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“I did not –”
“I’m not asking. You have two options, Luka. Chain me up downstairs with my would-be rapist or let me go with Ion.” When he makes to argue, I cut him off. “If you lock me in this room, I will simply climb out the window. I will not be caged anymore.”
“Rina,” he growls.
“Luka,” I growl right back.
With an angry curse on his breath, he wrenches the door open. “Ion!” he shouts, pulling the door closed behind him with a crash.
My shoulders slump, but I can’t help but be pleased. I’ve won this battle. Maybe. Then I realize there’s an entirely new set of clothes mixed in with the slightly damp ones that Kata washed. By the Mother, how my heart swells in my chest. I’m one step closer to having a real life.
Laying the damp items over the chairs to dry, I quickly dress in my new linen undershirt and thick overdress. This one isn’t blue, but a mossy green that I love. The new pants are made of wool, not buckskin, but they fit better and slide easily into my boots.
With new optimism running through my veins, I happily eat my congealed porridge and apple before heading for the door, grabbing my vest off the bed on the way. When I give Ion a bright smile, he reluctantly grins back. “Shall we?”
Chapter 16
Luka
I’d slept. Actually slept. And the dawn hadn’t brought with it the usual impending dread I’ve been feeling since Rina arrived. True, I’d drunk a lot more than usual last night. I’d also laughed and socialized and forgotten about my title. But if I’m honest with myself, the reason was the woman whose ass cushioned my hard cock when I woke.
I’d watched her sleep, marvelling at her small, shapely form that fit so well against me . . . the one that I jacked off on and marked as mine. It was a good thing that a soft knock had come on my door. Otherwise I’d have woken her to relive the whole experience instead of letting her get the sleep she needed.
Unfortunately, the knock had sent my morning straight downhill with my uncle requesting my presence to voice his concerns about Cayson and the treason charge. It pissed me off. Thankfully, Eldon was there to act as a buffer.
When Ion interrupted the discussion, slightly out of breath, to notify me that Rina was with my mother, my first instinct was panic. After almost twenty-five years of enduring my father and his various forms of abuse, she’s not well. Her emotional state often deteriorates to the point of suffering shaking spells, which in turn, can lead to long bouts of being bedridden. I’ve been trying to shield her from the details of my up-coming marriage, but of course her maid, Madeline, brings her all the gossip.
My panic had escalated into rage, however, as we climbed the stairs and Ion described Rina’s ill-tempered outburst.Who knew what she’d do to my gentle, long-suffering mother?
Of course, I had nothing to worry about.Did I realize that right away?No, I’d had an outburst of my own and said some stupid things. I wince internally. She’d been right to call me an ogre. And now I’m back in this meeting, listening to my uncle . . . and he’s just repeating himself at this point.
“To take the side of this, this woman,” Teo blusters, his graying beard flapping, “over that of a Range warrior is unheard of.”
“Have you not listened to a word I’ve said?” Eldon says, becoming exasperated. “Cayson and Carson Cyrun took coins to work against this realm. They broke their oath. Plain and simple.”
The old man hums and haws over the exact nature of what he calls ‘misplaced loyalty’ and all I can think of is Rina; Rina arguing with me, Rina mocking me, Rina not afraid to stand up to me, Rina naked and half-lost to passion with me.Where is she now? Still at the hot springs?I trust Ion implicitly, but if he’s beset by multiple men? That’s not very likely, but still. It should be me escorting her. She’s mine. My responsibility.I cannot want you without it being manipulation?I shiver. My little ravenwantsme.
Fuck, how long do I have to listen to this drivel?My father never would’ve put up with it. His word was law, end of story. Which is why, I remind myself, I’m listening instead of pretending I’m all-knowing. But I think I’ve had enough for one day.
I slam my hand down on the table. “Enough. Cayson will die on the new moon by my hand as any oath breaker would. That is final.” Not a shred of doubt assails me as the words slide off my tongue.
“Nephew, the people will not like it!”
Standing, I lean forward on the table and meet the man’s eyes. “That’s too bad.”
I’m at the door when my uncle calls me back. “Luka, that woman will be your undoing if you’re not careful.”
I don’t bother to acknowledge him. A different man would take that as a threat, but I know my uncle. He’s not stupid. And he and my father schemed and connived toensureI would one day rule. Just because it came to pass years in advance of their plans doesn’t mean he wants to bring me down now. Besides, what he says is true. She very well may be my undoing if I’m not careful. But the more time I spend with her, the less I fear a challenge from any quarter.
It’s certainly true that some factions in this realm don’t like me or what Rina represents. And then there’s Kharon, the First Deve, who wants me gone. And the King of D’heilar, who’s meddling as well.
But let them come. Let them try to remove me. I’ll be ready for them.
I wonder at how Rina’s presence has brought about this much-needed clarity to my thinking. Before her, my mind would constantly circle itself, doubting, overthinking, re-considering. This new confidence is energizing.
I still need to be wary though, I think as Eldon and I head downstairs. Getting complacent or too comfortable is the real danger. Things are still very much uncertain and allowing myself to become wrapped around her little finger . . . or around her lithe body, while I piston into her sweet cunt . . . is a bad idea.
Great. Now I’m uncomfortable in my pants – again.
