Page 62 of A Tempest of Intrigue (Tempest of Shadows #4)

CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

Ryker

It took a couple of seconds for his words to sink in. And then I laughed. “Are you kidding me?”

“Your joining would make us the most powerful family in the realm. Me with the only female lightning bearer to ever exist, and you with Leo’s daughter.”

He’d never let such a thing happen, but he truly believed I was na?ve, gullible, or too stupid to see through this carrot he dangled before me. The man thought I was an idiot, but he really was.

“And Bria would be perfectly fine with you passing her off to someone else?” I asked. “I thought she was in love with you.”

“She’s whatever I want her to be.”

“How convenient.”

“She’s not a fool, Ryker. Unlike you, she understands the game.”

“What will the rest of the nobles think when you trade one fiancée for another?”

“They already know I’m better at the game than them.”

“I’m not marrying any woman, let alone her.”

How easily the lie fell from my lips. He tilted his head a little to the side as he studied me.

“It would give you more power in the realm,” he said.

“I don’t give a fuck about power in this zoo you’ve all created.”

He chuckled, and his eyes sparkled in a way that reminded me of a child pulling wings from a bug.

“And you’re one of the exhibits, but what if you didn’t have to be?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“If you bring me the female lightning bearer, I’ll let you out of Tempest.”

His words caused my breath to rush out of me. That was an offer I hadn’t seen coming, but it made sense; with a female lightning bearer at his side, he wouldn’t need me.

But would he set me free?

No, he wouldn’t.

He’d probably try to kill me if I brought him the female lightning bearer. Killing me would be far easier than having to deal with me, but if he could pretend, so could I.

“If I was allowed out, would I have to return?” I asked.

“No, and all your freedom will cost you is one female lightning bearer.”

I smiled at him. “That’s a small price to pay.”

Little did he know I’d die before I paid it, but he grinned at me like we’d just struck a deal.