The absence of a formal address hangs in the air. I’ve known King Ronin my whole life, and never once felt I was allowed to call him just plain Ronin. His own grandchildren and great-grandson are expected to use his title.
The king nods without arguing. “This Fiora woman can be discreet?”
“Of course. Who would she tell? She’s not a Territorial. I would bring her here, but if the poison’s been near you for four months, we really need to move on this. You looked normal enough, but with that ridiculous ‘queendom’ plan you just spouted, I’m worried the poison’s already affecting your brain.”
King Ronin narrows his eyes at her, but it’s clear she’s not being crass. She’s worried about him. “Then let’s go. I’ll have the pens tested for the poison while we’re away. Benny can keep the results private. Destino, tell your parents…” Then he freezes, his expression closing off. “Tell your parents nothing about the poison. We’re riding to Neutral Territory so I can meet Lilya’s mum and make arrangements for your upcoming wedding announcement. That’s all.”
Des’ arm tightens around Lily. “You don’t think…”
Anger rolls through the king like a wave that tightens every muscle. He looks so much like Des until he does that. Then he’s part-monster, readying to destroy. “Your father gave me that pen. Tell him nothing.”
Lily holds on to my hand. The unconcealed worry in her eyes lets me know that things are about to get a lot worse before they ever get better.
24
Riding with Ronin
Lilya
“I don’t like this!” I screech through gritted teeth.
“Relax, darling. The horse can feel your fear. Breathe. And if you could refrain from squeezing me so tight you draw blood, I would appreciate it.”
“Stop sounding so damn calm. It’s infuriating!”
The king laughs, sounding younger than his controlled deportment usually permits. His laugh is like Des’, only with a bite of meanness to it, or like someone who’s sorely out of practice with the ritual of happiness. “I admit, I thought you were lying when you said you didn’t know how to ride a horse, but I don’t think this kind of terror can be fabricated. What are you worried is going to happen?”
The cold air is pelting my legs, even through my jeans. I’m freezing, which bodes well for my arms locking around Ronin’s waist so I don’t bounce off. “I’m going to fall off this horse and get trampled! Make him slow down.”
Just to spite me, since that seems to be our game, Ronin urges the horse to go faster, laughing like a jerk while I scream. My hair is flying out behind me, waving like a lavender banner for all the vampires to see. I want to appear confident and calm, but I’m terrified and inexperienced.
Ronin nods nobly with a smile to the vampires who stop to watch us with disgust—a fae woman on the back of their king’s horse. “I would slow down, but you impressed the proper urgency upon me, so we’re not stopping until I’m cured of these headaches, and the poison is purged from my system. Riding on horseback is the fastest way there, so that’s what we’re doing. Tell me, how is it you’ve never ridden on a horse before?”
“I was too young to learn to ride when I lived in Faveda. And only the wealthy own horses in Neutral Territory.”
“When did you move to Neutral Territory?” he inquires, as if we’re having a social visit over tea.
“Don’t ask me questions! I’m too scared to think through which bits of information I want you to know about me and which parts are none of your business.”
His toned stomach vibrates with his chortle. “This is going just how I envisioned it. A beautiful young fairy riding on horseback with me is causing quite the stir. I can only imagine the scandal when they learn you’re now my great-granddaughter.”
“Oh, so now I’m part of the family tree? You’re recognizing Des as your heir? I thought he was disposable.”
“He’s always been my great-grandson. He’s only just risen to the ranks of being worthy of the throne. Stop getting snippy with me. As I might be going insane, I cannot be held responsible for what I might do if you vex me.”
“Slow down!” I beg between gritted teeth. “This extra saddle part back here is barely a seat.”
His hand moves down to rub my arm. The touch is tender, which is so strange; I’m momentarily distracted from my terror. “I will not let you fall, darling. I’m outrunning poison. Think of it that way. How fast would you ride if you were trying to escape insanity? And what if your sanity were linked to the survival of a nation? I cannot afford to slow down.”
