Would she?
As much as he wanted to believe otherwise, it was entirely possible. Keryna had been one ballsy nag. She had convinced his sister that they were the best of friends. “Soul sisters.” Closer than blood.
You can trust me with anything. I’m here for you, princess. Whatever you need. I can do it all.
And unlike him, Renata had believed those kinds of lies. Because she’d always been so sheltered and pampered, Renata had no idea just how brutal, conniving and backbiting others could be.
I don’t want to live my life like you, Dash. Mistrusting everyone around me. It must be awful to live in your skin and be so paranoid all the time. Just give them a chance and you’ll see how beautiful they are.
He’d never been able to make Renata understand the brutality he’d seen.
And if his sister had ever mentioned her powers to Keryna or that spell...
Damn it.
Surely, she wouldn’t have been so stupid as to tell Keryna about them. Would she?
Then again, Renata had foolishly believed every lie Keryna had ever told her. Even when they’d been preposterous and he’d pointed them out, Renata had swallowed them whole.
Keryna would never hurt me, Dash. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Stop being so suspicious all the time. She’s a sister to me and I’ve always wanted a sister.
Why hadn’t he sent that troublemaking troll packing?
Because Renata had loved her.
I need her, Dash. I rely on her. She does so much for me. You have your people and I have her. Why can’t you ever trust me, brother? I’m not a child. I know what I’m doing. Just please, have some faith in me.
And so, he’d allowed Keryna to stay. Even against his common sense and his own intuition.
I’m such a fool.
Of course, Renata, in her innocence, would have told Keryna everything. His sister had never kept a secret. Because of her innocence, she couldn’t imagine anyone using something like that against her or anyone she loved.
Why would she?
Keryna was still in his palace. No doubt still making mischief and turning his people against him.
Damn me!
This had her name written all over it. Who else would have dared something like this?
He met Ambrose’s gaze. “She had access to everything, courtesy of my sister. I even caught her sending missives in my name.”
“And you let her live?”
“Not by choice. She told Renata it was a mistake, and Renata’s tears weakened me. This is why I don’t believe in mercy. The one time I showed it, you see what happened? My sister’s dead and my kingdom’s under fire. I should have choked the life out of Keryna the day I met her.”
Tanis cleared her throat. “I really think we need to work on your relationship skills, beast. Just a little.”
He arched a brow at her. “I think they’re fine.”
“Sure. Sure.” She coughed and nodded. Then, she shrugged at Ambrose who laughed.
“I like your princess, Dash. I think she’s good for you.”
Honestly? He did, too. More than he should. But was she another Keryna?
Would she lull him into trust only so that she could betray him, too? That thought haunted him.
