Page 120 of Bonded Chaos

“Very well. Declare your vows at the table of the gods.”

Ryker’s steel-grey eyes locked on me.

“I, Ryker Ashborne, Crown Prince of the Unseelie Fae, bind myself to you, Cadence Tiernan.”

His voice was steady as his words rang out around us.

“Before the gods and those who bear witness here today, I vow to protect you, to honor you, and to keep you at my side until my dying breath.”

The Priest turned to me, his gaze expectant. When I said nothing, Ryker squeezed my hand. Whether in warning or reassurance, I didn’t know.

“My Lady,” the Priest murmured. “It is your turn to say your vows.”

“Cadence,” Ryker growled, and I lifted my chin in defiance.

Before he could threaten me further, Riordan stepped forward, his head bowed.

“Cadence,” he said gently. “Can I have a word?”

Ryker ran a hand through his hair, his agitation plain to see.

“You should talk some sense into her, Brother, before I resort to more unpleasant means.”

The warning was not lost on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to concede to him.

Riordan gripped my elbow and steered me to the corner of the chamber.

“You better not even think of defending his actions to me, Riordan,” I snapped.

He raised his hands in surrender, and some of the tension left my shoulders.

“The way my brother went about this is inexcusable,” he admitted. “But he isn’t wrong.”

A growl tore free from my throat, and Riordan rushed to continue.

“News of your pregnancy will put a target on your back.”

“I already have a target on my back because of your brother.”

“True, but if the Unseelie Council learns that you carry his heir, that danger will only grow. They’ll stop at nothing to protect the advantages they believe his betrothal to Lady Barrington brings to the kingdom.”

As much as I hated Ryker, I couldn’t deny the irrational flicker of jealousy that coursed through me with Riordan’s words. Riordan gave me a meaningful look, and I didn’t miss the message he conveyed.

I threatened their engagement, and a child only strengthened that threat.

“They’ll still feel the same way, even if I marry him.”

Riordan shook his head. “They might risk Ryker’s wrath for a mistress, but never a wife.”

When I raised an irritated brow at him, Riordan only shrugged.

“Ryker hasn’t announced you as his mate, therefore, most people believe you are his courtesan.”

I released a frustrated sigh as my fate closed in around me, strangling me into submission.

“Let him protect you, Cadence. He owes you that much.”

“If I marry him, I’ll never be free from him, Riordan,” I said, my voice sounding small, even to me.

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