The man lifted the rod, and steam curled from its enda very large end shaped like a dragon. He approached Kane with hesitant steps.
Do it, Kane commanded.
No, Tink cried, violently shaking her head.
After a slight pause, the man jabbed the dragon into the center of Kanes chest and held it steady. Flesh instantly sizzled and melted away. Far more pain than hed expected slashed through him, the scent of overcooked meat overshadowed the fragrance of flowers. He wanted to gag. Instead, he seethed. These people had thought to do this to Tinks delicate, beautiful body. Would have done it to her.
Disaster laughed as the man tried to remove the pokerand failed.
The metal had fused to Kanes sternum.
As hard as the man continued to pull, the dragon refused to budge,
Gritting his teeth, Kane gripped the shaft of the rod and jerked with all of his might. Separation was finally achievedbut the rod took some of his bone with it. He dropped the thing with a thud. In and out he breathed, trying to regain his bearings. First thing he noticedutter silence filled the throne room. Everyone was waiting for his reaction.
Used to pain, he lifted his chin and said, Next order of business. I wish to spend time with the princess, getting to know my future...bride. He had to keep her out of trouble. Had to do something to ensure she was tucked into bed without any more punishments thrown Tinksor hisway.
Oh, Daddy, you were right! A grinning Synda stood up before her father could reply, and skipped to Kanes side, as if shed never been angry, never tossed her shoe.
Tink ripped away from his hold.
He spun, tried to grab her. Youre coming with us.
Their gazes tangled in a heated clash. Hurt blazed from her, and he felt branded by the rod all over again.
Tink...
Absolutely not. Excuse me, please, she said, pushing her way through the crowd, leaving the room.
He moved to follow her, but Synda clutched him by the wrist. Let her go. Shes nothing to us.
Rage had him spinning toward her, his teeth bared. You will not ever speak like that again. Do you understand me?
She blanched under the ferocity of his attention.
King Tiberius pushed to his feet.
And Kane realized he had to play nice. He softened his voice, saying, I dont want my...servants anywhere near Josephina.
The kings nod was stiff. He snapped his fingers and guards surrounded the three warriors, impeding any moves they might have made. Your turn, Lord Kane. I dont want my daughter upset.
To Synda, Kane gritted, Lets take a walk through the gardens. No...servant.
She gave a little pout. You dont want to go back to my room?
No. He realized how insulting that probably sounded, considering everything else hed done and said this day. Like I said, I want to get to know you better first.
Synda beamed and Kane did his best not to grimace.
Go with them, the king said to one of the guards. See to their protection.
The only one in need of protection was Synda. From Kane. Shed unwittingly helped Tink get away. A killing offense.
Just get through the next few hours, and you can hunt your Fae down.
Once he found her, he wasnt going to let her out of his sight. He wasnt going to leave her, either, he realized. He couldnt. Not while Williams kids were here.
Besides, Kane might be a magnet for disaster, but to him, there was nothing more magnetic than Tink, and he couldnt bear the thought of letting her go.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
JOSEPHINA RACED DOWN the hall, tears burning the backs of her eyes. Kane wanted to spend more time with Synda, a supposed means to an end. What end, exactly? Allegedly, his goal for being here was saving Josephina fromyes, okay, there was a good possibility he was catering to the princess for Josephinas sake.
Perhaps she shouldnt have let a sudden burst of jealousy and hurt send her fleeing Kanes side. The man had just suffered horrendous pain on her behalf, taking a punishment meant for her. But...if he would suffer through something like that, just to keep his word and prevent Josephina from being injured, he would be willing to wed Synda to keep her safe, too.
Another blessing. Another curse.
He might even desire such an outcome, at least on some level. After all, the Moirai had told him Synda could very well be the girl for him.
A choked sound escaped her. Kane was hers. Hers! And she didnt want to share him. His dark, tantalizing kisses had done something to her. Changed her. Now, she craved the heat and ache and crazed need only he could bring forth. She craved...more.
A hard hand latched onto her upper arm, stopping her progress and swinging her around. She came face-to-face with Leopold and experienced a sharp pang of dread.
When he noticed the wetness on her cheeks, he scowled. Whats wrong with you? You just escaped punishment.
Let me go, brother. A shaming reminder for him.
One he failed to heed. Me, you deny. Him, you cry for. Your demon-possessed beast is going to wed the princess and make you his mistress. You realize that, dont you?
I will be no ones mistress. Not even Kanes. Who are you to cast stones?
The prince studied her for a long while, probing her features for any sign of weakness. No matter what I say, youll still want him. I can tell. He hauled her to the window and flicked the curtains apart. Look out there. See him for what he truly is.
