Before the prince had time to react, Kane punched him in the throat, cutting off his airway, and pinched his carotid, stopping the flow of blood to his brain. In seconds, the prince was crumpled on the floor, unconscious.
Got anything to say now? he muttered.
A maid turned the corner, spotted them and ground to a halt. She gasped, her hand fluttering to her heart.
Hes fine. Just napping, Kane said. Hell wake up. Eventually. Dont disturb him. You know how cranky he can get when he goes without his beauty Zs.
She nodded, wide-eyed, and hurried away.
He opened the storage closet, and dragged the prince to the center. Then, he rigged the lock, ensuring no one would be able to enter without force.
Mission accomplished.
Kane kicked back into gear. Hed memorized the layout of the entire palace, had secretly peeked through every door, and knew the front entrance was just around the corner. As promised, the princess and Tink were waiting.
Anger returned full force as he looked them over. Synda was decked out in a crimson-colored velvet ball gown, the material feminine and flattering. Tink was stuck wearing some kind of cheap, ill-fitting dress that left pink scratches on her beautiful skin.
A frilly hat with ribbons perched on Syndas head.
Tink was without a hat, her hair pulled into a severe bun at the back of her neck.
Synda smelled of floral perfume.
Tink smelled of pungent floor cleaner.
His hands fisted. He wanted to kill someone. He wanted to hug Tink and never let go.
Synda smiled when she spotted him, skipped over and planted a kiss directly on his lips. He stood still and stiff, not wanting to deal with another outburst. His gaze immediately sought Tink. Her eyes were downcast.
Wheres Prince Leopold? Synda asked, oblivious.
Hes sleeping. We should go.
Sleeping? Even though he was awake five minutes ago? Tink asked. Then she looked at Synda, and pressed her lips together.
What? She wasnt allowed to talk on this little excursion?
His knuckles nearly burst out of his skin, so tightly did he squeeze his fingers into a fist. Yes. Sleeping.
A dog came racing around the corner. The creature made a beeline for Tink, and the demon laughed, assuring Kane he was responsible. Kane jolted forward, sticking his leg in the path of wrath. Sharp teeth sank into his ankle, stinging.
Im so sorry, a servant said, chasing after the dog. I dont know how he got away from me.
With as gentle a tug as he could manage, Kane ripped the creatures canines from his bone and handed him over.
Come on, everyone, Synda said cheerfully, skipping through the double doors held open by two guards. Ive been waiting days and days for this.
Days. When it had only been mentioned yesterday.
Tink followed after her, and Kane followed after Tink. The sun was shining, though it was a muted and murky version of the one he was used to, the sky gray with threads of black rather than blue, as if a storm brewed. There was a high, transparent wall surrounding the palace, glittering brightly, and behind it, a lush green forest. Much of the military forces were still out there, chasing the Phoenix.
A cobblestone path led to a horse-drawn carriage. And there were other carriages on the road, he saw. Three that he could see up-close, and two in the distance, slowly closing in. In the three up-close perched females dressed as fancily as Synda, each peering at him with abject longing.
Isnt he gorgeous? Synda called with pride. Hes mine.
Kane almost snapped a denial. He reached the carriage first, and hefted the princess inside. She braced her hands on his shoulders, and he had to grit his teeth against the horror of the contact.
Hands...all over him. Caressing him, scratching him.
Breathe. He had to breathe.
A punishment for his distaste of the girl, he supposed, the demon lashing out.
Next was Tink. He unfolded his fingers, revealing his palm. She hesitated a moment before placing her gloved fingers against his. As expected, there was a lance of pain, though it was lighter than usual, but...his mind was fine. The terrible memories retreated, Disaster unable to drudge them back up. Why?
Because, as Kane had realized in the forest, she was his light? Maybe. The memories were his darkness, and darkness had to flee in the presence of light.
Even after shed sat down, he maintained contact, lingering, marveling, once again fighting an inexplicable need only she was able to stir.
