Page 151 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“I’m sure you’ve heard plenty,” I said without inflection.

His smile curled—that sharp, knowing grin that always set me on edge. “Well, this one’s a little concerning. I’m told Remy is alive... and a noble.”

I stiffened, fingers curling into fists at my sides. “He’s alive. Everything I knew about him was a lie, and I have no idea who he truly is.”

“He used you,” Cyran said with a faint chuckle, as though it amused him. “Used you to get to me.”

“Yes,” I muttered, hating the way the admission tasted on my tongue.

“Clever,” Cyran said with something almost like approval. “It’s a shame he’s loyal to the king.”

I kept my expression neutral. I wasn’t sure what to believe about Remy’s true loyalty, but I knew better than to hand my father that doubt.

“Has he tried to reestablish relations with you?” Cyran’s voice was casual, but the glint in his eyes sharpened.

“No,” I answered, and that part was true.

Cyran’s gaze narrowed. “Could you?”

My nails dug into my palms. “No.”

“You’re lying.” His voice hardened, and my temper flared.

“It doesn’t matter if I could,” I snapped. “I wouldn’t go near that asshole if he was the last man on earth.”

“Don’t let emotion play into this,” Cyran warned, his tone colder now. “He played you. He was better. But you could even the playing field.”

“I’m not playing a game,” I growled. “Not for you. Not for anyone.” I turned for the door.

“You’re wrong,” Cyran called after me. “Whether you like it or not, you’ve always been a piece on this board.”

I turned back toward Cyran, my boots scuffing against the stone floor. My voice shook with barely restrained fury.

“I’m out,” I said, meeting his cold, calculating gaze. “I will either become a fully-bonded rider, or I’ll die trying. Either way, I won’t be your pawn.”

Cyran huffed, the sound bitter and sharp. “You were always a pawn. But now,” he sneered, “you’re being an idiot. I didn’t realize you’d be swayed by a little power and a fancy title.”

“A fancy title?” I scoffed, my voice rising. “I almost die on the daily! It would have been safer to become an assassin. Being a rider isn’t all sweet treats and puppy dogs!”

His lip curled. “You’re young and immature. You can’t see the full picture. It was too soon to send you in, but the damage is done. You’ll report to me, or?—”

“Or what?” I shot back, my fists trembling at my sides. “Let me make this simple for you—I QUIT!”

Cyran’s face twisted with rage, and for a heartbeat, I wondered if he’d draw the blade hidden beneath his desk. Hiseyes burned with that cold, ruthless calculation I’d seen too many times—the look he wore just before deciding who lived and who died.

“You think walking away is that easy?” he hissed. “You think you can just wash your hands of your family?”

“I don’tthinkanything,” I said tightly. “I know. I’m done with you, done with your games, and done being manipulated.”

“You’re a fool,” he growled. “You’re playing right into their hands. The royals will use you just like I did.”

“Maybe,” I said, shrugging. “But at least they won’t sell me off to the highest bidder like livestock.”

I spun on my heel, ignoring the way his chair scraped violently against the floor as he stood. My heart pounded, but I forced my steps to stay steady.

“You’ll regret this,” Cyran called after me. “When they come for you—when you realize you’ve thrown away the only people willing to protect you—you’ll regret this.”

I paused in the doorway, gripping the frame tight enough that my knuckles went white. But I glanced back at him.