by Mara McQueen
"Time to work up an appetite." She grabbed the reins, but Azor shook her head, not wanting to part from the basket for even one second.
Ava mock-gasped. "You're in a mood today. Come on, you'll eat the rest later."
She pulled on the reins again. Azor finally relented, with one last longing look at the carrots.
"You're becoming such a little diva."
As soon as Ava straddled her, Azor took off.
Ava breathed in deep. She loved this. The salty sea breeze clinging in the air, the meadow stretching out before her, the reins digging into her palms.
When she was riding, Ava felt like she could outrun the world. This was as close to freedom as it got for her.
For now.
In two days, the Underworld would know she had an entire Clan behind her. Two, once Ella took control of the Syndicate, as everyone knew she would.
In two days, she'd have that gorgeous crown on her head, dripping in pearls, with Raiden by her side.
Azor galloped up the hill fast. Faster. Too fast.
"Whoa, girl." Ava pulled on the reins.
But Azor didn't listen. She kept running at a maddening pace.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ava grabbed her mane, tugging gently. Azor had always listened to her commands.
Blasts erupted behind them. Azor quaked and galloped quicker.
Shit.
What the hell was that? It sounded like a car misfire, but there were no cars in the Capital.
Another blast.
Azor changed course abruptly, jumping over the meadow fence, down the path toward the jungle. Ava held onto the reins for dear life.
"Stop it! It's okay."
It wasn't. Azor was old and had been raised up in the mountains. In silence. Loud noises spooked her.
Ava ducked underneath the winding branches. She wasn't fast enough—a thorny one stung her neck.
Fear shot down her spine. The blasts were getting closer.
"Azor!"
Another blast, this time dangerously close. Ava swore she felt a soft hiss against her cheek.
Azor definitely felt it.
The horse jerked.
Ava gripped onto the reins, but she was no match for Azor's terrified movements.
The horse kicked its front legs high in the air.
Ava fell.
She twisted her body in the air, like she'd had so many times before when she went out exploring and came back with bruises, but it wasn't enough.
The breath wheezed out of her lungs as her back hit the gravel.
Another blast vibrated through the earth, straight into Ava's chest.
With the sound of Azor's frantic hooves beating at the ground next to her head, the world faded out of view, and Ava blacked out.
Chapter Sixteen
AVA
Her head hurt. Her back hurt. Even her teeth hurt.
Ava woke up with a groan, shifting into a more bearable position. But instead of rocks and twigs digging into her back, she was cradled in her soft Capital sheets.
"Hey," a voice said from above.
If that was some kind of god, he had a really deep, sexy voice.
Ava's eyes fluttered open. Raiden had his troubled eyes trained on her.
"Hi," she croaked. "Is Azor okay?"
Ava didn't know what had gotten into her horse, but it hadn't been anything good. Maybe she was getting too old to go out galloping—or the move to the Capital might've been too stressful.
Raiden huffed a laugh. He sounded relieved. "Of course you'd care about the horse."
"Yes, of course," Ava said as fast as her parched mouth allowed.
"She's fine. She's the one who alerted the guards and brought them to you. Tugged on their uniforms with her teeth, ripped through some shoulder pads."
"That's my girl." Ava readjusted her position. With the closest hospital hundreds of miles away back home, she'd gotten real good at assessing her injuries.
She was going to have some bruises, but they felt like they'd fade by tomorrow. All she needed was some water and the headache would go away, too. A bit tired, but all in all, she was fine.
"What happened?" Raiden asked, placing his hand on her forehead. Ava leaned into his touch; he felt warm and safe.
"I don't know." Ava swallowed; even that hurt. "I should've let Azor eat her carrots in peace and gone back to rehearsing with Marcella."
"Carrots?"
"Yeah, someone likes her." Ava blinked herself fully awake. Wait, something had happened. "Were your assassins training near the meadow today?"
"The training grounds are on the other side of the island. Why?"
"I heard blasts. That's what spooked Azor."
"I see." Raiden's face turned angular. "Anything else?"
Ava shook her head, her hazy mind already turning sharper. "I think that's enough for one day. It was weird."
Especially that last blast. It had been too close.
His fingers trailed along her brows, resting against her cheek. He stared at her for a long time. "I'm glad you're okay."
Ava's heart did a weird little flip. "Same."
"When they told me you'd been in an accident…" He trailed off, working his jaw. The energy around him shifted. He was angry. Very angry.
"I'm okay."
"You're lying in a bed after you got thrown off your horse," he hissed, before reining himself in and closing his eyes. When he opened them again, some of the shadows had vanished from his gaze. "I'm going to postpone the ceremony until—"
Ava grabbed his hand. See? She was okay. "No."
She did not come all the way to the Capital, with its rules and traditions and maddening efficiency, to postpone anything. The preparations were in full swing. The cooking had started a week ago. The entire island was being decorated for the wedding. Everyone was going to celebrate.
Ava was going to lead these people one day. She was already a stranger from an enemy Clan. She wasn't planning on starting life as Crown Princess by disappointing an entire island.
