Page 94

He considered her. “No, actually, I don’t think he did. In fact, he was absolutely furious about it.”

“And why was that?”

“Because his life had changed. He was mated, and able to live in the world of the humans for as long as he liked.”

“So you don’t believe this was an elaborate plot to return to Otherworld to avenge his wrongs?”

“Not at all. He only came back to stop them getting his mate.” His gaze scanned the table. “You all know that. I told you.”

“Yes, you did, with your usual ability to play both sides.” The king looked across at his mother-in-law. “He was working for me, too.”

“I knew that. He is also in the pay of the Dark Lord.”

The white-haired man nodded. “The dark king likes to keep an eye on his progeny, as well. After the rift developed with his family here, the king was rather disappointed that Death Bringer didn’t bring his outstanding talents straight to him.” He looked over at Vadim. “The offer still stands, my boy.”

“Over my dead body.” The Fae king snapped. “I’ve spent my entire existence keeping him out of your foul realm.”

Spencer held up his hands. “Can we resume? I have a question for Rossa myself, if I may.”

“Of course.” Rossa was all smiles again.

“You believe Death Bringer will do anything necessary to safeguard his mate?”

“Naturally.”

“Would he kill for her?” He glanced down at his notes. “Is it true that he threatened to annihilate his entire family if Adam was allowed to complete his task and steal Ms. Walsh’s face?”

Rossa’s smile disappeared. “Adam went back on our agreement, so technically Death Bringer is in the right if he wishes to claim vengeance. But I don’t see him carrying out his threat yet, do you?”

“That’s because he’s been restrained since he got here.”

“I suspect he’s just allowing you to restrain him until he gets what he wants.”

“Which is?”

“His mate’s safety.”

“Which brings us back to the point of this trial, the deaths of other family members who stood in his way, Nia and Ciaran.” Spencer paused. “So if, as you state, Death Bringer is prepared to execute his entire family to defend his mate, killing off a couple more of them wouldn’t be a big deal to him, would it? Thank you, Rossa.”

Rossa gave Ella a slight apologetic shrug as he walked past, and she glared at him. It was no wonder there hadn’t been anyone pursuing her. Rossa had been spying for everyone. She’d been merrily entertaining her keeper all by herself. She glanced impatiently over at Spencer. Were they going to call her as a witness, or was she just supposed to sit around and watch them annihilate Vadim? It was hardly fair.

“The court calls Adam.”

“What the hell?” Ella blurted out.

She sat up as her least favorite person in the world appeared in front of the judge. A hand clamped down on her shoulder and she glared up at the guard.

“Adam, I believe you have evidence that is relevant to this trial.”

“I do, sir. I am also confident that anything that is revealed within these walls will stay here.”

“As we agreed.” Spencer smiled. “Then please continue. Why were you hunting trophies in the human world?”

“It’s nothing new. We’ve been hunting there for centuries.”

“But why did you involve my grandson?” the old queen asked.

“Because of the nature of the request.”