Kane and Synda were in the garden Josephina and her mother had once tended. He was still shirtless, his gorgeous, muscled chest a mess, the wound in the center open and raw. He bent down and picked up a rock, then threw it a good distance away. Synda took off in a run, searching for the rock. When she found it, she picked it up and skipped back to Kane.
He threw it again.
She chased it again.
He was...playing fetch with her?
Oh, yes, she thought. He was definitely doing this for Josephinas benefit. A smile lifted the corners of her lips, only to fall a second later. The revelation didnt change the course hed set.
Leopold crowded behind her, pressing her against the glasspressing hardness to softness. She tried to squirm away from him, but he planted his hands beside her, caging her in, holding her captive. Fear sparked to sickening life.
Ill treat you better than he ever could, he whispered.
Let me go, Leopold. Now.
I shouldnt want you, he continued as if she hadnt spoken. Everyone would be horrified if they knew. But I look at you, and I cant help myself. The desire is there.
Resist it.
You dont think Ive tried?
Keep trying.
He laughed without humor, and it was a tortured sound. No, Im done trying. Im done waiting. Youre everything I need. I know you understand me in a way no one else can. Youre lonely, admit it. You need someone to lean and rely on, just like I do. I know youll finally be the one to satisfy me...the way Ill satisfy you.
No. No! she said, intensifying her struggles.
Be still. I only plan to take a little, to show you how good it can be.
A little was far too much. Though she had no kind of training, instinct kicked in and she elbowed him in the stomach, stomped on his foot and head-butted his chin. As powerful as he was, he gave no reaction.
He kissed the side of her neck. Settle down and accept it. Its going to happen.
Dont do this. Please, dont do this...
As if hed heard her silent plea from the garden, Kane stiffened and looked up. His gaze found the window and narrowed. Rage darkened his features, and he jolted into a dead sprint, blasting past the guard, knocking him to the ground. Synda tried to follow after him, but he was too fast for her. The princess stopped and hunched over, struggling for breath.
If Leopold had noticed the activities below, he gave no reaction. He nibbled on Josephinas earlobe. Youre going to like what I do to you. I promise, he said, then spun her around.
He tried to mesh his lips against hers. She turned her head away, tried to push him. He grabbed her wrists and pinned her arms at her sides.
Panic choked the air from her lungs, but she managed to jerk up her knee, aiming for his groin. But hed angled his lower body, as if hed expected such a move, and she ended up rubbing herself against him.
He moaned with pleasure, and she mewled with distress.
Kane flew around the corner and tackled the prince to the ground. Leopold was too stunned to fight or use his ability as Kane hammered fist after fist into his face.
You dont touch her! Ever! Do you hear me? Kane spit the words between punches. Blood sprayed in every direction, raining over the walls. The sound of breaking bones echoed. A tooth skidded across the floor. You dont touch her, and you dont touch me, you dont touch anyone. Understand? You dont touch!
Leopolds body began to flop with the force of the blows, but not once did he try and shield himselfhe couldnt. He was too busy being unconscious...maybe dying.
Shaking, Josephina drew her arms around her middle. Kane!
As quickly as the one-sided battle had started, it stopped. Kane swung around, his narrowed gaze landing on her. His irises were bright red, glowing. He was panting. Are you all right?
She nodded, bit her lip. You have to stop. As upset as shed been with him, she couldnt stand the thought of Kane bearing any further pain. Any wrongdoing against the prince will be punished, and your only blood slave is
No. Never.
Me, she silently finished.
He straightened and closed the distance between them. His hands dripped with crimson as he reached up and cupped her cheeks. He flushed the moment he noticed the wet streaks hed left behind, and released her to lift the hem of her skirt and wipe her clean.
Sorry, he muttered, clearly shamed. Then he flushed again, and cursed. Your new dress is ruined.
Thats okay. I can
I ruined it, he continued hollowly.
Really, Kane, its no big deal. I dont care about the dress.
Im buying you a hundred more. Nicer ones, no more uniforms. You belong to me now. I get to decide.
Listen to me. You have to leave the palace before anyone sees what you did. All right? Okay?
His gaze found hers, searched deeply. Whatever he saw caused the red to fade from his eyes, and his expression to soften. Neither of us will be punished. The prince isnt going to admit what happened. Are you? he shouted down at the now-writhing male, who was in the process of coming to. Because you know this was only the appetizer. Im capable of worse.
An agonized moan was the only response.
Booted footsteps filled the little alcove, and the guard Kane had knocked down in the garden came racing around the corner. He spotted the prince on the ground and stopped to reach for a weapon.
