Eithan fought against his jolt of surprise. Two horses? Had she gone willingly after all? Or had there been more than one attacker? He clenched his jaw to avoid voicing a demand to speak to the boy.
Instead, he replied in an even voice, “Since they have not been caught, it would be safe to assume they escaped the capital.” Internally, his mind was saying so much more. Where would she have been taken? And for what purpose?
“Escape. Interesting word choice.” Sulian smiled down at him, and it was a cruel thing. “They did not escape. They simply walked right out from under your nose.” He stood, smothering Eithan under his demeaning stare.
“Yes, father.”
Eithan watched him take a step down the dais stairs and stop. It was his favorite stance. He liked to make his subjects nervous, questioning whether he’d remain next to his throne or if he’d descend to their level.
It never ended well when he descended.
“I had all the guards on duty at each gate questioned, of course.”
He struggled to maintain his composure, damning the arrogant bastard for dragging out the information.
“It appears, late last night, a group of three individuals left on horseback through the eastern gate. The guards claim one of them—a small woman—was asleep, tucked closely into the arms of a man.”
For the first time in years, Eithan’s mask slipped, his nostrils flaring as he ground his teeth together. His spine straightened, and the desire to run out of the room and start issuing orders to his men was strong.
It was no coincidence. That had to have been Vera. After seeing the state of her dress, if she’d appeared asleep, he had no doubt she’d been unconscious. The thought made his anger rise to a terrifying height.
“The guards have been dealt with,” Sulian continued, either unaware or uncaring of the pressure rising in Eithan’s chest. “Your guard, however…”
The unfinished sentence finally brought his attention away from his dangerous train of thought. “You’re referring to Trey Gibson?”
“It all played out quite conveniently, did it not? Her attacker knew exactly when to act. Then, not an hour later, two men were seen leaving with a sleeping woman through a gate guarded by some of our newest recruits.”
Eithan bristled. “If you are suggesting that Gibson had any part in Vera’s abduction, I must respectfully disagree. I hand-pick my guards myself. They are loyal.”
Sulian cocked his head with a condescending smile. “Yes, but your decisions lately don’t exactly make you seem entirely reliable, now do they?” He descended the rest of the stairs, his large strides eating up the distance until he invaded Eithan’s space. He locked his legs, refusing to cower before the man.
“If you had behaved like the Crown Prince should have and demanded she stay and accept her place, she never would have left the palace walls. She’d have been safely put away, waiting for you, and you’d be halfway to having a Magyki in your hand and in your bed.”
Eithan didn’t argue. He couldn’t. The accusation was painfully true. He remembered the way she’d blushed every time he’d given her his undivided attention, the red hue gorgeous against her skin. She’d been isolated her entire life, sheltered, innocent, and untouched. It would have been easy to woo her.
Yet at the same time, she was somehow still feisty and strong. He still couldn’t believe such a shy creature had fought with the brutal skill she’d possessed. What he’d give to know what had gone through her head every time they’d interacted since that day.
She’d challenged him for the sole purpose of defending her mentor. She was loyal and protective when someone she respected was insulted, but she was somehow still a quiet and unsure woman outside of a fight.
It was alluring and addicting. He wanted her back more than anything he’d ever wanted in his life. Not because his bastard of a father wanted her, but because he did.
His thoughts flew through his head in a silent response to his father’s sharp words before he controlled himself enough to speak with a steady voice. “With your permission, I will leave the city with my remaining guards and follow their trail. They cannot have gotten far.”
Sulian stepped closer until he was only inches away. “Fifteen years, boy. I have waited fifteen years for her to grow into her usefulness. Fifteen years of making sure she stayed hidden and simple-minded, so she’d be ready to be swept off her feet.” His voice grew louder with each word, spittle landing on Eithan’s face. “I could not have made it any easier for you!”
They were the same size, but somehow Eithan still felt small. When it was all said and done, he was just a worthless means to an end for this man. The unwelcome feeling rotted his insides.
He’d hated Sulian for as long as he could remember, but at that moment, he wanted the man to know. Wanted him to see the truth of what he’d created in Eithan’s eyes. But he pushed it back, his mask back in place.
“I understand, father.”
“No, I don’t think you do.” Sulian leaned back and proceeded to tell him something that changed nothing—yet changed everything.
He felt the blood drain from his face, his shock a tangible thing. “I will find her, father, I swear it.”
Staring at Eithan for another furious moment, he finally stepped back. He raked his eyes down his form, disgust apparent on every inch of his face.
“Let us hope your word holds a little more weight this time. For I will punish you and every one of your guards that dares come back empty-handed.” Turning his back and effectively dismissing Eithan, he strode to the dais, where he’d most likely stew and scheme for the next hour.
Eithan didn’t hesitate. He spun, aiming for the doors. Not even waiting for the guards to open them, he pushed through himself, heading straight to his men’s barracks.
He would find her.
VERA
When the sun finally set, Jaren reluctantly led them deeper into the forest to rest for the night. He clearly didn’t want to stop, but the horses needed a break and even he could do with some rest.
She’d noticed dark circles beginning to linger under his eyes like he hadn’t slept in several days. She assumed he could heal himself, but he hadn’t bothered. He’d never admit it, but she wondered if maybe he just didn’t have the energy.
They tied the horses in a clearing with easy access to a river, before Jaren took off to scout, leaving Vera and Trey to set up camp. Something told her he wouldn’t approve of them starting a fire, but Trey didn’t seem the least bit worried and did it anyway.
She relaxed into their comfortable friendship and easy banter as he attempted to teach her how to start a fire. Although he didn’t waste a single opportunity to tease her, he was patient and she squealed with joy when flames finally grew.