Kane, she said, her voice taut, and he forced himself to release her. He climbed inside the carriage. One girl was on the left, one on the right. Embracing the chance to touch Tink again, he picked her up by the waist. So delicate. So feminine. Her gasp of surprise fanned over his skin as he set her beside her sister. Then, he settled into the other bench on his own, now able to watch both females.
You look pretty today, Synda said to Tink. And astonishingly enough, she sounded sincere.
This must be one of her sweet moments. Never had he met a person who could change moods so quicklyand he was counting himself. But then, Synda hadnt yet learned to fight the demon inside her. Darkness drove her. Urges came, and she gave in without stopping to analyze the wisdom of her actions. Emotions came, and she never tried to look past them to the reasons behind them.
She needed help, but she didnt want itlast night, at dinner, hed offered and shed declined.
I want your body, Lord Kane, not your mind, shed said.
Hed shrugged. And yeah, he felt a little guilty about his lack of concern for her. She might just be his destined mate.
No. Impossible. Kane must have misunderstood what the Moirai had said. And what about the prediction William had mentioned? His daughter, White, wedding the man destined to start an apocalypse.
Kane didnt even want a mate. He wanted...he needed...yeah, some part of him wanted and needed a mate.
For the first time in centuries, he had a reason to hope. Hed watched his friends fall in love, and that love had strengthened them. Theyd overcome centuries-old rages and self-loathing simply to become the men their women needed. What if Kanes mate could help him defeat Disaster? What if she was the key?
The right girl could calm him, soothe him. The right girl mattered. But again, who was the right girl?
The princess, who carried Irresponsibility? Tink, who had spent time in the Never-ending? Or White? The wrong choice could torment him as much as the demon.
What he felt toward Synda was anger and pity.
She didnt make him want to live, just to be with her.
She didnt make him forget the trials of his past.
She didnt make him long for something better.
What he felt toward Tink was...powerful.
She made him eager to achieve his goals.
She made him ache, in body and in soul.
She made him smile.
So, yeah, when he next had sex, it would be with Tink.
When? Whoa.
Had he seriously just thought the word when in conjunction with sex? Hed promised himself he wouldnt go there with Tink. He would only disappoint her. He would ruin her innocence. Now, he considered her a foregone conclusion?
You can speak, Synda was saying to her. I wont tell Daddy. Swear.
You had better speak, Kane reiterated. He wouldnt be able to endure this little jaunt otherwise. Ill make sure no blame is cast your way.
The buggy jolted forward, but Tink remained quiet.
A few minutes later, Synda stood up and said, Oh, look. Theres the Twenty-fifth, nearly tumbling out the side of the vehicle. Hey, Aos Sí Caroline! Look athmph.
Kane grabbed her hand and forced her back into her seat. Stay, he commanded. Dont move.
The princess crossed her arms over her middle and pouted. Youre no fun.
Im devastated you think so. Now, tell me why you called that woman by a number, and what ees-shee means.
Upset forgotten, Synda giggled like a schoolgirl. Twenty-five is her number, silly, and Aos Sí is her title.
Vapid does not even begin to describe. He looked to Tink.
After a lengthy pause, she drew in a deep breath and said, Every Opulen outside the royal family bears a number. Caroline is twenty-fifth in line for the throne, meaning, shes the twenty-fifth member of the high court. There are fifty members. All others are part of the lower court, and without a number.
Was nothing more important than status to the Fae? And the title?
The literal translation of Aos Sí is her people. Every female in the upper class bears such a title. The males are referred to as Daoine Sídhe.
Good to know. Whats your number and title?
Red stained her cheeks; she clamped her lips shut.
She isnt an Opulen, Synda said matter-of-factly.
So...she didnt have a number or a title. He didnt like that.
He spent the rest of the fifteen-minute ride drilling the girls with questions. How often had the throne changed hands? Answer: eight times in the history of the Fae. How had the past kings died? Answer: murdered by their successors. Had the race ever been without a king? Answer: never.
