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CHAPTER EIGHT

Ryker

My father smiled as he waved a hand around the room. “I was a wealthy man before I built this palace; I am more so now. The Ghoul War isn’t the only thing that emptied Tempest’s coffers.”

I was pretty sure my teeth would crack from grinding them together. This piece of shit would soon pay for everything he’d done.

“I still don’t understand why he didn’t tell me about her existence,” I muttered.

“That’s between you and your hero, but I can only assume he either didn’t want you to think less of him for hiding his bastard child or, more likely, he was afraid you’d fight us all to put her on the throne because, by all rights, she is the true heir. However, doing such a thing will get you killed.”

As much as I didn’t like giving him credit for anything, my father had probably hit the nail on the head. If Leo had told me about his daughter’s existence, after his death, I would have found her and either put her further into hiding or brought her here to put her on the throne.

By all rights, I should support her rise to queen, but not if it was at my father’s side. Rightful heir and Leo’s daughter or not, I’d kill her to keep him from wearing the crown.

“Does she know of your plans?” I inquired.

“There’s no reason for her to know.”

“It is her life you’re playing with.”

“It will be our lives from now on, Ryker.”

How he said it with such blatant, false sweetness made my stomach churn. This woman had no idea what she was in for; she was Leo’s daughter, the last part of him, and I couldn’t let her fall into my father’s trap.

“You can try turning her against me, son,” my father said as he walked past me. “I’ve already told her how much you hate me. It makes her sad that you blame me for your mother’s infidelity and subsequent banishment from my home.”

My hands fisted as I turned to discover him sitting in his chair before the fire filled with various magical colors. “My mother was never unfaithful to you.”

He lifted his glass of cartha and sipped from it. His eyes glistened with amusement when they met mine.

“How would you know? You were just a boy.”

“She never cheated on you, and we both fucking know it. You can tell yourself that, and you can tell others that, but we know the truth. You killed her because you’d already gotten what you wanted out of her.”

“A troll killed her.”

“And you had something to do with it. I have no doubt.”

“Why would I kill her? As you said, I’d already gotten what I wanted out of her.”

I didn’t bother to respond. I wasn’t going to play into his games or lies, and I wouldn’t stand by and watch him do to Leo’s daughter what he’d done to my mother.

“Good day, Father.”

I had to get out of the room before I killed him. If I did that, everything we’d accomplished by robbing the king yesterday would be for nothing. I couldn’t blow it all up by destroying him now.

I had to get to Ellery to straighten things out between us and because I craved her calming presence. Only she could pacify the rising storm inside me.

“You will join us for supper, Ryker,” he stated.

“No, I won’t.”

“I expect you there at six, and so does your stepmother. It’s time the two of you spent some time together.”

His words caused me to turn back to him. “Stepmother?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? We’re engaged.”