Page 60

The ceiling rises higher still above us, a domed cap soaring past the chandelier.

The carved banister curves inward to create a balcony overlooking the grand entryway.

Another mirrors it on the other side with a second set of ornate stairs.

I assume that’s the side of the castle where the royal family is housed. It is truly magnificent.

The deep blue carpet flows down the large hallway in front of me. The walls meet in a peak above where smaller versions of the crystal chandelier I saw before hang from the ceiling, sending more sparkles shimmering ahead of us.

“We had two rooms made up for you once we heard of your arrival,” Aamon says from ahead of us, sending a glance back.

Evander has not moved his hand from around my waist and for that I’m immensely grateful. I don’t know if I would have made it down this hallway, into the heart of the people who hate me, without his guiding, steady touch.

Doors line the hall, most of which are likely bedrooms, I think. Though every few hundred feet, the walls part on either side to shorter passages filled with more rooms—common areas, meeting rooms, and other gathering spots.

They are tucking us into the back of the castle, the last rooms in this unbelievably long hallway. My throat tightens as we near the end. It’s so far away from any external doors. Probably far away from wherever the entry to the dungeons is. So far from Nimai, and from my freedom.

“Ahhh, here we are,” Aamon croons, spinning on his heel and gesturing to the rooms across from one another. “I imagine you will find this room a bit nicer than your previous lodging in the guards’ quarters, Evander,” he says, attempting a dry bit of humor.

Evander lets out a short laugh. “I imagine I will.”

He stretches out his hand to clasp his father’s tightly, finally releasing his grip on my waist. I feel as if I might fall when he lets go, not realizing how much of my weight had been resting on his arm.

I falter on my feet for a moment before a strong hand clasps around my arm, holding me steady before my body loses balance completely.

I catch my footing and turn quickly, coming face to face with Luthais.

He smirks at me, his face uncomfortably close to mine. His hand is warm on my arm, and it makes my skin pebble with goosebumps.

“Careful, my lady.” His voice caresses my skin, sending a shiver through me. I feel as though someone has poured cool water over my spine.

“Thank you,” I manage between clenched teeth. I want to tear my arm from his firm grasp but hold myself back.

“It was my pleasure,” he purrs back at me, releasing me. My skin sears where he touched me, and I would not be surprised to see burn marks where his fingers had been mere moments before. I worry my gifts are boiling over if I feel so much with just a touch.

When I turn back around, both Evander and his father are staring back at us, watching the interaction. Evander’s eyes are narrowed, his gaze fixed on Luthais while Aamon’s flick between us, confusion plaguing his features.

“I lost my balance,” I explain. “I must be more tired than I thought.” I force out a small laugh and place my hands at my waist.

Aamon’s gaze softens. “Of course you are. I’ve had the servants draw you a bath and lay out some clean clothing for you.”

He walks over to me. Don’t run, don’t run . I keep repeating that in my head as he picks up my hand, the one with the ring, and looks at it closely. Does he recognize it? I wonder. He blinks a few times and looks back up at me.

“I’m so very happy you’ve come, Bria.” Bending down, he plants a chaste kiss on my cheek before stepping back.

“Oh, and I almost forgot.” The smile leaves his eyes, and I can see the man who betrayed my father. The killer who lurks beneath his skin. “Your sister arrived the other day. Such a happy coincidence.” He watches my face carefully as he speaks, inspecting me for any hint of knowledge about Nimai.

I bite down on my tongue so hard that it stings and copper floods my mouth. I will kill him.

“Nimai?” I question, flaring my eyes wide in feigned shock. “She’s here? Can I see her?” I let the words pour out, tipping them with excitement at the thought of seeing my sister.

He smiles once again, and it meets his eyes now. Maybe I’m not such a bad actress after all.

“I’m sure she’s already asleep by now, Bria. You and my son arrived very late this evening and most of the castle is in bed. But we can ensure you see her tomorrow. I give you my word.”

Aamon angles away from me and looks at his son.

“Shall we?” he asks, clasping his hands behind him.

Evander nods. “Of course. Allow me to say goodnight first, if I may,” he requests, holding his hand out in a gesture toward me.

Aamon chuckles. “Ahhh yes, say goodnight to your betrothed, Evander. Commander Keating and I will wait here for you.”

With that, Evander moves to place his hand on the small of my back again and opens the door to the room ahead of us.

I let him push me into the space and spin as he shuts the door behind him.

He presses a finger to his lips as I open my mouth to speak.

Evander closes the gap between us in a stride and wraps his arms around me, his mouth touching my ear.

“Quiet, Bria,” he warns, his voice a whisper.

I lay my hands on his chest and breathe. They are just outside the door. I need to remain calm. But panic is setting in now that I’m in the room. Fear is surging through my body, my heartrate increasing, my palms becoming sweaty and itching.

“You’re going to leave me in here?” I question, not daring to raise my voice. “And go with them? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I know the rising concern is conveyed in my words.

His heavy sigh brushes across the side of my neck, sending heat through me.

“What other choice is there? I must explain to him. He needs to believe this is real if we have any chance of it working,” he whispers, his hands tracing circles along my back as he speaks.

He’s right. I know that, but I still worry for him, going off with his father and Luthais. Knowing what they are capable of. So I nod, my cheek pressing against his.

“Please, be careful, Ev,” I say softly, my grip on his shirt tightening.

Evander pulls his face back to look at me, his lip tilting upward. He gives me only a hint of a smile as he draws a hand up to cup my cheek. The gesture makes my heart ache.

“You’re worried about me,” he teases, curling a lock of my hair in his fingers before tucking it back behind my ear.

I smack my hands into his chest, and he laughs, pulling me tighter into his body.

“You’re an ass.”

He chuckles. “I’ll be fine, Bria. I’ll be back to check on you later.” He brushes his lips across mine and I lean into it, deepening the kiss, taking in as much of him as I can. My fingers curl into his shirt and hold him close.

He breaks away and grabs my face in his hands before planting another soft kiss on my lips. But before I can pull him back for more, he turns and strides out the door. It clicks softly shut behind him and I rush to lock it.

I’m suddenly very aware of my surroundings.

I’m in the castle that belongs to the people who hate me. My only friend just walked out the door with two murderers. And my sister is somewhere far below me. In a dungeon.

Fuck.