Page 16 of The Broken Prince

“That’s something he should do, regardless,” Huntley said. “Because his actions were dishonorable.”

Avice flinched, not used to Huntley treating her like a peasant rather than a family member. “And he said I have to end my relationship with him and work on our marriage. But that’s barbaric.”

Huntley’s eyes shifted to me again.

I inhaled a deep breath and begged with my eyes. Huntley was about justice and fairness, honesty and truth, about leading with integrity even when no one was watching. He’d inherited his sense of honor from our father, who ruled his people with the same moral compass. To agree to this was against everything Huntley stood for.

But family was more important than anything, even his honor…at least I hoped.

His stare was subtly angry, pissed off that I’d put him in this situation.

I gave him a slight nod and mouthed, “Please.”

He lowered his gaze back to Avice. “General Macabre was barbaric when he spoke to Steward Rolfe with such disrespect, when he gloated about his relationship with you, a married woman, Stewardess Rolfe. It’s an insult to the army of HeartHolme to have someone with such questionable character lead. If General Macabre wants his position reinstated, you must adhere to these terms.”

Avice stepped away, clearly in shock that Huntley had issued such a ruthless ruling. Then she looked at me, as if she expected me to be surprised too. When neither of us spoke, she walked off and departed the bedchambers.

Huntley stared me down for minutes, waiting until he had complete certainty that she had left the castle. He stepped toward me, his eyes showing all the anger he didn’t need to state verbally.

“Thank you.”

“I betrayed my integrity for you.”

“I know—”

“Get your wife back, Ian. And don’t fuck it up this time.”

FIVE

HUNTLEY

Elora finished securing the armor to the dragons, midnight black to blend into the darkness. “They have a matte finish, so they won’t reflect the moonlight and give away your position.”

“Thank you.” I admired Storm in his black armor, the metal fitting him properly now that Elora had accommodated his bigger size. Ian would ride Cannon, a dragon that was deep purple, a dark color. He was a suitable replacement for Pyre, whom I had sent to Delacroix to protect my family and the Kingdoms. Are you sure you want to do this?

Storm turned his head to regard me with his large eyes. I’m the only dragon I trust to protect you.

My hand rested on his cheek. We’ll protect each other.

Ian joined us, dressed fully in his battle armor, his broadsword and bow and arrows across his back, his daggers on his belt. He donned his helmet when he came closer, the black plate protecting his entire head, except his eyes.

I walked up to him. “What did Avice say?”

“We haven’t spoken.”

I’d expected her to submit to the demands immediately, but she must have decided to discuss it with Macabre. “Can you do this?”

“Yes.”

“This is life and death—”

“She’s gone from my mind, Huntley.” He gripped me by the arm. “We need to discover the threat to the east to protect our families and our people. I’m with you.” After a hard stare, he released me.

That was enough to convince me.

Mother approached, the worry hidden from her features with the exception of her eyes. Like all mothers, she feared for the safety of her sons, even if one was a king and one was a steward, even if they were accompanied by dragons. “A true king serves his people, watches the border as they sleep in their warm beds, worries for their well-being as if they were his own children. You’ve done that—and your father would be proud.”

“Thank you, Mother.”