love him and miss him terribly. But his decisions don’t represent who I am. Regardless of what happens between you and me, I don’t support his actions or those of the resistance.”
The door on my right popped open, exposing Hunt and Fisher standing nearby. Fisher looked somber, while Hunt had a stupid grin on his face. I drew in a breath before exiting and turned to help Audryn from the carriage. The blood from the floorboard had crept up her mossy dress, the bottom of her skirts appearing heavy and stiff.
“Be sure to send her dress out to be laundered,” I ordered her guard, “and take care of anything else she may need.” I turned to Hunt and demanded, “Get Vexley to the royal common room.”
If I could confirm Audryn wasn’t allied with the resistance, things might be okay. If she was listed only because of herfamily name, then things could return to what they were. Otherwise, I’d be forced to make a tough decision.
“Get cleaned up,” I suggested. “There’s a formal dinner tomorrow, and you need to recover from today’s ordeal. I’ll have dinner sent to your room.”
My feelings for Audryn wavered between adoration and agitation; it was something I was becoming all too familiar with. The swinging pendulum was constantly moving from one extreme to the next, never stopping in the middle. Audryn’s actions led me to believe she too was suffering the same fate.
The tapestries sailed by as I hurried to my room to change. I’d need a quick rinse before I met with the captain. Though it was honorable to wear the blood of an enemy, I hadn’t been the one to kill her. My heart soared with pride—Audryn had cared enough for me to take the life of another. Was there a limit to what she might do for me? Or was it possible she’d do whatever was necessary of her, even despite her own needs?
