Page 27

Arrik’s eyes narrowed and he scanned the surrounding area. A hooded man stood between the hedges of the elaborate garden to the prince’s left. Shane slowly melted into foliage.

Things must be dire if Shane had come from the palace.

Arrik moved through the darkness, tailing his second-in-command. The prince made sure no one noticed his departure, and entered the labyrinth of exotic brush, trees, and flowers.

Shane pushed his hood back slightly so Arrik could see his gray eyes glittering in the moonlight.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded.

“Cathal caught wind of the rebel camp and has sent men in.”

The prince cursed underneath his breath. Did Cathal have a spy amongst the rebels too? “How close are they?”

“Close enough that your wife and our plan is in danger. Cathal can’t get his hands on her. It would be better if she were dead than for your brother to capture her.”

It wasn't great news, but he could get in touch with his spy within the rebellion and get the camp moved in a matter of hours.

He eyed Shane. There was another reason his friend was here. “What else? You wouldn’t have made the journey just for that.”

Shane sighed and pushed his long black hair from his face. “I received news that some Vadonese agents have slipped into Verlanti and are seeking to unite with the rebellion.”

Devil take it. Just what he needed.

“We need to move our timeline up.”

“My thoughts exactly. Do you think your wife will go for it?” Shane crossed his arms. “You’ve made a show of hunting for her everywhere. She’s no friend of yours.”

“She’ll have no choice. This is bigger than her vengeance. She’ll make the right decision.”

He hoped.

“That’s surprisingly optimistic of you. You really think she won’t kill you on the spot? You trust her that much?”

Arrik chuckled.

He trusted no one but he was an expert at reading people. His dear wife had a heart of gold and was merciful despite her temper. Did he trust her? No. Did he think bringing her in was worth the gamble? Yes.

If she didn’t kill him.

Shane gave him a thoughtful look. “The dragon lass got to you, didn’t she?”

More than Arrik wanted to admit. There was something about the fierce princess that he couldn’t help but admire and covet. He wanted topossessher.

Dangerous thoughts.

“She’s a tool, nothing more.” It tasted like a lie.

“Don’t lie to me. Lies among allies will get everyone killed.”

Arrik grunted. "I desire her.”

“Nothing wrong with wanting your wife. Downright natural if you ask me.”

It was more than that. He wanted to keep Wren. But he couldn’t. And she didn’t want him anyway. In her eyes, he was a monster, and for good reason.

Arrik didn’t deserve the princess. All he would do was sully her with all the darkness he kept inside. He had too much blood on his hands to possess someone so precious.

“She’d stab me before she’d let me close.” He shook his head, the silver beads in his hair clinking softly. “It would just muddle things to take her to bed.”