Page 11 of The Broken Prince

Ian stayed out of the conversation, remaining quiet.

“He hasn’t tried to feed off her, so he’s not a monster to her—”

“This conversation is over.” I rose to my feet and started to pace the room, my heart beating so hard it was like a drum against my ribs. I looked out the window to the cold world beyond, knowing I had more important matters than a possible suitor for my daughter. “I’ll travel to the east on Storm to see what I discover in those lands. I’ll take another dragon rider with me.”

“And that rider will be me,” Ian said.

“One of us needs to stay behind.”

“And as King of Kingdoms, it should be you.” Ian rose from the chair and regarded me. “I’m the one who should be risking my life.”

“There’s no one I trust more than myself.” I didn’t want to rely on someone else’s efforts. I didn’t want someone to give up and turn back when the task proved difficult.

“And there’s no one I trust to protect you more than myself,” Ian said. “So, we both go—and Mother will lead in our stead.”

“My mind is sharp as ever,” Mother said. “But I can’t wield a blade as I did before.”

I stared at my brother, preferring him to stay behind. “I need you to look after my family if I don’t return.”

“No one is going to watch your back like I will,” Ian said. “We do this together.” He stared me down.

I stared back.

His gaze was confident, like no argument would change his mind.

I finally gave a nod.

He gave a nod in return.

“But that means General Macabre needs to be reinstated.” The second I said that, Ian’s eyes twitched, doing his best to focus on my stare when he wanted to dart them elsewhere. “Why have you stripped him of his title?”

Ian stared for a long time before he answered. “Because he’s a shitty general. I’ve found a replacement.”

“What was his treason?” Mother asked. “He’s faithfully served HeartHolme his entire adult life—”

“As the steward of HeartHolme, I decide who serves in our armies and who leads our armies. I don’t need to justify my decision to anyone.” He looked at me. “Not even you. I will have the replacement in position shortly.” He walked off. “Let’s prepare for the journey. We’ll leave at nightfall—so we can travel undetected through the skies.”

* * *

I entered his bedchambers, a sprawling section of the castle fit for a king more than a steward. It used to house his entire family, but now it was just him, and the space felt too large for a single man.

He stepped into the foyer, already wearing his heavy armor even though we wouldn’t leave for hours. “What is it, Huntley?”

“I want to talk about General Macabre now that Mother isn’t in the room.” Crucial details were being omitted from the conversation, and it was imperative I knew the truth. “Because if General Macabre really has betrayed HeartHolme, he’ll be put to death—by me. So tell me, do we have a traitor in our midst?”

Ian released a sigh, a long and slow one.

“Ian—”

“No.” He continued to avoid my gaze.

“Then why have you dismissed him with dishonor?”

Ian dropped his shoulders and stepped away, slowly pacing as he carried the weight of his armor like it was suddenly heavy. “A personal matter, and I’d prefer it if you didn’t pry—”

“I have to pry when your actions are unkingly. Now tell me what he’s done.”

“He’s fucking my wife.” He turned back to me, his features more hostile than they’d ever been. The skin of his face was tugged off his bone, and his eyes were vicious like sharp swords on the battlefield.