Kian grabs my hand and presses a soft kiss to it. “Until we meet again, my la?—”
“Raelyn,” I interrupt.
A devilish smirk makes him far too delectable for words, and I can’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach as he replies, “Farewell, Raelyn.”
Chapter Fifteen
KIAN
My steps are light as I rush back through the gardens to my horse. While my visit did not quite go to plan, this new development sends a thrill through me. Perhaps I’m a fool to betroth myself to a woman who doesn’t actually want to be with me, but I’m no stranger to foolish choices. The arrangement should at least appease my father and improve Lady Raelyn’s quality of life.
I look to the sky and curse; the sun has disappeared behind the tree line, indicating that I have dallied far too long. Another shipment is expected this evening, and my alter ego has plans to disrupt it. As much as it pains me, I promised Alex he could come along this time. A trial run to see if he can keep up.
My mind drifts back to Raelyn . . . Gods, I really hope this marriage isn’t a mistake. Despite all the unanswered questions, I believe her to be a cunning thing. I will need to be extra careful to not let her get caught up in my work as the Shadow.
Memories of Raelyn holding me at knifepoint in the study that night weeks ago flash before my eyes, putting thoughts in my head I dare not dwell on . . . but those curves pressed upagainst me? I swear under my breath. That is not what we just agreed to. Besides, being the Shadow is what matters most—saving my people and finding the lost god. Getting distracted by a beautiful woman will not do. Even if she is my wife . . . especially if she is my wife. Better for her to believe the lies about my playboy persona and keep her at a distance.
“Welcome back,Your Highness. I realize you just got here, but His Majesty has requested your presence in his wing immediately upon your return.”
I hold back a groan as Giles delivers the unwanted missive. Time is already short. The last thing I want is another lecture from my father.
“Can you pretend you didn’t see me?” I joke.
Giles looks around uncomfortably. “I’m afraid not, Your Highness.”
“Fine then. I’ll head there immediately.”
Almost as if he doesn’t trust me, Giles follows behind as I climb the stairs and veer to the right instead of the left toward my wing. Perhaps if I inform Father of my upcoming betrothal, he’ll be too happy to lecture me.
Pushing open the door to his favorite sitting room, I’m surprised to see my brother in deep discussion with Father. With his child due in the next week or two, I thought Colin and his wife, Juliana, would be sequestered on our country estate, far away from the noise of court.
It bothers me that we’ve grown apart. Once he was bound, his new wife became his entire world and he completely shut me out. That and his seeming lack of care for our people hasmade me keep my distance. Every once in a while, I find myself wishing things were different, that we could be as close as we’d once been.
“Kian!” my father calls out. “We were just discussing you.”
Fantastic.What did I do this time?
“Good evening, Father, Colin.”
“Have a seat, my boy,” Father says jovially. He must be deep in his cups.
I sit on the edge of the settee, nodding when my brother holds up an empty tumbler. Something tells me I’m going to need this drink.
“Where are you coming from?” Father asks.
Better now than later, I guess. “I was at House Astoria.”
My brother frowns. “Why in the gods’ names were you there?”
“I was hoping to discuss a marriage contract with Lord Astoria. Unfortunately for me, he was not home.”
The king laughs. “I could have told you that. His business for me took him quite a distance.”
Well shit. This could definitely put a damper on my plans.
“Did you say marriage contract?” my brother asks.
“Yes. Haven’t you heard? Father demanded I marry by the end of the season.”