Josephina threw a protective arm in front of Kane and rushed out, He totally could have been like this when we got here, at the same time Kane said, He fell.
Neither one of them had lied.
Get him to his room and call a doctor, Kane added. And tell Prince Leopold to be more careful from now on. The next incident might kill him.
The guard gulped, nodded.
Kane scooped Josephina into his arms and stomped off. She offered no protest.
Lord Kane, the guard called. I think Im supposed to follow you.
No need. Im headed to my room. A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination. Kane stopped in the private bathroom and eased her onto the toilet lid.
Stay, he commanded.
She raised a brow. Treating me like a dog now?
His smile was sweet and kind and even a little sad. Thats probably better than the alternative.
Which is?
He flicked her the barest of glances. A lover.
The very heat Leopold had triedand failedto attain now fanned to life. Just like that. With only two words.
I have to get this blood off me, he said, and I want you within reach. So. Like I told you, stay. Please. He messed with the knobs on the shower until water began to spew. Then he placed his fingers at the waist of his pants, paused, as if trying to decide what to do next. Finally, he exhaled heavily and unfastened the material.
The pants hit the floor and he stepped out of the pool of material.
His beauty stole her breath. His legs were long, muscular and sinewy, with the lightest dusting of hair. Sexy...perfect.
He watched her as he hooked his thumb in the waist of his underwear.
Sweet mercy, Im finally going to die. Ill have a heart attack. Surely. So, uh, how did you know to look at the window? Good. Keep it casual. Maybe he wont realize youre staring.
He paused, saying, Its strange. I felt like there was a string attached to my gaze, tugging it up.
She gulped. Why was he stalling? Has anything like that ever happened to you before?
No.
Were they...connected somehow?
At last, he pushed the underwear down his legs.
Oh.
Oh, my.
Kane, keeper of Disaster, was utterly magnificent. He was sun-worshipped, and chiseled with strength from head to toe. The wings of the butterfly tattoo appeared more jagged than before, stretching closer and closer to his...his...there.
Oh, my, oh, my, oh, my.
The heat in her cheeks intensified, and her mouth went dry. He wasnt a man, but a warrior. Built for battle, honed by fire and steel. Powerful in a way so few would ever know or understand.
Do I want to know what youre thinking? he asked, his deep voice sounding hoarse.
She forced her gaze to lift, and met his stare. The air around them instantly sizzled with the awareness she couldnt ever seem to escape. They were alone. He was naked.
Oh, the things I want to do to him...
I dont know, she said, the huskiness of her voice surprising her. Do you?
His heated stare bore into her. Itll be safer for us both if I deny the truth.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Weapon after weapon hit the floor. Soon there was a pile of daggers, guns and throwing stars at her feet.
Give me your dress. Im going to wash it.
Ihmph.
Hed closed the distance and forced her to stand, reaching around her to unzip the back of her dress. He had the material shoved down her arms, past her waist and to her feet before she realized what was happening.
As close as he was, as naked as he was, as aroused as she was...sweet mercy, her blood heated to a dangerous degree, and every inch of her skin tingled, craving more of him. Only, ever him. Her limbs began to tremble. And his...his...his tattoo was getting larger, because one of the butterflys wings rode the length of his...
Seriously dying, she thought.
It grew, and it thickened, and it hardened, and it mesmerized her.
Oh, my goodness, she said on a moan.
Step out of the gown, sweetheart.
Yes.
For balance, she put her hands on his shoulders before doing as hed commanded. Contact had her gasping. Even as warm as she already was, he was hot enough to burn herand she found that she liked being burned. His muscles were hard and intractable, yet covered by silk.
He straightened, but didnt move out of reach right away. He peered down at her, his breathing fast and shallow, a match to hers. The still-sizzling air thickened with steam from the tub...with desire...with a thousand other things she couldnt name.
I...you... she whispered. Do something.
He blinked, shook his head. Stiffening, he turned and entered the shower, then jerked the curtain across the rod, blocking her view. Within seconds, the rod was bending in the middle, nearly collapsing. She heard the whoosh of skin against porcelain, as if Kane had slipped. He cursed.
Her knees gave out, and she fell back onto the toilet lid. Soon, the scent of soap wafted to her. She breathed deeply, letting it wash through her, subdue her trembling. Kane?
Only the slightest pause before he said, Yes, Tink.
Thank you. They werent the words shed wanted to say, but for now, they would do. For everything. I mean it.
There was a bang, as if hed just thrown his fist into the tile. I shouldnt have left you alone.
She heard the self-castigation in his tone, and sighed. I ran away from you, remember? And besides, you cant be with me every second of every day.
