“My dad,” I said.
He nodded and offered me his arm. “Come. I’ll escort you to the kitchen.”
“I can find it on my own.” But I took his arm anyway. The moment we made contact, a warm current traveled from my arm and to that place in my chest that reached out for him anytime he was near.
“You can?” Onyx peered down at me, one brow lifting into a perfect arch. “And yet, here I’ve found you wandering around the opposite side of the castle in your search for it.”
“Really? I could’ve sworn I was in the right place.” I expelled a short laugh. “One day, I’ll learn how to navigate this maze of a castle.”
“Until then, I can walk with you and ensure you don’t become lost.” Humor touched his eyes. “I would hate for you to stumble into the dungeon and meet your death.”
“My death?” I asked, walking with him down the corridor. “Why do you say that? What the heck is down there? A pit of swords? A dragon? Ravenous, muffin-eating monsters?”
“Stairs,” he said, amusement growing. “I fear you’d lose your footing and tumble down them, more than likely breaking your neck.”
“I’m notthatclumsy. You’re just as bad as Maddox. He’s always teasing me.”
“Then perhaps you should stop being so fun to tease.” Onyx tossed me another smile, this one softer than before, and continued forward.
“Um.” I padded alongside him, taking bigger strides to match his. Curse him and his long legs. “About last night… I’m sorry for how Maddox and Callum treated you.”
“You warned me they would be on their guard. No apology needed.” As if noticing my struggle to keep up with him, he slowed his pace. “Many of my warriors were displeased with my decision as well.”
“They were?”
He nodded. “Not that they voiced their displeasure in my presence.”
Guilt flooded my chest. “I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much trouble.”
“I must agree with you in that regard.” Onyx glanced at me. “Youaretrouble, Evan Clark. More so than I ever imagined you’d be.”
I got the feeling we weren’t only referring to his warriors.
“Just say the word, and I’ll leave,” I told him. “Problem solved.”
“If only it were so simple.” His brow narrowed. “I’d have to be willing to let you leave first.”
His words reminded me of a not-so-awesome detail he’d shared last night in the parlor. “Am I really forbidden to leave?”
“Yes.”
“Well, that was a quick answer. Not a hint of hesitation.”
Like before, he took several seconds to study me. Made me wonder what he saw in my expression. “My decision is for your own good. Leaving the safety of my realm would result in your immediate capture.”
“So, you’re holding me here to protect me?” Frustration built in my chest, causing a tug on my sternum. “Why? Out of the goodness of your heart?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Which are?” I did a rolling movement with my fingers, signaling him to get on with it.
His gaze dropped to my hand before he gently grabbed my wrist and brought me in closer. The heat of his body took every thought from my head. “I once warned you about asking questions. You very well may get an answer.”
“That’s kinda the point,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “Is it because of my dad? You feel protective of me out of loyalty to him?”
Onyx watched me, expression unreadable, before releasing his hold on me and continuing down the corridor.
With my heart in my throat and a strange pressure in my chest, I followed him. We reached the kitchen not long after. No one else was there yet, so the place was dark and quiet like the rest of the castle.
