The swings in his personality were so drastic, and when I was around him, so were mine. It wasn’t like me to be affectionate one moment and then rife with anger the next. Something shifted when he was around; up was down and down was up.
“That’s fine.” I pushed back and sat up, pulling my foot away. “I don’t want to argue either. But I’m ready to part ways and return home.”
Ryder blew out a breath. “I think when you love someone deeply, passion bleeds through in other emotions. Emotions I’m not proud of.” His gaze turned to me as he scooted, sitting closer than I liked. “Audryn,” he said, putting his hand on mine, sending sparks through me. “Tell me you don’t feel our connection each time our bodies touch.”
It was a trick question, and one I couldn’t answer easily. Because if I were completely honest, I’d tell him each time he touched me, I was about to crawl out of my skin. Not just from pleasure, but from fear. When he had hit me, the bite of his hand left an invisible scar. I was on edge when he was around, but not for the reasons he assumed.
He stood. Leaning down, his lips landed on mine, but my mouth remained closed. I urged my body and mind to listen to logic, to ignore whatever always ignited when we touched; and, to my surprise, my mind finally did not relent.
Pulling away, he stared down at me. “You need to let me in. You’ll be my wife soon, and the queen shortly after.”
“Soon?” My voice pitched high.
“With so many guests and so much to coordinate, we had to schedule the ceremony for Friday.” He smiled and kissed the top of my head before pulling back and walking to the door. “I have someone coming to make adjustments to my mother’s bridal gown for you. He’s highly recommended.”
I was stunned. It was already Wednesday, leaving me only two days to find a way out.
“My grandmother wore it, as did my great grandmother—it’s been in the family for generations.” He ran a finger up my arm and adjusted the front of his pants.
“When will I meet your father?” I attempted to keep my tone light. “He’ll provide the blessing, right?”
It was tradition for the father of a groom to bless the marriage before the ceremony. Meanwhile, the father of the bride had the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle and releasing her to the groom for all to see.
“He lost consciousness some days ago, but knows about you. I told him so many wonderful things. We’ll visit him bedside after the ceremony. You’ll meet my mother there too.”
“What time have you scheduled the event, and where will it be held?” I needed to gather as much information as possible.
“I knew your mood would change.” Ryder’s eyes lit up. “Leanna thought you’d like it held in the garden. I ordered a large area plowed for seating and paths, but the rest of the foliage and flowers will remain. With the ocean as our backdrop, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of blue.”
“And the time?”
“What better time than sunset? Only the best for my wife.”
A garden wedding at sunset would’ve been every woman’s dream. Add to the fact that I’d be marrying a prince, and most wouldn’t want anything more out of life. But I did. And Isuddenly worried that the place I wanted to be most was out of my grasp.
“Your father is here,” Ryder continued, “and I’m sure you’d like to see him. Breakfast is being served later than normal to accommodate your sleeping in late, so get ready and head down within the hour.”
With the click of the door, I was up and drawing a bath. I hadn’t seen my father in quite a while, and there was so much we needed to discuss. The first issue being how I’d get him out of the castle and to safety. My plans to kill King Sutton hadn’t changed, and I wouldn't have him harmed because of my choices. If I were caught, he could sneak to the border and go to Kuroden. But I would need to come clean about my plans first.
An hour flew by, and I rushed down the corridor. I waved a hand at Guard Roark as I passed.
“Glad to see you back.” He gestured a wave.
“Wish I could say I was glad to be back,” I quipped and watched as confusion washed across his face.
Ryder, Maris, and my father sat at the dining table, and I sprinted across the slick floor to get to him as quickly as possible. My future couldn’t be guaranteed, and I wouldn’t waste a single moment from that point on. My boots skidded as I glided into his awaiting arms, nearly knocking him over.
“How have you been?” my father gushed. “I’ve missed you!” The wrinkles on his face dug deep, and his eyes shifted between Ryder and me. Was it a silent plea? I’d need to find a way to speak with him in private.
“I’m good,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t notice the bruise on my cheek that the prince had left me with. “Just happy to see you.”
“Yes …” My father rubbed a thumb across the curve of my face. “I see that.” His jaw clenched as he released me and moved to sit.
“No Leanna today?” I asked as I walked around the table.
“I figured you and your father would want to enjoy some time alone together.” Ryder moved to grab the tray of fish in front of him.
“Yetyou’restill here,” I said to Maris, who’d taken up Leanna’s empty chair. “Lucky me.”