I hear the weight in his words, and though my cheek is already pressed to his back, I rub the side of my face slowly from left to right between his shoulders to acknowledge his worry. “You’ve been going at this speed for a long time on your own. I’m glad there’s light at the end of the tunnel for you. Sounds like it’s been too long a road.”
“You have no idea. People think I’m stingy, holding onto my rule as long as I have, but they don’t understand. I want to hand it down, but not if it’s all going to crumble the moment it leaves my fist.”
“But that’s exactly what might happen with this crazy three marriages idea of yours.”
“It might break us for a time, but the territories are too stubborn to crumble completely. A little breaking is necessary when you want to construct something incredible.”
“That’s really lovely.” I let his words settle for a few minutes until the terrain gets rough, and every gallop feels like I might vomit all over the king’s back. “I should’ve ridden with Des or Lexi. They would’ve slowed down.” I can hear their horses running behind us, but I can’t see them because I’m too afraid to move my cheek from Ronin’s spine.
“Ah, but they love you too much to let you be afraid like this. They would take the road at a more measured pace, and the poison might feast on what’s left of my brain before we get there.” He waves at another group of gawkers beneath the moonlight who are too stunned to voice their confusion. “Plus, it’s important Drexdenberg sees I’m behind this union. Destino is beloved, but I am respected. If you’re seen on my horse, it makes a statement. I do love a good scandal. I suppose we have that in common.”
“Your brain can’t be trusted right now,” I scold him.
“Do your best to let the horse control the movement of your hips. Bracing your whole body like this will do you no good.”
“Are we almost to Neutral Territory?”
He tilts his head skyward. “Yes, but we’re almost out of moonlight. Bollocks. We have to stop soon. I don’t like cutting it this close. The sun will be rising in half an hour.”
He slows to a trot and turns the horse so the guys form a triangle with us. I can’t stop clinging to him while he explains the predicament to the guys, even though we’re not moving anymore.
Lexi and Des exchange wary looks. I know they don’t like the idea of inviting Ronin into their fort, but there are precious few other options. “Will none of your people take us in?” I ask, sparing the guys the consternation about whether or not Ronin should infiltrate their sanctuary.
“Us, sure,” Des replies. “But I can’t imagine anyone taking in you and Alex.”
Anger boils in my veins, but I keep it to myself.
Ronin is not quite as polite. He straightens, his hand resting atop mine. “Perhaps it’s time I start ruffling a few feathers, instead of leaving all the heavy lifting to you four. The next house we come to, I’ll order them to take us in.” His fingers stroke mine, no doubt trying to get me to release my death grip on his abdomen. “Darling, breathe. Are you tired?”
I nod, but don’t loosen my hold on him. I’m not sure I can unlock my muscles.
Des shakes his head. “While I appreciate you putting your foot down for us, I don’t want Lily and Alex to sleep with one eye open. Making a statement is all well and good, but we actually need to rest.”
“What do you suggest?”
Des and Lexi trade loaded looks
and finally nod. “We know just the place.”
25
Cave Kisses
Destino
I hate that we’re showing King Ronin our cave. It’s our place, and I don’t want to have to find a new one. However, as we’ve got only twenty minutes until sunrise, there aren’t all that many other options. My arm is healed enough for regular use, but not nearly enough to carry Lily up the mountainside. I hate not being able to help her.
“I admit, I’ve not climbed many mountains in recent memory,” King Ronin admits. There’s not an edge of worry in his voice, but I can see it in his creased brow. He looks ridiculous in his pressed navy blue suit, staring up at the craggy formation. “You truly come here once a month? I thought you three went out drinking or some such foolishness.”
“Well, we do that too, but there’s a fair amount of serious talk to be had, and this is the place to do it. The outskirts of Neutral Territory isn’t too bad a place to be when you want privacy for plotting. No one touches this mountain but us.”
