“You didn’t even want the throne!” Khatri snarls. “You forced a teenager to take over your responsibilities because you were too busy roaming the world.”
For the first time, I regret that they weren’t around much. Maybe if they had been, I would’ve seen their true colors sooner.
Kiara chuckles, low and manic. “That’s where you’re wrong. We weren’t chasing shadows; we were destroying the other Horsemen one by one. Once they were out of the way, nothing could’ve stopped us from taking back what was rightfully ours.”
I’m speechless at her logic. They’re admitting to everything a leader takes an oathnotto do.
“Oh, wipe that disgust off your face, son. Everything you have today, all that power, is because of us. We were going to leave the Tetrad kingdom to you… at least that was the plan before you walked in with that abomination and called her your mate.”
I can’t hold it back anymore. I throw my head back and start laughing my head off until my chest hurts. Khatri slips an arm around my shoulder to steady me when I almost fall to my knees from laughing so hard.
After weeks of nothing but stress and grief, a burst of genuine amusement fills me because everything they just said is…absolutely stupid.
Their logic is flawed. Their intentions are malicious. Their so-called hard work to destroy their kingdom is revolting.
When I finally sober up, disbelief crashes over me. They’re still standing there, waiting for me to open the cell, like they don’t deserve to rot here for eternity after what they just confessed.
“You ruined my kingdom from within, but I have faith I can mend it. You were treacherous to the throne, but I still would’ve been lenient and ordered a quick death as a way to thank you for bringing me into this world.”
With each word I speak, I watch their hope shred to pieces. “But you hurt my mate. You stole her childhood. You hurt my family. And for that, I willneverforgive you.”
I shove my hands in my pockets to stop myself from breaking something other than my own heart and take a step back. “Be grateful I don’t want your blood on my hands, weighing on my conscience. Unfortunately for you, I know people who will happily do me a favor.”
Two new sets of footsteps echo in the dungeon as Harvey and Hazel storm toward the cell, fury and hatred rolling off them in waves.
Every prisoner goes still, stunned that their former leaders are about to be treated like the traitors they are.
When the soul twins step inside the cell, I turn my back on my parents and don’t look back. “Keep them alive. There’s a father desperate for revenge, and I won’t deny him his right.”
As I walk away, a weight lifts off my shoulders. It took longer than I expected to flush out the silent enemies, but at last, this kingdom is once again a safe home for my mate andkid.
Now, I can finally beg her forgiveness.
By the time I reach the Horseman castle, warm rays of sunshine are breaking through the blanket of dark clouds that have swallowed the realm since the day my mate left. It’s as if every part of this realm was sulking in her absence, like me.
I’m halfway through rearranging my office, the only thing that boosts my productivity, as I think of how to make it up to my mate when the door slams open.
The groan that escapes me comes from my soul. I’m so tired of patching the dents in my wall because my family doesn’t understand the concept of knocking… or how to open a door like normal people.
“I’ve got good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?” Hazel drops into the chair across from my desk, brushing her damp hair over her shoulder.
I collapse into my chair, bone-deep exhausted from yet another night of work and no sleep. “Good news, please.”
“Your folks would need more than plastic surgery to fix their faces.”
Who’s going to tell her the difference between good news and good newsfor her?
“Now the bad news: the warriors stationed at the portal outside the dragon realm caught a warlock trying to pass through. He didn’t turn to ash on entry, which is… technically good. But it’s still a problem. He’s sitting in Khatri’s office as we speak.”
I tip my head back and curse under my breath. So much for my grand apology. Looks like it’ll have to wait another day.
Forgive me for wasting more time, sweetheart.
Before I can stand, Harvey shoves me back into my chair.
When did he get here? Fates, I’m really losing my marbles.
“Sit your ass back down.” Hazel is suddenly inches from my face.
