“They have you.”
“That’s not enough.”
Heart thumping, Reyna gave a solemn nod. “I will do everything in my power to make this city a better place. For everyone. Not just those with power and wealth.”
“Good.” Mariel held out a hand. “Then, we have a deal.”
* * *
“You should be careful.” Lorcan fell into step beside her as she withdrew from Drunkard’s Pit. She was leaving the filth behind her, but she would never forget it. She would help these fae when she took the throne for herself. They deserved far more than this.
Reyna rolled her eyes at the warrior. “So you have told me. Many times. You need not tell me again.”
“What are you doing, princess?” he growled.
“I told you,” she replied, cutting her eyes toward his leather-clad frame. “Trying to find answers. I want to know who ordered to have me killed.”
“Speaking with informants is one thing. Seeking out low fae vigilantes is another matter entirely. What did you ask her? To become your spy?”
“She’s just going to see what she can find.”
“By spying on those inside the castle.” Lorcan shook his head. “Reyna Darragh, Warrior Princess, Future High Queen, and Spymaster.”
“Well, when you put it like that, why not?” She gave him a wicked smile. “It certainly has a nice ring to it.”
“You’re playing with fire, princess. You may be one of the strongest fae I’ve ever met. And you may be far more clever than most. But youwillget burned if you continue down this path.”
“And what are you going to do about it?” She rounded on him in the middle of the empty street, hands on her hips. “Lock me inside my chambers? Inform on me?”
“I should,” he let out a low growl, his eyes flickering. “I should throw you over my shoulder, carry you back to your chambers, lock the door, and toss the key into the Bay of Wind.”
“Go on then.” She sidled up to him and pressed a finger into the center of his leathered chest. “But you won’t. Because you’re all talk, Lorcan. Never action.”
A dangerous smile curved his lips. He knelt, wrapped strong arms around her body, and then tossed her into the air. She let out a shriek, the sharp sound echoing through the silent night. With a grunt, he grasped her tightly to his shoulder and pinned her legs to his chest, almost as though he were wearing her as a shield.
The world began to bounce upside-down in her vision as he walked. She fisted her hands. “Let me go. I didn’t actually mean for you to do this.”
“Too late.” His voice held a hint of a smile. “Never suggest I won’t do something, princess, because you will always be proven wrong.”
“Honestly. Put me down.” She squirmed in his arms, but his grip was far too strong. She could only manage a slight tremble.
“I’ll put you down when you’re back inside your chambers.”
“I’m never going to forgive you for this.”
“Fine.”
“I’m serious. I mean it, Lorcan. If you do this, I will hate you for the rest of my life.”
“I don’t know why you think I should care,” he said coolly. “I am your guard. Not your friend.”
Reyna fell silent, scowling, and hating the way she felt assaulted by his scent of leather and steel.
The warrior carried her all the way back to the castle and through the twisting corridors. When they reached her chambers, he kicked open the door and deposited her onto her bed.
She crossed her arms and glared up at him. “You can’t lock me in here forever. The prince won’t allow it.”
“No, but I can lock you in here for the night.” He smiled wickedly, and then backed out the door. “Good night, princess.”
