“You’re early,” Col grumbled.
“Yes. I am taking my bride home.” Ryder smirked. “She can return to fulfill our agreement later. After our wedding, perhaps.”
A low growl rumbled in Col’s chest.
The two guards next to the prince stepped forward, each resting one hand on the hilt of their swords and leaving their other hand free; no doubt ready to use whatever magic was available to them.
“Bride, come here,” Ryder requested. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, and I’m sure you have missed me.”
“Please don’t.” Col’s whisper was only loud enough for me to hear.
We both knew it was a matter of time before I left, but I found myself conflicted. Pieces of me were pulled in every direction.
Hesitantly, I stepped forward, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Col reach for me, but he stopped himself short. His hands always carried love, never harm—and they would certainly never hold me back.
“Audryn,” Col quietly called after me—begged.
I swallowed and continued forward, keeping a smile on my face. The moment I was within reach, Ryder grabbed my wrist and pulled me into him. His mouth met mine, and I flinched as he forced his tongue between my lips. Pulling back, he scanned me with a sour look on his face.
“Shall I believe that you’ve kept your word and have not touched my bride?” Ryder’s words were daggers thrown at Col.
I turned and found Col’s still-black eyes. Giving him a small shake of my head, I silently begged for him not to admit our involvement. Without saying a word, he looked between Ryder and me, refusing to lie. Amalee and Sky flanked either side of him, their darkened magic swirling in the air around us.
“You did not keepyourword,” Col answered. “One month—that was the agreement. If you take her, I will not provide the crude as agreed.”
“Then don’t.” Ryder shrugged. “We’ll be fine without it. Our priorities have changed, and you can consider my side of the arrangement a gift.”
“Will you be gifting your wife to others, or am I the only recipient?” Col tilted his head, his eyes remaining inky.
“Col!” I admonished. “Please, there doesn’t need?—”
Something smacked across my face in an instant. Pain soared through my cheek, and my head rang as I fell to the ground. It took me more time than it should have to realize a hand had hit me.
“Col?” Ryder shouted from above. He wrapped his hand around my neck and bent down next to my ear. “I knew you smelled of his filth, you whore!”
I looked up to see Col running toward us, but a gust of wind from a guard pushed him back. Ryder didn’t bother assessing the confrontation.
Amalee stepped forward, and I shook my head. “Please don’t.” The words were gritty as Ryder clenched his hand around my neck even tighter. He moved his hand up to my hair and pulled me up with him.
“King Grave,” Ryder started, with a fistful of my locks. “It appears my bride has forgotten to show respect. Even to you.”
Col was rigid and on the verge of losing all control.
“Darling,” Ryder’s words drawled, “show King Grave the proper respect and bow.”
“Grant,” I corrected.
“What?” His voice was low.
“King Grant,” I announced, “apologies for my ill manners.” I dipped into a shallow bow, pulling against the force of Ryder’s grasp.
“Unnecessary.” Col narrowed his eyes at Ryder. “She may call me whatever she likes." His eyes shifted to me, and a smirk formed. "Though I have several other names I prefer hearing from her lips.”
“This is my betrothed you are speaking of.” Ryder grabbed my left hand, intending to display the ring I had stopped wearing. “Where’s the ring?”
I straightened my back and flicked my chin in Col’s direction. “Perhaps it’s in King Grant’s bedroom.”
Silence hung as the men stared at one another.
