The room is lighter now, and I’m sure the sun is rising. By now, I should be across the water and on my way to Rakiz’s camp.
I blow out a frustrated breath. I’ll just have to adjust my plans. The commander will definitely cramp my style. But if leaving with him is what I have to do to get the chip to Alexis, then that’s what I’ll do.
I may fantasize about burying the commander alive, but I can still see the bigger picture.
And that picture includes revenge against the Grivath for daring to think they could fuck with human women without repercussions.
Korzyn has obviously given up on sleep as well because he rolls to his feet, cutting me a glare as he stalks toward his curtains and throws them open.
A knock sounds at the door.
“Come in,” I call, my voice carrying over Korzyn’s “not now.”
The servant blanches as she walks in, her mouth dropping open as she takes me in, her gaze lingering over my hands still tied to the bed. Korzyn closes his eyes for one long moment, and I barely suppress a victorious grin.
“I know, right? The commander is into some dirty, dirrrrty stuff. Spread the word.”
Korzyn growls out a curse, and the servant begins backing away.
“Don’t leave,” I call out. “I need breakfast.”
My toes curl, and I almost explode with laughter as the servant enters with her tray, placing it on a table near the window. She stares at the pile of weapons sitting on that same table.
“Oh, that,” I say. “The commander enjoys knife play in bed. It makes him feel like an alpha.”
“Sarissa,” Korzyn snaps, his voice like ice, and the servant blushes, hurrying away. Once she’s gone, I can’t hold it any longer. I burst out laughing.
“Okay,” I say, wishing I could wipe the tears off my face. “That was hilarious. Now untie me.”
“Naughty females don’t get untied.”
I scowl at him. “My bladder says they do, unless you want me to let loose allll over your bed.”
He raises one eyebrow at that but prowls over to me, eyeing me as if I’m a poisonous snake.
He swipes one of my blades as he passes the table, and it looks tiny in his huge hand. When he leans down, I hold my breath so I don’t have to breathe in the male scent of him. He slashes the material holding me, and I slowly pull my wrist away from the bed, scowling at him as I rub my skin. He raises one eyebrow in a way that suggests I’m being a drama queen.
Dickhead.
He slices the other piece of material and retreats back to the food, picking up a piece of fruit. I roll off the bed and stalk toward the bathroom attached to Korzyn’s room. I can feel his eyes on me, but I carefully ignore him as I open the door.
I immediately scan the room for weapons, but I’m out of luck. I take care of business, wishing I could lounge in Korzyn’s huge tub positioned next to a window overlooking the gardens. In the distance, the river winds through the castle grounds, cutting through the town and toward the marketplace.
I wash my hands, scowling into the mirror. Since Korzyn took my pin away, my hair is tangled, the blonde strands falling around my face. It makes me look younger, and much more innocent than I’ve ever been.
There’s a reason I don’t like to leave my hair down. When I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I see Claire, running wild through our childhood home.
I turn away, open the door, and immediately meet Korzyn’s gaze. “I need my weapons back.”
He snorts, and I simply raise one eyebrow.
“Are we or are we not traveling together? I need to be armed.”
“I will protect you.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.”
Standoff. Finally, he sighs and gestures toward my weapons. I don’t have a heart attack from the shock, but it’s a close call.
I narrow my eyes at him.
“We will have an escort to the dock,” he says. “In case you’re having any thoughts about taking your weapons and running away.”
I frown, but the sound of the door opening brings full realization.
“Sarissa Quinn Davis! I got your note,” my cousin says from behind me. Korzyn’s face stays blank, but amusement flickers in his eyes at my groan. “You were going to sneak out of here without letting me know?”
I whirl. “Korzyn trailing after me is your fault?”
Arix steps behind my cousin, giving me a warning look. I roll my eyes.
She scowls at me. “It sure is. I knew you’d run, and I expressed my concern to Arix.”
“You know I could’ve easily gotten back to Rakiz’s camp alone,” I say. “That big dumb commander is nothing but a liability who’ll draw attention to us both.”
Korzyn makes a strangled sound behind me, and Vivian lifts her hand, covering her mouth as her eyes laugh at me.
“I know you could. I also know you’ve made more than enough contacts to go alone. But I’d worry the whole time. Please, can’t you just take him with you?”
Vivian holds her hands up in front of her as if begging, and I open my mouth to refuse, but Arix’s eyes harden. I sigh. The big guy wouldn’t look so stubborn if he didn’t truly think my cousin would be upset with me going alone.
For a moment, resentment burns. I had a plan, and without Vivian’s interference, I would’ve been well on my way back to camp by now.
At first, we assumed Dragix would stop by the castle. After all, he was bringing a few of Vivian’s friends here every day after she was almost killed. When he didn’t show up to collect the chip, we sent a message to Nevada. According to her, the dragon has been out hunting for days.
I stayed here for Vivian’s coronation. I even twiddled my thumbs for a few more days, waiting to hear back about Dragix. Finally, the control chip
