“Sit, Amalee.” Our mother turned and rubbed her fingertips together, letting the dust roll off and float to the ground.
My sister rolled her eyes as she handed me a mug filled with black coffee and took up a seat next to me. I took it knowing it wouldn’t be to my taste, but would at least warm my hands.
Fluffing the skirts of her dress out, our mother sat on my reading chair, letting the material fall over the arms. She’d worn a far too lavish dress for a visit without an agenda. In fact, the last few times I saw her, she’d looked done up more than usual.
“I’ve made a decision.” She placed both hands in her lap. When her fingers could not stop trembling, she clasped her hands together.
“Sounds serious,” Amalee mocked.
“First, I love you both very much. And I loved your father too.” Her voice was a bit too airy.
“Makes one of us,” I grumbled.
She gave me a look only a mother could conjure. “But as I have grown, so has my need for companionship,” she continued. “I wanted you to hear it from me first. I intend to explore not only new friendships, but romantic relationships as well.”
“Nobody wants to hear about your sex life—” Amalee started.
“Give her a minute,” I interrupted, now more intrigued than I initially was, and gestured for her to continue.
Amalee stood. “No, her choice in men literally puts a target on our backs, this one won’t be any different.”
“Wait,” my mother started.
Amalee held out a hand. “No, I don’t want to hear it. We have enough issues without getting into an intercontinental war withthe Suttons.” She turned on me. “Clearly, you both have the same goal in mind.”
I went to speak, but she continued.
“And for what? A guard? A woman that?—”
“That I love!” I stood and met her toe to toe. “A woman who risked herself foryourgirlfriend! Not only for Sky, but for a child whose mother handed her over as an offering. For a kingdom that is not her own! So yes, paint the fucking target because there is nothing I won’t do for her.” I turned to our mother, who jumped to her feet with wide eyes. “And if you choose to pursue Fisher, I will defend your decision. Because you deserve to be loved instead of beaten.”
My mother drew in a deep breath.
Micah cleared his throat pointedly from the stairs behind me. I turned to see what my mother had been staring at.
Not what, butwho.
“Hi.” Audryn’s voice was hoarse as she leaned on Sky and Micah.
“You’re awake.” My words were a whisper.
“I’m awake.” She smiled. And for the first time in days, relief crashed over me.
22
RYDER
Scrawled on the ground in front of the castle gates, two single words glittered in still-wet crimson paint:Savage Sutton. The crowd murmured, the weight of each piercing stare like a blade at my back. With so many malleable minds watching, I steadied my breath, being careful not to make a scene. Anxious energy thrummed through the capital. If ever there was a time to keep my temper under control, it was then.
“Wow, Brother,” Leanna’s voice drawled at my side. “You must admit, they’re pretty brave to show their hatred for you so brazenly.”
“Perhaps they are speaking of you, Sister.” I kept my tone airy for eavesdropping ears. “We both carry the name, and you are the easier one to hate.”
“Oh, I think we know exactly who they’ve taken issue with.”
“Father,” I grumbled.
His reputation with the fae of Rivale was abysmal, though he always somehow kept the nobles in his pocket. And while orders were made with my words, he’d been the person behind them and everyone knew it.
