I glance to Oslo, who nods his head at Reid and Fee. Both scrap their chairs back, preparing to fight.
It’ll be hard, impossible even. We have some of the guards on our side, but not enough to take the entire dining hall.
Regardless, we will defend Max, to keep her at my side and not a pawn for my father. He cannot be trusted with someone of her strength. With her magic.
“Kaden,” he calls my name, and I jolt. Gesturing for me to rise, and I do so, unsure.
When I stand, he smiles, pleased. I am his well-trained dog, being summoned to attack.
“My heir, the prince with a beast for a soul, will go into the enemy’s territory, figure out their plans, and with his keen insight, we will be able to plan an attack. With the might of our combined forces, with our special weapon, we shall defeat our enemy. Once and for all.”
Chapter
Twenty-Six
KADEN
Shock runs like a hot current over my spine. I was delegated with the task, and I sent spies to fulfill those orders. But now, he’s taken control, ignored my position and forced me into a situation I can’t be in.
My mind whirls, possible scenarios, situations unraveling before me. My heart picks up speed and my lungs struggle to maintain air. If I leave, who will protect Max?
“What of the weapon?” A Fae asks to my right. I want to slam his head into the table for opening his mouth. “The one that will conquer the world for us?”
“It will end Griffin. It will make Neevea ours.” His cold eyes scan the room once more, flickering over Max and my heart stops. “Who is with me? Who will stand on the tides of greatness and be victorious with us?”
Slowly, officials of the various Fae kingdoms stand, pledging their support.
My stomach twists into knots, anxiety rising in my throat. Zelos looks at me, grinning like he won a grand prize. Maybe he did.
“Will you investigate for us, my heir? Take a small group intothat bastard’s lands?” He glances briefly to Max again, and I fight the urge to cover her. “I know you have unfinished business.”
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure, my King.” I lie, but I don’t bow. I only bow for Max.
I could bring her with me, keep Zeke here to protect Fee and Reid. At least with me, I know she can be safe.
When my father speaks again, my blood turns cold with terror.
“The Captain of our Guard will accompany you.” He waves his hand. “As will two other soldiers. A small party shall be all you need. After all, you are most decorated.”
Decorated because of the battles I fought on his behalf. For his greed.
Licking my lips, I fight against the panic in my chest and nod. “Of course, Father. I will ready right away.”
“Your mate and I shall await you.” He lifts the chalice to his lips, eyes sharp. It’s a veiled threat—Max stays behind.
The beast growls, and I have to control the urge to leap across the hall to sink my fangs into his throat and rip it to shreds.
She’ll be defenseless here, alone. Everyone I love will be.
And I’m fucking powerless to do anything about it. I can’t defy him and I can’t fight him. Not until the coup is solidified. If I blow this too soon, everything is lost.
Fucking Seti’s Hell.
“We shall be victorious!” he cheers, and the crowd responds. There are shouts, calls, and I drop into my seat, just for Max to stand, fingers blushed.
When I grab for her, she shakes me off, lips trembling. Fear wafts off of her body like a pungent rose, but is only outpaced by her rage. My hellcat is ready to fight, to slice out hearts of her enemies, but she can’t find an outlet, not here. I know she’ll run before she does, pushing through the crowd to the back wall.
Grabbing my chalice, I drink the rest of her wine, calming the ball of fear in my gut and follow.
