Laura glanced at Charon and cleared her throat before she looked at Phelan. “I gather Con wasn’t happy you saw Tristan.”
“That’s putting it mildly. But the Kings asked for my help with the Fae. It wasna until I arrived that we learned Kellan and Denae had been taken by the Dark. Then Rhi arrived so weak from being veiled for an extended time that she could barely sit up straight. That’s when Tristan came in.”
“Is Rhi all right now?” Aisley asked worriedly.
A special bond had formed between Aisley and Rhi, one Phelan encouraged. Rhi had not only helped him accept his Fae half, but she was also teaching Aisley about the Fae.
“She was the last time I saw her.”
Charon suddenly stood. “I need to go for a walk.”
Phelan and Aisley watched him stalk from the house, Laura quickly following.
“I knew he wouldna take the news well,” Phelan said.
Aisley shifted until she was sitting on the edge of the sofa, her body facing him. “Now that we’re alone you can tell me what it is about Rhi you’re trying to keep from me.”
“Beauty—” he began, but she quickly cut him off with a palm in the air.
“Don’t even try it. Rhi is like a sister to me as well. Tell me what you know.”
Phelan pulled Aisley into his arms until her back was resting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and set his chin atop her head. “Nothing more than we’ve already learned about her having an affair with a Dragon King. Things didna go … well for Rhi and the King.”
“Anything more you’ve learned that makes you think the affair was with Con?”
“Nay. Kellan knows something, but he willna say. I doubt it’s Con, beauty. They hate each other.”
“There’s a thin line between love and hate.”
Phelan decided then and there that he would broach the subject with Rhi the next time he saw her. Hopefully, she’d be more willing to share information than any of the Dragon Kings had been.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Kellan stalked into Con’s office, surprised to find it was just the two of them.
“I’ve shocked you. No’ something that happens often,” Con said as he screwed the cap onto his pen and set it aside before leaning back in his chair.
Kellan wasn’t fooled by Con’s laid-back attitude. “What was so important that it couldna wait until morning?”
“Denae.”
Kellan’s hackles instantly rose. It was Con’s tone, the one he used when he thought he could order the rest of the Kings around. It hadn’t worked in the past, and it sure as hell wasn’t going to work now.
“She’s no’ your concern.”
“I disagree. She’s in my home.”
Kellan held his breath for two heartbeats, the time it took him to rein in his fury. He didn’t quite manage it, but it was enough that he was able to talk instead of wanting to beat Con’s face in.
“Your home?” Kellan asked faintly. “I seem to recall putting as much blood and sweat into designing and building this place as any of the other Kings. This isna your home, Con. It’s ours.”
“I’m leader here—”
“That can change quick enough,” Kellan said over him.
In all the years he had been King of the Bronzes, Kellan had been content to rule his dragons. But he knew that he—and any of the other Kings—had the right to challenge Con and rule.
At any time.
Con’s black eyes hardened as he lifted his chin. “Is that a challenge?”
“That depends on your next words. I’ve stood behind you even when I didna agree with you. You’re treading a fine line.”
“I’m doing what I think is best.”
“For you?” Kellan snorted. “You’ve always done what was best for you. When have you thought about any of us?”
“Every damn day!” Con bellowed as he came out of his chair to lean on his desk.
Kellan bit back a smile. It wasn’t every day that someone managed to rile Con. Matter of fact, the King of Kings was known for his control. “Did I hit a nerve?”
A muscle ticked in Con’s jaw as he straightened and ran a hand over his hair to make sure no strand was out of place. When he spoke again, he was once more calm and collected. “If Denae remains, MI5 will continue to come after us.”
“They doona have to know she’s here.” Kellan had already thought about every argument Con could up with, and he had an answer for each of them as well.
“They’ll know.” Con resumed his seat and put his elbows on the arms of his leather chair before steepling his fingers. “MI5 is a thorn in our sides. As much as they can disrupt our lives, it’s the Dark I’m more concerned with. She cut off Taraeth’s arm.”