“Then you have no need for the amulet,” Warden snaps. “And you can give it to me.”
“Like I said”—Reavely squares up to Warden once more—“it won’t be possible.”
“Which means you are no friend of mine.”
“It won’t be possible because it’s missing, and it has been for decades,” Reavely growls. “No one knows where it is and no one can find it.”
WARDEN
I’m not sure what angers me more. The fact my mate is somehow hurt and I don’t know why, or the one thing I was counting on to keep her safe is missing.
And I’m in a castle filled with Barghests who stink to the sky and beyond.
All I want is for my lady to be well, to have this damned amulet, and get out of this place. But chance would be a fine thing.
The queen insists my mate rest in some quarters prepared for her, and before I can do anything, Hazel is led away from me and I am left with Reavely.
“You. The Brag. Mated.” He gazes at me, eyes wide.
“I could say the same about you,” I respond. “I wouldn’t have thought a soul sucker could have attracted anyone so pretty as your mate.”
Reavely’s growl rumbles deep in his chest. I can tell he’s not sure whether to rip me apart for calling his mate pretty or lick my cheek.
I’d prefer the damage.
“She’s human,” he says. “It would appear we are lucky males.”
“We are.” I dig in my saddlebag for an apple and sit down heavily on the large chair in the centre of this rather grand room, looking around. “So this is the old family seat?”
Reavely folds his arms and fixes me with a sharp gaze.
“It is.”
“And you got your family back?”
“I did.”
“But you lost the amulet?”
“I don’t know how you ended up involved with a Thegn and I don’t want to know, but let’s get one thing clear, Warden. The Amulet of Backworth is not a trifle. I would rather it wasn’t lost. I’d rather I knew where the thing was at all times. It’s wicked magic and not one just any creature can wield.”
“My mate can. She has a sword which is as ancient as these stones.” I gaze up at the vaulted ceiling. “When she lifts it, whole civilisations fall.”
Reavely releases a deep sigh. “Only you could end up with a mate who has the ability to hold the Yeavering in her hand.”
“Where was the amulet last seen?” I query.
“Look, Warden, the last thing I need with my mate due any day is you ripping this place apart,” Reavely says.
“So it was last seen within these walls?” I grin at him.
Reavely wipes his hand over his face.
“If you give me your bond you won’t do this in your Brag form…” he says.
I lift my chin.
“Say it, Warden. I can’t have a great warhorse charging around. You’ve already stomped on one of my nephews.”
