“After our chat. Though your consort backs your story, how can I trust you? Our countries have long considered each other enemies.”
Draylon growled. “If you didn’t trust me, I’d be in a cell.”
Niam laughed, pulling back the edge of his tunic to reveal his sword. “I don’t think you’re a match for me at the moment. I’m not keeping you from him, but I’ve been threatened with my very life if I disturb him while he’s resting.” He tipped his head to the side in a thoughtful gesture. “Besides, we have no cells here at the keep. Mother turned them into storage rooms long ago, and it’s simply not worth the trouble to clear them out. You’re not saying you need to be kept in a cell, are you?”
“No. As I said, I merely wish to take Yarif home. And who threatened you? Rufe?” He hadn’t been in much better shape than Draylon.
“I’m afraid your dear captain is still in a tricky condition. He was more injured than he let on.” Niam’s green-eyed gaze bored into Draylon’s. “No, I’ve been threatened by someone far more dangerous than any military man.”
“Who?”
“Yarif’s overbearing aunt.” Niam shrugged. “Who also happens to be my mother. Congratulations. Through no fault of your own, you’ve married into the Delletinian royal family. Let the cries of ‘traitor!’ begin.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Yarifran,chasedbyIlla’s taunts. “No one is coming for you. You’re mine to do with as I please.”His heart pounded. No matter where he turned, she always caught him. Time and again, he found himself tied, his throat savaged by screams as she rained unending lashes onto his skin. Pain! So much pain. No escape. She brutally pulled Yarif’s hair, sawing with a knife until every strand lay at his feet.
He found himself in his father’s castle courtyard, smoke rising from nearby buildings. The dead lay around him. No matter how he searched, he couldn’t find Adrina and Emile. A helmet lay nearby, next to a body covered in armor. Slowly, slowly, Yarif approached, knowing what he’d discover before he got there. Dread pooled in his gut.
Draylon lay on the flagstones, unmoving, staring at nothing. His dead lips moved, “You promised to help me.”
Yarif screamed.
A woman’s voice filled his mind.“It’s okay. You’re safe.”
The scene changed. He found himself in his childhood room. Though he couldn’t see her, he heard his mother singing, calming his fears. He knew the song, humming along with the melody. An old Dragan lullaby.
Peaceful. Nothing could hurt him here.
“You’re awake!”his mother exclaimed, excitement in her voice.
Yarif opened his eyes to find a curious green gaze focused on him from a heart-shaped face framed by gray-flecked red hair. “Mother?”
The woman gave a bittersweet smile. “No, child. I’m afraid not.” Yarif’s heart ached. She looked so much like his late mother.
“You gave us quite a scare. And when you stopped scaring us, your husband came in, demanding to see you. He actually growled at me! Growled like a grouchy old bear!” The woman rolled her eyes. “Where are my manners? I’m your Aunt Nera. You probably don’t remember me. You were such a wee thing when last we met.”
“Aunt Nera? I don’t recall meeting an Aunt Nera.”
“Your father decided your mother's kin were more threat than use to him the moment she passed. It’s not common knowledge that we were sisters. But don’t worry, dear boy. I’ve kept up with you as best I could from a distance.” Aunt Nera’s sunny expression fell. “I would have prevented your unwanted marriage had I been able. Now that you’re here, if you choose to remain in Delletina, King Niam will gladly grant an annulment.”
“Annulment.” This woman was as chatty as Mother had been taciturn. Was she really his aunt? She certainly looked like Mother, though Mother’s hair had been much lighter in color. “Where am I?”
“You’re at King Niam’s country estate, an old converted keep. We happened to be in attendance when the group of ruffians holding you decided to invade our lands.”
“Where is Draylon?”
“I threatened to box Niam’s ears if he didn’t make himself useful keeping that husband of yours away so you could sleep and recuperate.” Aunt Nera studied Yarif for several seconds. “You know, we could make a widower of you if you’re against an annulment but still wish to be free.” She bent close and whispered, “The mountains tell no secrets.”
“What? No! Is Draylon well? Can I see him?”
Aunt Nera chuckled. “It’s like that, is it? Oh, I can see your father seething in the afterlife, knowing his son is in love with one of the emperor’s get. You’re so much like your mother, with such a big heart.”
This woman was exhausting to try to keep pace with. Forget visitors. She alone wore Yarif out. He tried his best demanding tone, which hadn’t worked too well for him in the past. “I want to see Draylon.” What were they doing at the king of Delletina’s country estate?
“He’ll be here directly, I’m thinking, as soon as Niam’s done with him.”
Yarif let out a sigh. So much had happened. He could’ve died several times by now. Or been asleep and dreaming again. “Are we prisoners?”