The exchange ended when the carriage stopped in front of the first shop in a row of shops. The buildings were comprised of dark stone and some kind of glittery material, with crystal roofs and windows surrounded by ivy, reminding him of something out of a fairy tale.
And...was that William the Panty Melter entering the shop at the end of the street? The...Devils Punchbowl, was the name, and it was clearly a tavern.
Kane popped to his feet. Ive spotted our first stop, he said.
He helped the women exit the buggy, cringed against the memories Syndas touch caused, marveled anew at the mental peace Tinks wrought, and surged forward. When Synda tried to enter a shoe store, he dragged her away.
But... she began.
The tavern first, he said, and Synda stopped fighting.
Why didnt you say so? Im always up for a good drink or twelve.
You cant be serious, Kane, Tink said with a groan. Its early morning and you want to get trashed? With the darling of the Fae? Im going to be blamed for this, I just know it.
Youre not going to be blamed, Kane said. He wouldnt allow it. Not ever again.
He shouldered the doors open, and scanned the area. He spotted a dark-haired warrior sliding into a seat, claiming a handful of cards, and knew beyond any doubt. Yes, that was indeed William the Ever Randy.
Had he talked to Taliyah and followed Kane here?
One female and three males formed a circle around William. Kane recognized each. White, the female, and her brothers, Red, Black and Green. In hell, Red and Black had rescued him from Disasters minions, but rather than setting him free, theyd bound him, hoping to learn his secretswhatever those werethen kill him to prevent him from hooking up with their sister. As long as theyd lived in hell, as many horrors as theyd seen, theyd come to hate demons with every fiber of their beings. It was a sentiment Kane shared. But theyd made the mistake of lumping him in the same category as Disaster and that he resented.
Then, of course, Green and White had found him and walked away, leaving him to his agony until Tink had found him.
He owed all four a little payback. With knives.
The five-person gang smoked cigars and drained shots of whiskey as they studied their cards. Synda tugged from Kanes hold and skipped to the bar, where she ordered my regular. Tink remained by his side, unsure.
What are you doing here? Kane demanded.
What else? You forced me! she snapped.
Not you, sweetheart.
William glanced up, grinned and waved him over, not the least surprised to see him. Kane, my boy. Were playing hard. But not as hard as you, it seems. Two women? Really? Im shocked Kanie the Prude can manage so much estrogen at the same time.
White and her brothers looked over at him. In unison, the three guys pushed back their chairs and stood, glaring at him with murderous rage. White went back to studying her cards.
Down, William commanded easily. Now isnt the time for a battle royale.
When? Red insisted.
When I say so. I feel like finishing our game first. Though William wore a T-shirt that read DADD: Dudes Against Daughters Dating, and it was difficult to take him seriously, the three obeyed without protest. But even still, Kane was never taken out of their cross hairs.
Black cracked his knuckles. Today, demon, you die.
He couldnt help but grumble, I wish you had rotted in hell, I really do.
Im getting the impression he doesnt like us, White said, blowing out a puff of smoke. She flipped her cascade of pale hair over her shoulder. Im very okay with that.
What are you playing? Synda asked, closing the distance and, without waiting for an invitation, plopping herself on Reds lap.
Uncharacteristically patient, the dark-haired male with eyes of the cruelest blue settled her more comfortably against him and began to explain the game.
In that moment, Kane knew she couldnt be the female for him, no matter that she was the keeper of Irresponsibility, and no matter what the Moirai had meant. He felt no sense of jealousy or possession.
Would there be consequences if she was the one and he blew her off? Maybe.
Did he care? No.
The woman in Danikas painting had been blonde. White was also blonde, but while Williams daughter was lovely and strong, Kane absolutely despised her and that wasnt going to change.
Tink, however, continued to interest him greatly. But if she was the one for him, why did he continue to ache when he neared her? And who was the blonde in the painting? What did she mean to him?