“Salem is going to kill us for bringing him here,” Alex murmurs none too quietly.
“Well, then we’ll die when he finds out. Tonight, we’re fine.” I dismount and tie my horse and Alex’s to a tree near the small stream. “King Ronin, your horse?” I offer to take his steed, but he’s still atop it with Lily, who won’t let go of him.
“I seem to be stuck for the moment.” His hand rests atop her clenched fingers again, stroking in a way I really don’t like. Of course, he’s not doing anything wrong, but I find I don’t care for anyone touching Lily, except for Alex, who’s earned her trust.
Alex shoots me the same wary look, but doesn’t address it aloud. Instead he dons that carefree smile the fae can pull off so convincingly, and reaches up his hands to her. “Lily-Girl, I think it’s time you come on down. King Ronin’s going to burn to death if he doesn’t get up the mountain.”
“I can’t feel my arms!” she admits in a shrill squeak.
I can’t help my snigger. “You beautiful little chicken. If you don’t get down now, the horse might spook and take off. Fancy another run?”
That’s just the ticket for King Ronin to work her fingernails from his stomach, so Alex can slide her off the horse. Her legs are rubbery and can’t support her, so she falls quite literally into Alex’s embrace. He grins like the opportunist he is and hoists her up in his arms like a bride.
My bride.
“Up you go, vampires. I’ll see Lily-Girl makes it up safely.”
I hate that I have to baby my arm, but he’s right. One day, I’m going to carry my woman up the mountainside. Though, she catches on to everything so fast, I’m sure by the time my arm has healed she’ll have no need for that.
King Ronin climbs slowly, unaccustomed to actual labor done with his hands. He won’t even remove his suit jacket, so married is he to his style. Still, he only slips a couple times, and never falls completely. When we make it to the plateau, his arms are quaking, and we’re both breathing in the relief that he didn’t fall.
I hear Alex’s pep talk to Lily all the way up until she finally reaches over the ledge with wide eyes. Alex only had to help her half the way.
Ronin stands and shakes out his arms. “This is quite the hideaway you’ve found for yourself, boys. All it’s missing is a mattress and pillows, and one could stay here for quite some time.”
I hold up my finger and then reach into the hole at the back of the cave. I feel around before dragging out three bundles we don’t often use. The blankets are musty and they smell, but it’s better than sleeping on the floor and braving the breeze, which is sharpening by the minute.
I toss one roll to King Ronin. “The three of us can share the other two blankets. There’s a blood supply back there if you’re running low, too. Plus some real food for the others, but not much. We need to restock,” I make my mental note aloud for Alex to keep track in case I forget.
“You’re sweating,” Lily remarks once she catches her breath and brushes the dirt off her jeans. “Ronin, you need to lie down.”
I didn’t see it before, but Lily seems to notice everything. A thin layer shines across King Ronin’s forehead and upper lip. “I’m alright, child. And I’m just about to get settled in for the night.”
She moves over to him to feel his forehead. “You’re burning up. Here.” She brushes her fingers across his hairline, no doubt cooling his skin with how icy she always is. His lashes close, and I find I can’t stop staring. She’s so gentle with him, who’s never been gentle with anyone. She angles her chin over her shoulder. “Lexi, could you roll out Ronin’s blanket? It should be close to the edge, but still where the sunlight can’t touch him. He needs the breeze to cool him down, otherwise this fever’s going to get out of hand.”
Alex obliges, but I can tell he’s just as disheveled by the sight of anyone doting on King Ronin. I remember the last time my great-grandfather let me hug him. I was seven or so, and he’d gotten me a wooden sword with my name engraved on it. Even then, it felt strange, like he was part of me but not. Family, yet a distant acquaintance. Lily has no qualms inviting herself into his personal space, ordering him to lie down, and correcting him when he’s out of line. Maybe King Ronin’s plan for uniting the territories under her isn’t such a crazy idea.
