Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Whoever built it had to have known that.
Mira pauses at the base of the white steps, looking down at the black pillar barely visible in the level below us through the open staircase. Like last time, it has quite the crowd milling around it.
“Of course, with the number of fliers in residence, our rooms are limited,” Tecarus says, drawing the belt of his heavily brocaded robe tight as he starts up the steps. “Would you mind doubling up? We have a few rooms available on our top floor.” He looks over his shoulder at the landing. “With the exception of you, Your Highness. Naturally, we can accommodate private quarters for you.”
Shit. There’s no way I’ll make it up two more flights of stairs when this one is already killing me. My knee protests every step, and I curse the humidity and keep climbing even though it feels like the ground rocks beneath my boots.
“Naturally.” Halden’s tone borders on terse. His fatigue is showing, and if he hasn’t changed in the years we’ve been apart, it will only shorten his temper.
“Your room remains empty as well, Riorson. Or should I say Your Grace?” Tecarus adds as we reach the floor we stayed on previously. “I can’t help but notice you’re not wearing the insignia of your rank.” He pauses in the middle of the wide hallway, bringing the entire group to a halt.
I could just about cry as I realize we’re right in front of the room Mira and I occupied during our last visit, and I spot the set of doors beyond that I know are Xaden’s. How am I going to make it to the top floor? “Will you still keep me if I have to crawl up the stairs?” I ask Tairn.
“You’re not crawling,” Xaden answers.
Wrong pathway. Gods, I really am in trouble.
“Shiny things make good targets,” Xaden says to Tecarus from my left as Halden edges in on my right. “And I’ve never been one to confuse a title with power.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Is he really starting shit with Halden right now? I go to roll my eyes, then blink. Is this what Xaden went through when Cat showed up this past fall?
Ridoc snorts behind me, and I hear the distinct sound of a smack against leather—no doubt Dain’s hand against my squadmate’s shoulder. I’m glad I can’t see Mira’s face. Amari knows she’s exasperated as all hell back there.
“But how am I to know on what authority you visit me?” Tecarus turns toward us with a flourish, flashing his impossibly white teeth with a political smile. “As a lieutenant? Merely a rider? A professor? The Duke of Tyrrendor?” He taps his fingers together. “Or perhaps as the beloved of the one rarity I can’t seem to convince to join my court.” His gaze falls to me, as if I need the reminder of his proposal to join his collection as his on-call guard dog in return for the privilege of growing old with Xaden and our dragons in the peace of his estate in the isles. “That offer still stands.”
“As does my answer.” I sway slightly and breathe deeply to beat back the darkening edges of my vision. I need rest and I need it now. This time the shadows at my hips are supportive instead of territorial, and when I glance down, they’re so thin they blend into my leathers, nearly impossible to see. “Thank you.”
“What authority do I hold here? Let’s ask our prince. What do you say, Your Royal Highness?” He levels a look that could wither a fucking tree on Halden.
Apprehension prickles the back of my neck.
“I’m not sure I understand the question.” Halden’s jaw ticks and his fists clench.
“His temper could trigger your power,” I warn Xaden as Tecarus smiles with pure glee at the obvious mayhem he’s created.
“His temper is exactly what I’m counting on.” Xaden drops his focus to the royal insignia. “You understand completely. Am I here as a professor? Or the duke? Or—”
“Obviously you’re a fucking duke,” Halden snaps. “Lewellen made sure of it, didn’t he? The second most powerful title in the godsdamned kingdom goes to a Riorson of all bloodlines.”
“Don’t be an ass—” I start, but the shadows tug gently in a bid for silence, so I give it to him.
“So, I’m not here with the authority of a professor,” Xaden clarifies, masterfully ignoring Halden’s blatant insult.
“You have no authority,” Halden seethes, color infusing his cheeks as he steps toward Xaden, his boots nearly reaching mine in the process. “I am the ranking officer here.”
“Xaden, he’s going to blow. He’ll swing.” Walls. Mirrors. Tables. Breakables. Whatever’s close, really. There was a reason guards never volunteered to be assigned to Halden. The same reason Alic had been such a bully and Cam—Aaric—had avoided them both as much as possible.