Want to bet?
Dont tempt me. So...how many fights have you been in?
You mean your storybooks havent given an exact tally?
No. And I wish they had. Youre quite good.
You will be, too. Im going to train you.
Really?
Yes, really.
But other men will make fun of you if they find out.
Why would they care?
Women arent supposed to learn how to fight, she said, and anyone who dares to teach us is shunned.
Thats dumb.
Agreed. In the Fae realm, men were supposed to be their protectors, but as Leopold had proven, protection was often overlooked in favor of lust and greed. You dont care about being shunned?
By these people? Id consider it a blessing.
She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. I have to ask you a question.
Anything.
Are you seriously going to marry Synda? Shed meant to ask as matter-of-factly as shed asked everything else, but that hadnt exactly happened. Shed whispered, instead, all of her hopes seeping from her voice.
And rather than answer, he began whistling.
Well, that was answer enough, wasnt it?
Disappointment, frustration and anger pooled in the pit of her stomach. Shed been right. His feelings wouldnt change his course.
On days like this, I wish I had Dear Heloise on speed dial. Theres blood on my girls dress, he muttered. Should I use club soda or vinegar?
My girls dress, hed said. My girl. Josephina.
Argh! You cant have more than one, Kane, she nearly shouted.
The water shut off. Throw me a towel.
Josephina pulled a white cloth from the cabinet, then volleyed the material over the rod.
Thanks.
Welcome, she said with more sharpness than shed intended.
The curtain was brushed aside, and she had a brief realization that there was no steamwhy?before her mind...completely...derailed. Kane was still naked, of course he was, but now he was glistening. His hair was darker when it was wet, and dripping water down his face. The dragon brand on his chest was no longer red, but already scabbed and black. The towel was draped around his hips, hiding his butterfly tattooand other things.
Breath caught in her throat as he hooked her dress to the bar. The soaked ends of the cotton smacked together.
I need something to wear. I need to leave the room, she managed to say. I have duties. And I need to get away from you. Before I forget I dont like to share.
Ill see to the duties. Youre going to stay in here and rest.
Her eyes widened with bafflement. You cant. I cant.
Id love to see you try and stop me. Or leave this room. Now make a list of what you have to do.
If he wanted to do her chores, fine. Opulens would see him and laugh. Even the servants would snicker. Josephina would finally have time away from himtime of peace. The feelings he stirred...she was beginning to hate them. Their intensity.
Grinning with sugary sweetness, she stalked into the bedroom and dug a pen and pad of paper from the nightstand. Then she wrote. And wrote. And wrote. He used the silent minutes to strap on his weapons, rifle through the contents of the closet and dress in the clothes the king had provided for him. Her wrist was aching by the time she finished the list.
He approached her, wearing a black shirt and black pants, and looking absolutely edible despite having covered up his magnificent body. She handed over the paper.
He gazed at it, scowled. You do all of this?
Almost every day.
He read over the list a second time. I should just kill your father and brother right now.
And be hunted by the Fae for the rest of your life?
That doesnt worry me, he said, and he sounded sincere.
It should. I know Tiberius has allowed you many liberties, and you probably think my entire race is a jokeotherwise you wouldnt be so cavalierbut you havent seen everyone revved up for a blood vendetta. I have.
Im still not worried.
She anchored her hands on her hips. If the Fae want you dead and fail to find you, theyll find your closest friends and torture them to force you out of hiding. Even the famed Lords of the Underworld.
And if Im already dead?
Theyll do it just for fun.
CHAPTER TWENTY
IN SECONDS, KANE had the lock on his bedroom door rigged, keeping Tink in and everyone else out. Ropes of guilt threatened to jerk him under a river of shame, which was ridiculous. He was doing her a favor. She needed rest and he needed to make sure she was safe and, prisoner or not, this was the only way to ensure those things. Maybe one day shed even thank him.
Battling a sense of urgency, he hustled together a handful of the servants and issued a round of orders. The humans rushed around to take care of the twenty-nine items on Tinks listand avoid the consequences of failure. Soon, the wrinkles were being steamed out of curtains, the floors were being scrubbed, the banisters were being polished, and the queens bathroom was being cleaned.
The last was a chore meant to humiliate Tink, nothing more, he would bet. At breakfast, hed witnessed the way the queen watched her, with resentment in those royal blue eyes. And he didnt have to guess why. Tink was living proof the king had cheated, and Queen Penelope was lashing out in the only way she could. But that crap ended today. No longer would Tink serve a single member of the royal family.
Shed been placed in Kanes care. She would serve him, and no one else.
He smiled. Tink would have balked if shed heard his thoughts.