Kane pulled up a chair beside William, and forced Tink to sit in his lap. He wanted her nearby, wanted his hands on her to prevent her from running, and wanted to ensure every man knew to keep his grubby paws off her. The action ensured Kane received all three at once. Screw the pain, he thought. Yeah, it had bothered him less today, but now, he just flat-out didnt care.
Howd they get free of hell? he asked, even as Disaster screamed a protest about the seating arrangement.
William shrugged his massive shoulders before tossing his cards on the table. He faced Kane. I thought you could use a bit of help. You didnt want your friends knowing what you were up to, so my own brood of vipers was my only option.
That tells me nothing.
Nor was it meant to. I sprang them early, and thats all you need to know.
Fair enough. But answer me this. Why are you playing cards with them instead of helping me?
Another shrug. We heard about your engagement, and figured all was well.
You could have checked in.
Yeah. I could have, and I even thought about it. And its the thought that counts, right?
No. No, its not.
William claimed a cigar from White, and took a drag. Smoke puffed around him as he said, Clearly I have more faith in you than you have in yourself. Youre welcome.
Ashes drifted from the cigar and should have fallen to the floor. Disaster ensured they fell on Kanes arm and leg, burning little holes in his clothing and singeing his skin.
Tink pressed a hand against her heart. Thats so sweet of you to say, sir. What a kind man you are.
Kane looked at her and did a double take. She was serious, he realized, and she was gazing at William as if he were everything shed ever wanted but had never really thought she could have. Razors of jealousy cut through Kane and calmed the demon.
Did you hear stories about him, too? he demanded.
No. I can just tell youre lucky to have a friend like him.
Williams not sweet, he gritted. Ive seen the bloody results of his temper tantrums.
And Ive heard of the bloody results of yours, she quipped.
William beamed up at her. I like you.
Im glad, because I have a proposition for you, she said to him.
No, she doesnt. Kane squeezed her tight, silencing her.
Go on. Im listening, William prompted.
The night I left you in that club, I went looking for a key into Séduire, Kane said before Tink could decide to talk over him. She was stubborn like that. All the while, you clearly already had one.
Nah. I would have flashed here, but I had to buy one for my kiddies, the warrior said.
By buy he means steal, Red said, not even bothering to look over at them. And by steal I mean kill for.
Stated so simply, it was a testament to the hardness of the warriors heart. To the savage lengths these men would go to get what they wanted. Bring it.
Your kids even saying the word in conjunction with the powerful warrior felt odd were okay with coming here and helping me?
Dont be ridiculous. Grinning all over again, William waved the question away. You heard the part about the battle royale, right? No, they werent okay with helping you. I had to promise they could have a real down and dirty brawl with you, with blood and broken bones and maybe missing body parts. Its going to be great!
Tink melted against Kane, as if trying to use her body as a shield to protect him. The scratchy material of her uniform irritated his exposed skin. How could she stand wearing that thing?
Every glass on the table shattered, liquid spilling, warriors cursing.
When is this fight to take place? Kane asked, unperturbed.
Have you not been listening to anything Ive said? William dabbed at the wet stain on his leg. After the game.
He thought for a moment. I would love nothing more than to engage your spawn in a showdown. Tinkuh, I mean, Josephinaand I will be back by the time your game is through. He actually wanted to take her shopping more than he wanted his revenge. She wasnt going to wear rags while everyone around her wore riches.
Anyone who didnt know Kane might have thought he planned to run away. But William knew him better than that. And Tink is what you call her? Really? I would have chosen Ivanna B. Withwilly. What? Its a good, solid name.
Cant respond to that. Will just encourage him. Meanwhile, Kane gritted, the princess is your responsibility. Dont let her get into any trouble.
William thought for a moment, nodded. You do remember that I like to sleep with my responsibilities, right?
