I shifted so my hands rest on his biceps as I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “It has just been several hours, and I am feeling that I am due. That’s all. Go. I’ll be fine.”
“As you wish. I’ll let your ladies know they are welcome to come in.” He returned the kiss.
Before he had time to turn and leave, Indrell and Sarah were already in the room, trailed by Oberlea. All three women were chattering away as Wulfgar muttered to Kane, who exited, “Women and their gossip. You’d think they would respect your privacy. Is she in line now?”
“She is always in line. It was me who stepped out of line. She will make a better ruler than I have been I suspect.” I saw Kane when he looked back at us, a smile gracing his handsome features. “They care for her and are protective. I cannot fault them for that.” He closed the door behind him.
Chapter
Sixteen
The Escapee
I picked up the water and a handful of the nuts from the tray and went to the window seat. Giving only complaisant responses to the others when they addressed me, I went and looked out, pushing open the stained-glass panes so I could look out over the courtyard.
After a moment, Kane emerged out onto the cobblestone walkway trailed by several men in armor. The small battalion included Saarzlairn, Alret and Dorian. The others I did not recognize.
Dorian fell in step with Kane. “One of my men pulled her down from where she was found.”
“Pulled her down? Where was she found?” Kane stopped walking and looked around at the men around him.
“She was hanging from my shop, my liege,” Alret replied.
“The body was hanging from or in your shop?” Kane inquired.
Even from the distance I was at, I could see and just make out their words. The bookshop keeper looked unwell at what he had found. With his hand over his mouth as if holding back nausea, Dorian answered for him. “She was hanging off the metal rod that holds the shop’s sign on the front of the building, impaled by it. She had been drained.”
“Has anyone been able to identify her?” Kane, again, searched the men for answers.
“No,” Dorian answered. “We only know that she was human, brunette, petite and not from Everwinter that we know of.”
“There have been men assigned to look into the matter,” Saarzlairn added.
Lochlin came across the cobblestones, walking as if on a mission. Stopping in front of Kane, he bowed. “My liege.”
“Lochlin. Is there news on the woman’s death?” As the men came in closer, Kane held his hand out.
“No. Unless the two are connected,” Lochlin scanned the soldiers around them. “Mika is gone.”
“What?” Kane stiffened.
“Mika was being held in the cells when we left. Hearing about this woman’s death, I went to check, having a feeling something was off. And she is gone,” Lochlin explained. “No struggle. No reports of her manipulating her way out. None of the guards know anything. I could only ascertain that she was lost two days ago.”
Kane spun around to face Dorian. “Why did you not tell me of this?”
“My liege.” Dorian took a step back. “I was not aware that…”
Lochlin interrupted him, “Dorian was there this morning. He knows. As did Saarzlairn.” The soldier’s eyes narrowed on the pair of men next to Alret and Kane.
In one swift motion, Kane reached around and grabbed Dorian by the throat, lifting him off the ground. Lochlin, following suit, blurred over, catching Saarzlairn and pinning his arms behind his back. Both captives struggled until Kane spoke.
Staring at Dorian, he asked Saarzlairn, “Why did you meet my carriage to check on the condition of my bride?”
Saarzlairn stuttered, causing Lochlin to shake him hard. “Answer him!”
Stammering again before finding his words, Saarzlairn replied, “Mika wants her dead. Not because of the prophecy. She could care less. But she’s jealous.”
Kane turned to Dorian, whose feet were dangling and his hands were trying to pry Kane’s locked fingers off. “Dorian… Your love for my protégé has not gone unnoticed. Nor has your dislike for the woman that I love. Don’t tell me that you’re jealous as well.”
Dorian sputtered, “Don’t be ridiculous.” He gasped with each word. “I want Auriena alive.”
“And why would you want that if the woman you love wants her dead? Would it not be in your best interest to make that happen?” Kane questioned him angrily.
The officer chocked, struggling to get any more words out. “No.”
“Why not?” Kane roared.
“Because.” Dorian gasped for air. “If Auriena is dead, then Mika will think she can have you again. As long as Auriena is alive, you are not available for her.”
Kane lowered him to the ground. Not letting go, he held him in place and looked around at those assembled. “Take these two to the cells. Place the guards there in cells as well. If anyone is not accounted for, I will drain each of you. If my orders are not obeyed, those who disobey will be laid out in the quarter and feasted upon. “
Four men stepped forward by Lochlin’s commend. Taking Saarzlairn and Dorian in restraints, they led them toward the cells. The rest of the men waited for Kane’s next orders.
I realized that I hadn’t heard anything from the women in the room with me. Figuring that they’d gotten lost in conversation, I went to pry myself away from the window. But as I went to back up, I ran into someone. And it dawned on me that I knew the energy radiating from the person behind me.
“Isn’t he god-like when he’s like that? So powerful, commanding… gorgeous. Wouldn’t you say?” The female leaned into me.
“Mika?”
