“Whoa,” they murmured, his voice calm and coaxing.
They eased the horse’s pace until we fell into a rough trot, the black beast’s wild energy ebbing.
My legs gave way, and I slipped.
Something snared me by my waist, hauling me upright, crushing me to a broad chest—the rider steadied both horses into the courtyard. My legs dangled, feet brushing the side of the horse, while I clutched his arm as though it were a lifeline.
“Thank you!” The words escaped in a breathless squeak, and I ducked under his jaw as he glanced over the expanse.
“Greaves.”
The single name struck like a hammer, freezing my pulse in horror.
The king’s guard rode up, dark eyes blazing as he seized the runaway horse’s bridle, yanking it aside with barely restrained fury. He glared at the animal, his jaw set, refusing me even a glance.
Kallias shifted beneath me, his powerful thigh flexing as he dismounted inone fluid motion that carried us both to the ground. He caught my weight as I staggered against him, savoring the last seconds I had before I forced myself to look up.
Shame burned my cheeks as my gaze met his glacial blue stare, shadowed and stern beneath a furrowed brow. His fingers brushed the corner of my mouth, a thumb grazing where blood clung to my skin, his jaw clenched in outrage.
I swallowed, stepping back to steel myself, then lifted my chin. “The horse got away from–”
“Where is Tallon?” he interrupted, the quiet command in his voice sharper than a shout.
I sucked in a sharp breath, my nerves morphing into irritation. “Yoursonwas offering exclamations of excitement as my steed tore off,Your Majesty.” I snarled. If he wanted to cut me off, so be it. I could be just as rude.
His eye twitched, his grip tightening, reminding me he still held me close.
“Are you well?” he asked, the faintest pause before his gaze flicked down my disheveled dress.
“Well enough,” I shot back, stepping away, my shoulders squared. “Perhaps next time, consider a better trainer for your war horses.”
“You made it!”
Tallon’s voice cut through the tension, drawing our attention. He and his guard entered the courtyard, his grin faltering as he noticed his father standing by my side.
“That beast is the fastest in the stables—no way we could’ve caught him.” He laughed, the sound as casual as if we’d all shared some harmless joke.
“You–”
Kallias’ hand clamped onto my arm before I could unleash the retort gathering on my tongue. I turned, ready to shake him off, to rage against his interference—but the fury seething in his gaze stilled me. Raw, controlled wrath blazed across his face as he released me, stalking toward his son.
“Down.”
The single, frigid word left the prince white-faced, and he slid from the saddle without protest. Kallias loomed over him, one hand gripping his shoulder in a punishing grasp, his fingers digging deep until Tallon winced. The king leaned close, his voice too low for me to hear, his expression lethal.
Whatever he said, it transformed the prince’s gaze, his once-sharp eyes narrowing as they found mine. I shivered beneath the venom in his stare.
Now I understood what Ronan meant when he warned me of Tallon’s immaturity. But couldn’t my brother have warned me of the extent of his stupidity? He was more than a spoiled brat—he was cruel, with a streak of malice that ran deep. I wanted nothing to do with him or his kind.
Kallias’ grip tightened, drawing a grunt from his son before allowing him to shrug free. The prince slunk back, his defiance blunted by his father’s warning, but the king didn’t spare him another glance.
He turned to me instead, the golden yoke at his neck swaying with his movement. His jaw flexed as he closed the distance, his steps deliberate, carrying an unspoken command I could feel settle in the air. For the first time, I hoped he’d dismiss me—to order me to my chambers, away from Tallon and his dark moods. I longed for the safety of my rooms and the loyal presence of my handmaidens.
The king’s gaze softened for a fraction, as if he sensed the exhaustion beneath my composure. He jerked his chin toward the palace in silent agreement, and I turned at his side, leaving Tallon behind. Kallias’ hand rested at the small of my back, his touch steady, guiding me farther from the prince.
Away from the man I was supposed to marry.
Hours later, with my face washed and fresh clothes free of horse hair and sweat, I slipped out of my chambers. Edith protested in vain, but I ignored her, gliding past as I left. If Tallon attended council meetings, so would I. I might despise him for his cruelty, but he was the future king of Radaan, and I intended to rule beside him, not waste away as some broodmare forgotten in the shadows.
