Page 130 of Bonded Chaos

“I missed you too, sweetheart,” he winked. “Alas, your tiresome husband had me tending to some matters on his behalf.”

He tipped his goblet in Ryker’s direction before taking a sip.

“You know how wonderful his people skills are.”

“What business?” the King called, reclaiming our attention.

“It’s a personal matter,” Ryker snapped.

The King raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t challenge his eldest son. The air between them was charged, crackling like a storm on the brink of unleashing.

“So,” the King began as he heaped food onto his plate. “This is the woman you have chosen for your wife, Ryker.”

It wasn’t a question but a statement, and it was dripping with disapproval.

“Careful, Father,” Ryker warned, but the man appeared unfazed.

“Tell me, Cadence, what qualifies you to be the future Queen of the Unseelie?”

“The fact that she is my wife,” Ryker barked before I could answer.

For a moment, his shadows broke through his hold, curling around the base of his chair before he forced them to retreat.

Riordan gave me a conspiratorial grin as he said, “Aren’t you glad that you accepted Father’s invitation to dinner?”

As much as I tried, I couldn’t help the small smile that pulled up my lips.

“Riordan,” his father snarled, but whatever he was about to say was interrupted when the heavy doors at the far end of the hall creaked open.

Everyone turned to see the newcomer, and dread filled the pit of my stomach when Celeste strolled into the room.

“My apologies, My King,” she said demurely. “I was delayed as the healers stopped by my chambers to discuss funeral arrangements.”

Her gaze flicked to Ryker, but she didn’t look upon him with the hatred I had expected.

That, she saved for me.

Her upper lip curled in disdain as she approached the table, her narrowed eyes never leaving mine.

Gods, you would think thatIwas the one who had murdered her father in cold blood.

“No apology necessary, Celeste,” the King said. “Come. Join us.”

Celeste’s white gown trailed behind her, and her alabaster skin glowed beneath the light as she took her seat.

It wasn’t lost on me that she looked like a bride joining her wedding feast.

Ryker’s expression darkened, and his fingers twitched as he reached for his goblet.

“How are you finding my seat, Cadence?” Celeste asked with feigned innocence.

“It’s rather fitting. Thank you for asking.”

Across from me, Riordan spluttered into his goblet, and I could feel the heat of Ryker’s gaze on the side of my face.

“That’s news to me,” he whispered against my ear so that only I could hear.

Ignoring him, I kept my focus fixed on Celeste. A scowl twisted her delicate features, and she looked as though she was a moment away from jumping across the table to strangle me.

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