Lord Capley was a close friend of the king. One of the few who knew Scarlen’s face. He was just as callous, but she didn’t think he would stand for such a punishment for his son.Obviously, Capley hadn’t used his clout in that area, as Mitch’s sweet face had been butchered.
‘Why have you come home, Adoria? It’s not safe for you here. It never has been.’
‘It’s not safe for you either, but yet here you are, still here.’
‘I’ve always been here. Born and raised in the grounds.’
‘Your father got you this position, and I know you only wanted it because of Lancen, but …’ She hesitated to tell him the truth. He would be overjoyed to know his best friend was alive and well, but he worked for the Crown, and his father had raised him to respect the rules, die for his king. She was still weighing up his loyalty when the door swung open, and there in the glow of light stood her father.
Mitch jumped to attention at once, shoulders back, chin out, breath controlled.
‘Lulu sensed your presence, my dear. I had to see for myself.’ The king’s bright blue robe held a glimmer as he entered to clutch Scarlen by the face, bringing her to a stand before him. ‘Capley?’ he questioned.
‘I heard a noise and came to investigate, Your Majesty. I found the princess.’
‘And your first thought was to sit on the floor and have a chat?’
‘No, Your Majesty. The princess and I got into a … well, we couldn’t see each other clearly, and I?—’
‘I hit him,’ interrupted Scarlen, her gaze locked with her father’s.
Renwah blew out a small laugh, releasing a waft of stale whisky straight into her open mouth, immediately creating a swirl of acid in her stomach. ‘I see your time in prison did some good. What have I always told you, my dear? My challenges for you will make you strong. I hope you can see that now.’
She daren’t shift from his vice-like grip. ‘I do, Father. It’s why I’ve come home. I’m going to be twenty soon. I want to show my loyalty to the Crown. I’m not a child anymore.’
He never revealed signs he was studying people, but Scarlen knew he was doing exactly that, trying to reach inside her mind, her soul, know of her truth, her lies, but she held strong, keeping her fear down, mimicking the face Bear had when he played cards.
‘Did the Rebels hurt you?’ His question held a hint of hope.
‘No. They didn’t know who I was, and when we escaped to the mainland, we went our separate ways. They didn’t offer me passage any further.’
‘Why did you escape with them?’
‘I wanted to be home for my birthday, and I wasn’t sure you would let me, so I came home to make my demands. I want an unveiling ball in my honour, as is my birthright.’
He chuckled once more. ‘Aren’tyouthe entitled one.’
‘It’s how I was raised.’
Finally, he released her jaw. ‘Indeed.’ He turned to Mitch, who didn’t seem to be breathing at all. ‘I’ll inform your father of your ability to do your job now. I know that will please him. You may return to your duty of guarding the door.’
Mitch quietly made his way outside.
‘You didn’t need to take his eye,’ said Scarlen as the door to her chamber closed.
‘I’ll take more than that from him if he lets you run away again, my dear.’
‘I’m not going anywhere, Father. My duty is to the Crown. I want to be like Milon. I want the kingdom to know me, respect me.’
‘Wrong!’ he roared. ‘You need them to fear you. All this government malarkey has caused nothing but chaos. People thinking they can have a say in who rules our land. What utternonsense. Our family has always ruled, and when the wyrmocs arrive, everyone will see a leader.’
‘When I was in prison, a lot of the inmates said they didn’t believe wyrmocs would ever come.’ She offered no smile as she added, ‘I thought you would want to know.’
‘Oh, they’re coming, my dear. On the night of your birthday.’
The darkness seemed to blur as Scarlen’s stomach flipped and head swirled at the tone in his voice, so sure, so menacing. She wasn’t going to be the only one unveiled that day, the fifth knight was going to be used to raise the mythical creatures her father would control.
Two choices came to mind.
