His brow furrowed. “That’s no’ what I meant.”
“It certainly is. As you’ve said, you’ve lived for millions of years. You want to be the hero to the damsel in distress, but let me be the one to burst your bubble. I’m not a damsel, and if I were in distress, I could save myself.”
His hazel gaze stared at her a long time. “I’ve always known that. It was your strength of character and soul that drew me.”
“Then you needn’t worry about me.”
“It’s my nature.”
She shrugged, hating that she liked that he might actually feel concern for her. Responsibility? Definitely. But to have him troubled over her was something she hadn’t expected.
And greatly enjoyed.
That flare of hope within her heart brightened briefly. Kinsey refused to acknowledge it. Ryder wouldn’t get close enough to hurt her again. Ever.
“You didn’t tell your friends I had family,” she said.
Ryder mumbled something beneath his breath. “Who asked?”
“Thorn.” She lifted her chin then. Though she didn’t stand a chance against Dragon Kings or the might of Dreagan, she still said, “Let me be perfectly clear. No one here, not you or Con or anyone else, is going to threaten my family.”
Ryder gave a nod of his head. “You have my word.”
How much was that worth now? At one time, Kinsey would’ve believed anything he said. Now, she knew his focus was Dreagan and all those who lived there.
Everyone else was on their own.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Dark Fae Palace
Ireland
For every hour that Balladyn was away from Rhi, he felt as if a millennia passed. Taraeth kept Balladyn by his side, as if the king of the Dark knew Balladyn wanted to leave.
“You’ve had something on your mind,” Taraeth said as they walked side by side down the wide corridor from the king’s throne room to Taraeth’s private sanctuary.
They turned the corner and Balladyn saw into one of the many vast rooms where the Dark congregated. He spied Mikkel and the female Dark sent by Taraeth to spy on him. “I’ve told you my thoughts on your alliance with both Mikkel and Ulrik.”
“You don’t think I can handle the situation?”
Balladyn clenched his jaw when he heard Taraeth’s voice dip deep in aggravation. It was time for Balladyn to do damage control. “Never, sire. We’re dealing with two Dragon Kings, both of who want Con’s position.”
Taraeth halted, the guards following instantly fanning out to give him room. He took a step closer to Balladyn. “Mikkel was a Dragon King for only a few minutes.”
“With Ulrik’s magic bound, hasn’t he been the King of the Silvers the entire time though?”
“Mikkel sure thought so,” Taraeth said with a smile. “But I’ve recently come across some information.”
Balladyn wasn’t fooled. He knew exactly who that information came from. “Ulrik actually shared such knowledge with you?”
“I can be very charming.” Taraeth’s red eyes crinkled in the corners as he smiled. “Truth be told, I think Ulrik has about had enough of the leash Mikkel keeps tightening.”
“Ulrik would’ve never told you anything he didn’t want to get back to his uncle.”
Taraeth absently rubbed the nub of his left arm. “What Ulrik told me anyone could figure out if they but took a moment. Mikkel is too power hungry to even contemplate the fact that he might be in over his head.”
Balladyn studied his king. “So you’re going to side with Ulrik?”
“I didn’t say that. Now, if Ulrik had all of his magic back, perhaps.”
What if he did? Balladyn thought about how easily Ulrik had snuck up on him. No Fae could do that. The Dragon Kings had been able to do that on a few occasions.
Which meant that in order for Ulrik to perform such a feat, he had all his magic back. Taraeth and Mikkel didn’t know. Ulrik was keeping his secrets close, which was the only way he would come out ahead in the end.
But why lie? Why not tell—or better yet, show—Mikkel that he was back in charge? Because if Ulrik had his magic returned, he could speak to his Silvers locked on Dreagan. And if he could wake his Silvers, then he could start the war with the mortals once more.
Balladyn was more curious than ever as to what Ulrik’s plans were. Though Taraeth might not be willing to pick a side, Balladyn already had. Ulrik’s.
He gave a shrug to Taraeth. “You’ve still not told me what Ulrik shared.”
“Hungry for information to use against our enemies?” Taraeth asked with a laugh.
“The more knowledge we have, the better.”
Taraeth looked him up and down before he began walking again. Balladyn fell into step beside him as the guards surrounded them. He waited for Taraeth to speak, but they continued in silence.
It wasn’t until they were in Taraeth’s private chambers with guards posted outside that he sat on the red velvet sofa and motioned for Balladyn to take the other.