Griffin inclined his head. “That will ensure her safety, especially if she is to remain by Raven’s side.”
The bitter cold that seeped into his clothes, that pierced his skin, was familiar. It was much colder here than Violencia had ever been.
“Nightingale has sent word that she has put into action the next steps. Raven will be able to return to Violencia just after the wedding. You will have my full support, and together, we will rid the country of its evil. I have already sent word to the people of Grypheem that they are no longer permitted to journey there. Unless they wish to join our just cause.”
“And then what?” Griffin turned to face his brother. “Will Nightingale take over Violencia? Put her own people in charge?”
Drago was in a large thick sienna coat lined in gold trim, the emblem of a griffin covering his heart. It was similar to the outfit Griffin wore, except where Griffin’s was gold in color alone, Drago’s appeared to actually havegoldon it.
“Of course not. We are offering her our help, our troops. And when all is said and done, it will become another piece of Grypheem.”
Griffin forced himself not to react. To not scream in his brother’s face.
The last thing Violencia needed was another leader they didn’t choose. From what he learned, it hadn’t begun to spiral until their people had infiltrated. Percolated in, like poison.
But Griffin remained silent, instead keeping the information stored away in a cove inside his mind. A problem he would worry about on another day.
“You want Anadil as your wife,” he said instead. Watching his brother closely, attempting to see if his estimates were correct.
Drago’s jaw ticked as he clenched his fists and scrunched his eyes shut. “She should have been mine. But I was too late. Just as our father was.” Releasing a breath, he relaxed, plastering a neutral expression on his face. “Which is why it is so important that you are not. Once you are married, Raven will not be able to escape you. She will be yours and no one can take her from you. Even in your death she will remain by your side.”
Griffin did not let his anger fill him, he kept it at bay. His brother’s ignorance was especially present, but he knew better than to fight him on it. He had learned early on that ignorance was oftentimes only dispelled when it directly affected the perpetrator.
Movement over his brother’s shoulder was where he focused instead.
On Raven.
On the thick dress she wore adorned in Grypheem’s colors. Oranges, reds, golds, and browns, all utilized to create a nearly feather-like appearance as it fluttered around her. His eyes made their way up slowly until they met hers.
She’s angry.
It was clear in her pinched brow and flat lips, but he couldn’t understand it. He was doing everything to protect her. Even as she fucked other men.
Speaking of.
Julian had his arm wrapped in her elbow, as he stared down at her in utter devotion. His outfit matched the one Griffin wore.
And Griffin fucking hated it. Hated that it wasn’t him by her side. That he hadn’t fucked her against a wall, in his bed,everywhere in sight. Staked hisclaimon the woman who was going to be his wife.
Hated that this was truly the best choice.
His conversation with Drago forgotten entirely, Griffin side-stepped him and made his way to Raven. He physically ripped her from Julian before he gathered what he was doing.
“Griffin,” Raven hissed out, staring up at him. “I’m wearing this ridiculous dress, I’m ready to play my part as your fake wife. Can you not be an asshole?”
Griffin smirked. “That ismypart.” And then he bent forward, capturing her lips.
He expected her to rip away, but instead, she chose violence. Stomping on his shoe and biting onto his lip. It was the one Julian had busted already, and the pain was searing and sharp as she reopened the wound.
He smiled, pulling away, his tongue lashing out to catch the blood attempting to drip down. “That’s the Raven I remember.” Tearing his attention from her, he took in the rest of the men who were surrounding them now. He was surprised none of them intervened.
Straightening up, he took on his role. It was time to hash out their plans. “Maverick, you and Enzo will be in the back caravan. Apologies, Levi, but you will be stuck in there with them. Your faces are plastered as criminals still. You are technically wanted for questioning, but it is a ruse. Be on the lookout for anyone who attempts to approach, you must keep your faces hidden until we make it to the castle.”
“Castle?” Raven’s sharp concern was evident.
“Yes, it is going to take a few hours to get there from shore.” Griffin knew that he wasn’t answering her question, but he didn’t care.
Maverick’s gaze was intense as Griffin took it on, but after several silent beats, he inclined his head. “Understood.”