Yeah. He did. I also know youll be tempted to throw her to the wolves once you get to know her, but dont harm her or let anyone else do so, either. The king would protest, and Tink would be liable.
So...youre saying you wont mind if I seduce your future wife?
I wouldnt mind, but I dont want you to go that far. She could get in trouble, and theyll try to make Tink bear the punishment. So, feel free to flirt with her, even make out a little, if she wants, but no more than that. Synda would be amused, and stay out of trouble.
Two birds, one kinky stone.
William placed a hand over his heart. I think you just moved to the top of my best-friend-forever list.
Kane rolled his eyes, stood, and held out his hand. You got a revolver or semi I can borrow?
Borrow? No. Pay to use for a short time? Yes. The warrior slapped a .44 in his hand. Ill let you know the price tag later.
Thanks. Kane stashed the weapon at the back of his waist and ushered Tink out of the bar. Chairs scraped the ground, and he knew the three males, and maybe even White, had just stood, intending to come after him.
He heard William say, Settle down. Hes coming back, and then hes yours.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
JOSEPHINA HAD NO idea what was going on. Where are you taking me?
Shopping.
Shopping? Without Synda?
And then the fight, he continued, as if she hadnt spoken.
But itll be three against one, she squeaked.
I know. Its hardly fair for Williams kids, but theyre insisting so what can I do?
They walked away from the black-haired devil with eyes so cold and Fae-like shed known he would deliver a deathblow to a female without pausing to ask questions. He was the answer to her problems. Now, however, she looked back at him with dismay.
He winked at her.
She scowled at him. He was okay with Kane getting hurt, and that made him unacceptable on every level.
Kane forced her to clear the door of the tavern and enter the daylight. The streets were a little more congested with horse-drawn carriages, and the pathways littered with chattering Opulens and the servants trailing a few feet behind them. The moment a gaze landed on Josephina, any gaze, it darted away. Voices tapered to quiet, and bodies inched out of reach, as if touching her would cause some kind of disease.
What is such a magnificent man doing with her? one of the Opulens said to her friend.
Males do like to slum it upon occasion.
Josephina tugged against Kanes grip, a puny motion, really, but one he allowed to slow him nonetheless.
Shut your mouths before I do it for you, Kane snapped.
They shrieked at his vehemence and ran away.
Josephina blinked with surprise. Why are we shopping without Synda? she asked, trying again.
Again he ignored the question. Theyre treating you like a whore, and its going to get them killed.
To them, Im a human servant without a mistress in sight. I have no business being in this part of town, alone with a man, unless Im getting boned by him on a daily basis.
One of his brows arched. Boned. Who taught you to talk like that?
You! I studied you and your friends for years, remember, and picked up on your verbal cues.
He massaged the back of his neck, and she wasnt sure whether he was fighting a smile or a scowl. I hate the double standard here. Those same women would have stripped for me just last night, and I wouldnt have had to speak a word.
She gaped at him. Uh, maybe we should get a bag for your ego. That might make it easier for you to carry it around.
His lips twitched for several secondsdefinitely fighting a smile. Lets get you out of sight before I gouge out a few eyes and dangle them from a necklace Ill be presenting to you as a gift.
I would totally wear that.
They leaped back into motion. He bypassed the shoe shop, the ribbon store, the millinery and stopped in front of one of the dressmakers.
With his hand on the doorknob, he said, What do the Fae use as money?
You might find this hard to believe, but...money.
Another twitch, before his frown returned. What happens if someone touches the skin on your face or your shoulders? As he spoke, his gaze traced the areas in questionand glinted with hunger. The same thing that happens when they touch your hands?
Her ability to breathe abandoned her. Was he thinking about touching her here, now? Her blood heated, and her knees almost buckled. No. My hands are the only problem.
Did that needy voice belong to her?
And you know this because...
Because I had a mother, and she told me so. Back then, I couldnt control what happened with my hands and still might not be able to but nothing ever happened when she helped me dress.