Raiden sighed. "Nobody—"
"No postponing," Ava said, not leaving any room for argument. "And if you're having wedding jitters or a change of heart, you better say something now, when I'm too tired to tackle you."
A corner of his lips ticked up. "I can't wait to be married to you. Really married."
Ava relaxed. Yes, they were about to get really married, weren't they?
"You just make sure you have a good night's sleep the day before." She smiled up at him and she hoped it looked at least a bit seductive.
From the way his eyes darkened, it did.
The moment broke as footsteps neared the door.
"I have to go." Raiden brought her hand to his lips, kissing the back of her palm.
Ava leaned toward him, but he rose, schooling his features into a cold mask. This, Ava didn't like.
"Keep your switchblade close," he whispered.
"Always." Ava frowned. "Raiden...what's going on?"
"I'm going to find out." His brows slanted and his shoulders rolled back as the door opened. He gained five inches of height in one breath, as princely as ever.
A short man came into the room, dashing toward Ava's bed. The moment he stopped, he fell to his knees.
Okay, Ava was definitely getting rid of this little tradition as soon as her ass was in that throne.
"Your Grace, it's an honor to treat you," the man said, voice wavering slightly.
Ah, the doctor. "Thank you so much. What's your name?"
The man stood up and opened his mouth, but before he could get a word out, Raiden slashed a look his way. "Take care of her. With your life, if you have to."
Ava laughed. "He's joking."
"I'm not," Raiden went on in that same cool, detached voice. "The Syndicate will never forgive us if anything happens to her."
The doctor seemed non-plussed, too. "Nothing will, Your Highness. It's an honor to treat the future Princess."
"I. Am. Fine!" Ava ground out.
She did not like this side of the Capital. Not one bit.
With one last look at her, Raiden walked out. Ava scowled after him, before forcing a smile on her face and focusing back on the doctor.
"Excuse my future husband," she said. She liked the sound of that, though she wasn't a fan of his attitude today. Then again, if he'd been thrown off a horse, Ava would have probably been on edge, too. "He's in a mood."
But she was fine. Confused, but breathing. What had happened today and why had it frightened Raiden enough to warn her to carry a weapon?
Chapter Seventeen
AVA
Something was tickling Ava's bare shoulder.
Not something. A hand, gently trying to shake her awake.
Ava's hand shot underneath her pillow. Before she opened her eyes, she had the switchblade pressed against a taut, long neck—which vibrated with a laugh.
"I need to get you a new weapon. A bigger one." Raiden murmured, amused gaze trained on her face.
Ava blinked the sleep away—then narrowed her eyes playfully. "What are you doing in my room at midnight?"
"I have a surprise for you," he said.
Ava lowered her switchblade. "One that couldn't wait until tomorrow?"
"I was that excited," he drawled and rose to his full height. He looked even more formidable than during the day. "I hope you will be, too."
Oh, she already was. She had the barest of silk nighties on. If he turned the lights on, he'd instantly guess all the depraved thoughts that burned through her mind. Raiden taking off his jacket, letting his hair loose, and leaning over her. Tasting her shoulder. Arching against—
A shadow in the corner caught her eye. "Who's there?"
"I'd like you to meet Seleka," Raiden said as a figure emerged from the darkness.
A woman. A dangerous one. She moved like an assassin. Impassive. There were strength and fierceness in those dark brown muscled hands peeking from underneath her white shirt. She had twin daggers resting on a belt against her hip; they gleamed in the moonlight.
"She’d one of the best fighters I've ever met and the most feared mercenary of our generation," Raiden went on. "She’s also former Brotherhood."
A corner of Seleka’s lips quirked. “Thank the heavens.”
Ava inhaled sharply. If you wanted to leave a Clan, you had to accomplish the impossible first. A mission nobody else dared to even prepare for. "Wow."
Seleka nodded, the shaved sides of her head glistening the moonlight. "Thank you."
"Nice to meet you." Finally. Ava was getting sick and tired of everyone in the Capital pretending they weren't death-bringing machines. She liked this Seleka already. But…"I don't mean to be rude, but what are you two doing in my room?"
"Seleka here has graciously accepted my offer and agreed to leave her mercenary ways behind for a few months and be your bodyguard." Raiden smiled, and it was so different from all the charming grins he sent Ava's way during the day. This one wasn't guarded. It didn't have an edge.
"Why would I need a bodyguard?" Ava frowned. As the future Crown Princess, wasn't she supposed to be protected by all the Brotherhood?
"To help me sleep better at night. Who knows what cliff you'll decide to climb next? And I thought you'd be more at ease around Seleka, since she doesn't answer to anyone else but you—and hates all of us Brotherhood."
Seleka nodded with a grin.
"So I won't be the only outsider?" A huge grin split Ava's face. Finally. A sister in mischief. Someone to complain with when the Brotherhood was being ridiculous and annoying.
"Sort of," Seleka said. Curt. To the point. None of that "Your Grace" and kneeling and all those rules and traditions that took up so much damn time, Ava wondered how anybody got anything done with all the politeness.
"And you'll be living here with me? You need to tell me what room you like. I’ll get it ready right now. If there are any non-black sheets in this house, I swear I’ll find them for you.”