After speaking with one of the guards, hed learned that Synda, his other responsibility, had decided to go for another walk in the garden, without protection and despite the Phoenix infestation.
As he stomped outside, a brutal wind suddenly kicked up, causing a hoe to lift from the ground and slam into him. When Kane failed to find the girl in the garden, he prowled into the forest. One hour passed, then two, but he found no tracks to suggest Syndaor even Petrawas out there. He would bet Synda had met someone, had sex, and returned to the palace. Sounds about right. As for Petra...he wasnt sure. He only knew she wasnt the type to give up.
Frustrated, he returned to the palace.
What a mess.
Disaster released a maniacal laugh.
Kane moved through the corridors, staying in the shadows, watching, listening. This had become his nightly ritual. He liked to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, staying out of trouble, and making no plans to come after Tink. The king snaked around the far corner, leading his new mistress toward his suite of rooms. The man was huffing and puffing with eagerness, his hands already roaming under the girls dress. The girl muttered an encouragement, with zero inflection in her voice. She sounded dead.
They disappeared through the door, and Kane moved on. Synda was now in her bedroom, playing strip poker with Red, Green and Black. No surprises there, though Kane was relieved she was back at the palace at least. Where was White? In the billiards room, he discovered a surprisingly healthy Leopold playing with three human maids. All three had long, black hair.
Like Tink.
Kane pressed his heels more firmly into the floor. Cant kill him without causing Tink problems.
You missed your shot, Leopold said to the one holding the cue. Youll have to pay the penalty.
The girl crooked her finger at him. Im more than willing.
Leopold advanced on her, bending her over the table as he smashed his lips into hers. The other females watched, giggling.
Kane had heard the gossip. He knew the king had despised his son since his birth, yet Synda, the eldest, the one with the freaking mental disorder, he adored. What Kane didnt know was why.
He backed out of the room. In the hallway he paused, booted footsteps claiming his attention.
must have chased the Phoenix horde out of the realm, a guard said as he marched past.
Neither he nor his companion noticed Kane in the shadows.
Cowards, the other spat.
In the next room over, a group of servants were dusting and straightening a sitting room with a pink couch, pink loveseat, and multiple pink chairs.
just like her mother.
I know! I hear shes sleeping in his room.
A dreamy sigh wafted through the air. Id love to sleep in his room.
A muscle twitched below his eye. They were talking about Tink, insinuating she was a...that she was his... He couldnt even think the word anymore without wanting to kill someone. Painfully. He left the roomand ran into White.
Are you following me? he demanded.
She shrugged, unabashed.
He stepped around her, but she grabbed onto his wrist. He jerked from the contact, while Disaster purred.
Im confused about you, Kane, and I dont like being confused.
Thats not my problem.
A grinning William stumbled from the queens bedroom, and White rushed away down the hall.
Hurry back, my darkling, the queen called, oblivious to her audience.
As if anything could keep me away for long, my pet, the warrior twittered.
Kane stopped, waiting, his hands fisted.
The moment William shut the door, Kane was in his face, demanding softly, What do you think youre doing?
The grin fell away, revealing a scowl of irritation. Besides fighting a gag reflex? Im getting answers. Why? You think I was betraying you?
You say that like Id be crazy to think so, but we both know you once stabbed Lucien in the chest.
Ah, memories, the warrior said with a grin. But you arent trying to steal from me the way Lucien was. And by the way, I never do cougars free of charge. You so owe me for this.
He eased off, but only slightly. What have you learned?
Ill tell you when Im sure were alone. Wouldnt want anyone to hear and think I actually enjoy helping my friends. William led him down the hall and around the corner, then shouldered a portion of the wallit opened, revealing a secret passage Kane hadnt yet discovered. They entered the torch-lit space and pounded up a flight of creaking steps.
Well, the warrior began, as promised, the king recently found out our good friend Paris is screwing Sienna, the new ruler of the Titans. He also learned Sabin and Strider are whipped by Harpies, and that Lucien had his balls removed by Anarchy. He fears your family and wants to be a part of it, whatever the cost.
Wow, so informative. Thanks for the old news.
But, hearing the facts stated so plainly, he had to wonder how deeply the kings desire ran. Enough to finally claim a connection to Tink, allowing Kane to wed her rather than the princess?
Wed...Tink, he thought. Tink. His bride. His wife.
His. Forever.
Happiness bloomed, as warm and bright as a ray of sunshine.
No! Disaster screamed, and the floor beneath Kanes feet cracked. Ill kill her! Kill her so dead!
Kane tripped, hit his knees on one of the steps. Could he really subject Tink to the demons rages forever?