Must take her for riding lessons. Then I’ll never again have to suffer through the sight of her on the back of King Ronin’s horse.
Lily helps him lay on the blanket, and for the first time, my great-grandfather who was frozen in his young thirties looks like an old man. He moves slowly, even grunting once as he tries to get comfortable. “Thank you, darling.”
He has never used a term of endearment with me or Harris and Melinda. He’s never used a sweetheart nickname for anyone.
I wait for her to come over toward the back of the cave with Alex and me, but she sits beside his supine form, pulling her knees to her chest. “Does Healer Clare know you’re this bad off?”
“I’m fine. Just a little drained from the long ride and the excitement of the night.”
“I’ll take that as a no. If you didn’t trust Clare to look after you, then you need to find someone you can talk to about this stuff.”
“It’s hardest to hide from Benny. I’ve taken to locking him out of my bedroom when my fevers get out of hand.”
“It sucks that you’ve been in pain by yourself this long.”
“I’m the king. I don’t need to trust anyone. It goes against my job description.”
Her eyes flick to his. “If that’s your worldview, then I feel sorry for you. Think of how much more effective a ruler you would’ve been these past four months if you hadn’t been burdened by these headaches.”
“Ah, but that argument works both ways. Someone I trusted to get close enough to my study has been poisoning me. Trust was my liability, not an untapped asset.”
She hangs her head. “You’re breaking my heart with this. All things considered, I hope I’m wrong. I hope Fiora tells you your headaches are from keeping that stick up your ass for so long.”
He snorts while Alex and I lay down on our joined blankets a few feet back from his. “Your mouth will be the death of you, child.”
She scoffs. “Says the man who can barely lift his head because he’s so stuck in his ways. You’re stubborn,” she labels him.
He smiles up at her. “Like father, like daughter, I guess.”
She laughs, and the sound fills the cave with an odd lightness.
I don’t know what to do with this. She’s turned King Ronin into a person instead of the unfeeling dictator he’s always been. I should be happy for him, and part of me probably is. But it’s so weird that I can’t make my peace with it yet. It’s like he’s suddenly started speaking gibberish.
“What are you going to do?” I ask, my throat dry. “With Harris. If it’s him who gave you the pen, and Benny confirms that the poison is coming from there, then what happens to the family?”
Ki
ng Ronin’s smile dies just as quickly as it bloomed. “If your father tried to harm my mind, then I shall take his head. I am a father to the territory, first and foremost.”
His words are a harsh confirmation of the stone in his chest that should’ve been remnants of a heart. Too many decades on the throne have turned him calloused, to the point where we aren’t his family. We are less than. Though I’ve always known this to be true, the sound of it spoken so boldly slashes open a scabbed-over wound in my heart.
“Are Harris, Melinda and Des citizens of Drexdenberg?” Lily asks quietly, stretching her legs out before her. A shiver rolls through her body as the crack of a breeze hits us.
“Of course,” the king replies.
“Then your logic sucks. You’re a father to them because they’re part of the territory, and you’re a father to them because you’re the patriarch of their bloodline. So you should be twice the father to the three of them than you are to the nation.” She holds up her hand when he opens his mouth. “It’s alright. You’re bound to get a few things wrong. You are damaged in the head, after all. But once the poison is out of your system, you might want to rethink that bit of horse crap. Ain’t no one buying it but you, and I think even that ship has sailed.”
I flinch at her bluntness, waiting for King Ronin to come down on her. Instead, he makes a concerted effort to sit up. She has to help him, which is also strange to watch. He tries to remove his suit jacket, and she helps him, rolling the navy blue fabric to move it under his head for him to use as a pillow when he lies back down.
“Not for me,” he protests, handing her the jacket. “I want you to wear it. Your hands are like ice. Perhaps you won’t be so snappish if you warm up.”
Vengeful Prince Page 19