Seleka frowned. “If you want to…”
“I do.” She really, really did. Everyone was so careful around her. Seleka seemed like the kind who wouldn’t mind bringing her back down to earth if Ava’s head grew too big. “It’s really nice to meet you.”
Excited, Ava jumped onto her knees.
Bad move. The duvet fell, exposing her nightgown. Raiden's gaze instantly flashed to her breasts and lingered for a breath before he quickly averted it.
But it was too late. Ava had seen the way his pupils had dilated. The way his lips had parted, as if he wanted to lick them. Or her. Ava wouldn't complain about either option.
But knowing he wanted her? And trying to be discreet about it? It shot a burning wave of pleasure straight through her.
Her nipples hardened. The room suddenly felt too hot.
But he'd wanted patience, hadn't he?
She retreated under the duvet, yanking it all the way up to her chin. She could swear Raiden sighed. Ava smirked.
"I've never had a bodyguard until now, so you'll have to teach me what's okay and what's not," she said.
Seleka nodded with what looked like a hint of a smile.
"But I do have one request." Ava plopped down onto her pillow, looking at Raiden from underneath her eyelashes. "If the Crown Prince ever comes into my room to wake me up, you're allowed to restrain him however you see fit until the morning."
Seleka hummed in delight. "Done."
Raiden mock-gasped, his smile widening. "This is the thanks I get for thinking of your safety?"
His eyes found hers in the darkness. Ava's body flushed.
It wasn't fair that he made her redden and fidget and long for him with only one look.
But Ava wasn't as naive as the Syndicate had wanted her to believe.
She could do this. She could do this. She could—
She parted her lips and licked them. Then, despite her blush getting worse and her heart trying to beat itself out of her chest, she forced herself to say, in the raspiest voice she had in her, "I'll thank you on our wedding night."
Chapter Eighteen
AVA
Ava sat down in front of the mirror, much too excited. What was happening to her?
You met Raiden, that's what.
Yes, she had. And despite everything, she'd started liking the Crown Prince. A bit too much.
But it wasn't all that bad, was it? After today's formal ceremony, they'd get married tomorrow. The Brotherhood had a lot of traditions to bring both good and bad luck before a wedding, but actually liking your future husband couldn't have been a bad omen, could it?
But her excitement instantly vanished when Marcella approached her with what looked like a hairpin from hell. And she was aiming it straight at Ava's head.
"What are you doing?" She ducked before Marcella had a chance to impale her scalp.
Marcela tsked. "Getting you ready for the ceremony, Your Grace. I'm going to make you look even more beautiful. The most gorgeous person in that room."
Heaven help her, Ava wanted to look beautiful. She was going to be gawked at regardless, might as well put on a good show.
But she couldn't compare to the beauties she'd seen in the Capital even if she prayed herself sick for it.
"You can try, but Kimbra will be there. Can't compete with her no matter how much make-up we cake on."
Marcella exchanged a long glance with Seleka in the mirror.
"What's going on?" Ava asked, furrowing her brows.
"Nothing," Seleka said at last, motioning for Marcella to continue.
Marcella nodded, more to herself, as if getting ready for battle. "Don't worry about Kimbra, Your Grace. Once I'm done with you, nobody will be looking her way, especially the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince.
Ava sighed, like the lovestruck ninny she was.
When she'd come here, it had been about keeping peace and safety. Her plan had been simple.
Accept her fate. Numb herself, like she had done back home, every day, for the gre
ater good.
But the bastard had managed to sneak into her soul, bit by bit. And last time they spoke, the look he'd given her made Ava believe, for a second, that maybe she'd snuck into his heart, too.
Against all odds, maybe they could be happy.
They had to get married. Was it so bad that they'd go through with it with smiles instead of frowns?
Marcella had kept her promise. Ava looked nothing like herself.
She was draped in a floor-length white and golden robe that trailed embarrassingly long behind her.
Her hair had been pinned in an elaborate bun and embellished with so many gold chains and flowers, she could barely keep her head straight.
Her face had been painted and blushed beyond recognition. No lips had ever been this red, she was sure of it.
She was done up way more than at her first wedding. But now, she liked it. Because she wasn't walking toward Darius this time. Raiden was waiting for her.
She twisted her fingers together, careful not to jostle the many rings Marcella had insisted she wear. Ava wished she could play her nerves away with the switchblade. But she'd decided against hiding it in her dress today. For once, she finally felt safe.
It was a weird sensation to feel after a year of feeling nothing but exposed.
After all, who would threaten her? Her future wedding guests? Her in-laws? Her husband?
She'd smiled so much throughout the day, Seleka had asked her if she'd been drinking.
A damn giggle escaped Ava's throat, echoing in the small alcove she'd been escorted into. To make a grand entrance for the ceremony, Marcella had said.
If Ava didn't trip on this dress while she walked into the throne room, she'd consider it a win. And she definitely couldn't think about what had happened the last time she was here, because she didn't need more blushing right now.
The announcer kept talking, grave voice gliding through the entire room, like he had for the last fifteen minutes. His face must've been redder than her lips by now.
