Page 29

Ryker

The long, winding corridors were quiet as I made my way toward the healer’s quarters. Secluded from the main dining hall and the bustling guest chambers, the healer’s wing lay at the farthest end of the palace.

It was well past midnight, and the only discernible sound in the darkness was the echo of distant footfalls from the patrolling guards.

Tonight, the isolation suited my needs.

I couldn’t risk curious ears overhearing what they should not, or questioning glances perceiving more than they should.

As the door to the healer’s quarters came into view, I pulled the hood of my cloak back, allowing the faint shimmer of moonlight to illuminate my features.

My father’s ambitions and Cadence’s disobedience fueled the storm lurking inside me. I could feel the tension pulling tight across my shoulders as I rapped my knuckles against the heavy oak door.

Whoever stood on the other side would know exactly which version of their prince they faced tonight.

When the door creaked open, it revealed a young woman, bleary-eyed and disheveled, as she blinked up at me. Her eyes widened with recognition, and she bowed hastily, her soft golden curls bouncing as they fell over her shoulder.

“Your Highness,” she stammered as she dipped even lower into her bow. “How may I be of service to you?”

Without waiting for the woman to straighten, I marched into the antechamber behind her and crossed my arms over my chest.

“I need to speak with your matron,” I demanded.

“Of course, Your Highness,” the woman said, as she twisted her fingers in front of her.

I arched an impatient brow, and she flinched before spinning around and darting from the room.

I perused the medicinal herbs that hung along the walls to cure as I waited. The scent of turmeric, sage, and mint filled the air. To most, the aromas would be calming. Tonight, they were cloying and oppressive, as if they sat in judgment of my intentions.

Something sharp tugged at the center of my chest, and I reached up to rub at the spot.

Was that… guilt?

I shook my head as if that would ease the sensation. Before I could sink further into the strange feeling, the young woman returned with another Fae in tow. Her hair was as white as snow, and her eyes were as sharp as any bird of prey. She looked up at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity, but more importantly… suspicion.

A smile curved the corner of my mouth despite myself. She was correct in questioning my intentions.

“This is Mistress Odette,” the younger woman said.

“Thank you, Gemma,” Odette murmured. “You may return to your quarters.”

Gemma gave me a final cursory glance before she bowed and left the room.

Odette continued to assess me as the silence stretched between us. I had to admit, I admired her obstinance.

“Your Highness,” she said, breaking the tension. “This is unexpected. What brings you to me at this hour?”

I stepped forward, invading her space as I towered over her. Odette stared up at me, her neck craning as she kept her gaze focused on me.

She knew a predator when she saw one.

My admiration for her soared. Battle-hardened warriors were less daring.

“What I need from you requires a certain level of discretion,” I murmured.

She raised her brows, her interest piqued, as she folded her hands before her.

“Discretion is but one of our many talents here in the healer’s wing, Your Highness.” Her tone was low but measured.

“A woman is staying in my quarters.” I paused and waited for her to confirm she knew of whom I spoke.

When she dipped her head in acknowledgment, I continued. “She receives the daily fertility tonic as part of her morning regime.”

My gaze hardened on Odette, and she shifted her weight from foot to foot.

“I am told that you prepare them.”

Odette nodded, understanding beginning to dawn in her eyes.

“Yes, that is correct,” she intoned. “It is standard for the courtesans of high-ranking members of the Unseelie Court to wish to avoid pregnancy during their time with their benefactors.”

A low growl rumbled from my chest, and Odette retreated a step before she could stop herself.

“Cadence is not a courtesan,” I snarled. “Refer to her like that again, and you will find yourself seeking employment elsewhere. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I reached a hand over my head and pulled my neck in the opposite direction. A sharp crack shattered the tense silence, and I mirrored the motion on the other side. The action went some way to alleviate my anger. I forced myself to remember that I needed this woman alive to carry out my plan.

When I returned my gaze to Odette, she was waiting patiently for me to continue. All traces of her earlier fear had vanished.

“I need you to prepare her tonic, as usual. However, I want you to alter it. Replace the ingredients with something harmless that mimics the taste, color, and texture exactly, but will not prevent pregnancy.”

Odette stared at me for the longest moment. My request caught her off guard, leaving her speechless.

Just as I thought she wouldn’t answer, she drew a breath and said, “Your Highness, forgive me, but shouldn’t we discuss this with your lady first?”

My palms clenched into fists, and I allowed my shadows to coat my eyes with obsidian. Odette swallowed, and her posture stiffened, but she did not back away from me.

Once more, I was forced to appreciate her resolve. Odette was fierce, and a woman like that made a better ally than an enemy.

Softening my tone, I tried again. “The situation is… complicated. If it helps ease your conscience, this is what’s best for her.”

Her gaze held mine, and I could see the conflict warring in her eyes. “Your Highness, I am a healer. What you are asking me to do goes against the oath I swore to protect those in my care.”

“And what of your oath to serve the Royal Family?”

I could always make Odette do as I commanded, but I knew her discretion would be more potent if she felt she played a willing role in my deception.

“I am loyal to the Monarchs, Your Highness,” she said, her voice softer now. “If this is your command, I shall do as you ask.”

I fought to contain the smile that threatened to spread across my face at my victory.

“Thank you, Odette. I will not forget your loyalty.”

I dipped my head in a slight bow and headed towards the door. When I reached for the handle, I paused and glanced back over my shoulder.

“I trust you know what happens if you breathe a word of this.”

Odette’s lips thinned, and she grimaced. “I do.”

“Excellent.”

I crossed the threshold of the healer’s wing and set off toward my chambers without another word. She may not like my methods, but once Cadence was carrying my heir, the future King of the Unseelie Fae, I’d be one step closer to ensuring she was untouchable.

As I slipped into the shadows of my quarters and saw Cadence curled up on my bed, sleeping peacefully, that same sharp tugging erupted from my chest.

It wasn’t guilt.

I was doing what needed to be done. Cadence thought she could escape me, but I would ensure she was bound to me so tightly she could never break free.

I would see this through, no matter the cost — even if that cost was my peace.