‘Sorrow is coming with me. Now.’
‘She doesn’t belong to you yet, Asmar.’
Asher stepped forward to stand by Matthias, his hand twitching by his sword.
Matthias widened his stance. ‘Sorrow doesn’t belong to anyone.’
The guards noted the charged air. Hands flew to hilts as they stood by their kings. If this escalated into a fight, I risked being dragged back with Romero. I knew I stood a better chance at escaping any scrutiny in Asmar.
‘My liege,’ I began, and Romero’s cheeks flushed with rage as he stared at me. As much as I despised the move, I stepped towards Matthias. ‘I’m indebted to you and your…kindness,’ I carried on, ignoring Pablo’s snort. ‘But I’ve already taken up far too much of your time. I’ll depart with Asmar. Now.’
Romero sneered as Matthias placed his hand on the small of my back. I straightened, trying my hardest not to flinch as my skin sparked beneath his touch.
‘Fine,’ Romero spat as Enfys embraced me. ‘But don’t forget, my sweet Sorrow, if I get the faintest whiff of Asmar mistreating you, I’ll insist on your immediate return.’
I blew out a long breath as Matthias grinned. He opened his arms, and I raised a brow, sniffing and turning away. He mayhave forced me into a marriage, but I had no intention of falling into the damned man’s arms.
Ever.
CHAPTER 8
It appears the severe blow to the child’s head caused a certain level of retinal nerve damage. Had a healer been called in time, there may have been hope. I fear the delay has caused impairment beyond the scope of my most skilled Anomaly. My prognosis is that, eventually, the child will go blind.
— DOCTOR ANNABELLE SYMMS’S REPORT INTO THE EXTENT OF MISS SORROW VILLENTE’S INJURIES
‘For the love of Evella, Sorrow’ – Matthias inhaled a ragged breath – ‘there is no other way.’
‘Then find one.’
Crossing my arms, I raised my chin. Asher barked out a laugh from behind. Was I being stubborn enough to give Vyrus a run for his money? Damn right I was. But after a night tossing and turning so much even Pablo had snorted and padded away, I wasn’t in a terribly accommodating mood.
Every time I’d tried to lose myself in sleep, I’d recall the suspicion in Romero’s eyes, Matthias’s casual words, unaware how it stung to be bought like a prize brood mare. To avoid the king’s questions, avoid facing the horror I’d inflicted on Enfys all those years ago, I’d all but accepted my marriage to Matthias. The fragile threads of control I’d clung to were fraying at an alarming rate. I’d been dragged from my research, my blessed solitude, to be sold into service. So, I’d grasp every claim over my own life I could and hold on till my last breath.
And deep down, I relished pissing Matthias off.
The pale dawn lit up the perfect planes of his face with a gilded warmth. It was gutting to admit he’d grown even more devastatingly handsome. My shuttered gaze kept catching on him since we’d awoken, despite how I fought against it. Despising him was easier when he wasn’t standing before me with beauty to rival the Gods. The golden thread swirling across his close-fitted tunic glinted in the early morning light. His riding trousers were cut to show off the lean muscles of his thighs, black boots hiding his calves. My treacherous pulse skipped as Matthias ran his hand through his unruly locks, before letting out an exasperated grunt.
‘I’m afraid I left my Anomaly who can magic horses out of thin air back in Asmar.’ He placed his hands on his hips, and I refused to let my eyes track their new location. ‘We didn’t bring a carriage and lost our spare horse to the diafol. So unless I throw one of my guards off their horse, we don’t have another option.’ He took a step closer. ‘You’re going to have to ride with me.’
‘I’ll burn in Vyrus’s fire before I get on that horse with you.’
Confusion swept over his features as he closed the gap between us.
‘I…’ He looked past me towards his guards as though he hoped they’d come to his aid. He was met with chuckles, and his hands fell to his sides. ‘I get you’re a bit mad at me for?—’
‘Seriously?’
‘You have every reason to hate me, but we can talk through it. And we can do exactly that, if we share a ride back to Asmar. Just get on the horse?—’
‘No.’
‘Your lady can ride with me if she wishes.’
I turned as Asher approached, a broad wide smile lighting up his face, eyes twinkling. His ebony skin shone in the early morning light. He crossed toned arms over his dark blue uniform, a travelling cape lying askew across his broad shoulders. A smile tugged at my mouth. Perhaps Ishouldride with him. But I knew to keep a distance from others. They were far safer when I did.
‘Or,’ I said, raising my chin, ‘you two ride together andI’lltake the captain’s horse.’
Matthias’s jaw ticked.
