Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Would he be relieved?
Or just pissed off?
I knew he would be in his study, so that was where I went, and when I walked through the open door, I saw him conversing with Commander Burke. Their conversation immediately died at the sight of me.
My father was rigid behind the desk, looking at me with eyes that gave nothing away.
Commander Burke silently excused himself and shut the doors behind him.
I couldn’t read my father at all right now.
He finally rose from the desk, walked around it, and headed right toward me.
On instinct, I held my breath.
His arms opened, and he brought me into his chest, holding me like I was still a boy who had wandered too far off. His palm cupped the back of my head, and he held me there, held me for the first time since I’d become a man.
He let me go.
“Father—”
He slapped me across the face. It was practically a punch against my cheek, full of momentum, full of anger.
I jolted at the hit because I hadn’t seen it coming. My guard was dropped, and my heart was vulnerable.
“What the fuck, Ryker?” His angry eyes pierced my flesh like hot daggers that sliced the skin and cauterized it at the same time. “I sent my men after you, and they never came back. All of them have died—for you.”
So he did send help.
“Their blood is on your hands—not mine.”
I didn’t apologize because that would sound insincere to both of us.
“You brought them back?”
I lifted my chin and looked him in the eye, my cheek on fire. “They didn’t make it.”
“Not even the girl?”
“Yeti…” I knew what would happen if I told him the truth. He would execute her, execute her family too. They knew too much. Were far too much of a liability. My pleas wouldn’t make a difference.
His eyes shifted back and forth as he looked into mine—like he knew. “You put yourself at risk…all for nothing. I sent my men down there…all for nothing. Your behavior is shameful. You’re the future Duke of Delacroix, the future King of the Kingdoms, and this is how you behave.”
“I cared about her.”
“First lesson of being a man.” He stepped a little closer. “Never care for your whores.”
I kept my anger between my clenched teeth.
“Pay them—and kick them out the door.” He moved away and returned to his chair behind the desk. “I’m sure your trip down there has given you a hard lesson in reality. I’m sure it’s taught you why the lottery is necessary. It’s taught you that I have to make hard decisions every day—to protect our people.”
At nightfall, I left the castle and walked down the same cobblestone road I’d taken countless times. Torches illuminated the homes and shops, reflecting on the pavers underneath my boots. A breeze brushed through my hair, blowing a scent of jasmine with it. It felt exactly the same—like nothing had changed.
I was the one who had changed.
I made my way to the home and saw the gentle glow through the curtains. After a light knock on the door, I let myself inside and found the girls on the couch in the living room, empty plates on the coffee table.
The counter was covered with fruits and vegetables, and a piece of steak was sitting on the cutting board. They’d taken the money left behind and made themselves a satisfying dinner. “Smells good.”
Effie rubbed her stomach. “I ate so much. But I have no regrets.”
“I never have regrets when it comes to eating.” Ivory finished off her glass of wine before she got to her feet. “So, how’s Father? I imagine he was happy to see you.” With her arms crossed over her chest, she walked up to me.
I gave a shrug. “You know how he is.”
Her eyes moved to my cheek, like it was still noticeably swollen. “Let me find something to wear, and we’ll go.” Ivory disappeared down the hallway, probably to find a jacket or shawl to cover her face.
My eyes went back to Effie, and I could feel that vibration in the air, the tension that stretched between us. Her hostility was still present, but so was everything else we shared.
She got to her feet then faced me, looking brand-new after a bath. Her soft hair was shiny again, and her fair skin was no longer hidden underneath spots of dirt. With eyes that were green like the trees in the forest, she stared at me. “Now what?”
“Well, I have good news.”
“Yeah?”
“My father sent men down to retrieve me, and they never came across from your family. I don’t think your family was with the Teeth either. Otherwise, we would have been captured with them. So, I’m pretty sure they got away.”
She took a deep breath and let it shake her body on the way out. “You think they’re here in Delacroix?”