He lifted his hand, his fingers closing in on her face. A tremor shook her. Any second now...
Two giggling girls walked past them.
Cursing, he dropped his arm to his side. Okay, then. He stalked into the small building, tugging her behind him. A bell tinkled overhead. The scent of floral perfume hit her first, the preferred fragrance of the Opulens and one she despised. Kane clearly felt the same. He wrinkled his nose and pursed his lipsand he looked utterly adorable doing it.
Ive got to get this...whatever it is under control.
An older woman with silver hair and typical Fae eyes sauntered out from the back. She wore the current fashion, an elaborate gown of yellow silk, material twisted along the belled skirt to form a bouquet of roses. Her skin was lined from a life of hard work. Like Josephina, she was half Fae, half human, but unlike Josephina, she would age to her death. The human part of her was clearly stronger than the Fae.
Im Rhoda, the owner, she said, the words slow and precise. Her expression brightened. And youre...youre...you. How may I help you, Lord Kane? Anything you desire is yours.
I want her, Kane said, dragging Josephina forward and forcing her to stand in front of him. He placed his hands on her shoulders to ensure she wouldnt bolt, a tremble spilling from him and into her. Better dressed.
Maybe it was irrational, but once the initial shock wore off, she experienced a sudden urge to cry. She wasnt good enough as she was. Her father had told her. The queen had told her. Now, Kanes actions told her. The mighty Lord of the Underworld beloved by all didnt want to be seen with a servant wearing rags.
Her gaze met his in the mirror across the room, and he frowned.
Whats wrong? he demanded.
I can hold it together. At least for a little while. Later, she would probably hide under her covers. Dont worry. Ill walk behind you from now on. You wont have to be seen with me.
His fingers dug into her. Sweetheart, I dont like the way this material chafes your skin. Its too pretty to be streaked with red.
Oh. My.
* * *
KANE TIGHTENED HIS grip on Tink, and the trembling in his hands increased.
He wanted this woman. So bad.
He wished he were the man he used to be. He would have laughed and flirted with her, relaxing her. He would have charmed her, delighted her. She would have welcomed his attentionswould have even begged for them. Instead, hed hurt her feelings in the worst way.
Please, let me do this for you, he said.
She turned and faced him, peering up at him with those electric blues he should have found as unappealing as all the others, but...hers were different.
He liked that they changed colors with her moods. Liked that right now they were laced with multiple shades of blue. A mix of light blue, dark blue and something in between, creating a sort of poetry, a kaleidoscope of loveliness no one would ever be able to re-create.
Its a wonderful gesture, and I am beyond grateful, but you cant. I cant wear anything but my uniform. If I do, everyone will have permission to tear the clothing off meno matter where I am or who Im with.
And she would end up naked. As beautiful and naturally sensual as she was, the men around her would gawk, possibly reach out and touch her. Possibly even try to do more.
A bead of rage rolled through him, growing larger the deeper it reached.
He looked to Rhoda. Make her a new uniform, just in softer, better quality material. And add pockets. Lots of pockets. He wanted her armed and at the ready at all times. Preparedas he hadnt been. Can you finish it within a couple hours? I want her to leave wearing it.
Of course, of course, thats what Im known for was the reply. I hate to bring this up to so distinguished a customer, but...how will you pay, my lord?
With this. He withdrew the wad of cash hed stuffed in his boot before beginning this journey.
Rhoda nodded. Very good. Ill take her back and
No. She stays within my sight at all times.
Tink flattened her gloved hands on his chest, and he responded instantly. His heart sped into a now familiar beat, and the increased flow of blood caused his body to ready for her. For all the things he wanted to do to her.
It was painful. Far more than before. It was pleasurable. Far more than he was willing to admit.
The need he felt for her...the edge of it sharpened daily, hourly, and if he wasnt careful, it would soon cut through him, severing the ties of his good sense, his better intentions, and his concern for the complications.