Page 45 of Bonded Chaos

“You might want to work on your expression if you have any hope of selling it,” Riordan chuckled.

I grunted again.

It seemed that was my preferred method of communication today.

We walked in companionable silence as we headed toward our father’s study. When we arrived, I didn’t bother to wait for the guards to open the doors as I pushed past them.

The air in the dimly lit room was thick with tension, and the flickering candlelight illuminated the stern features of my father’s face.

He was sitting in one of the armchairs on either side of the fireplace, and opposite him was Lord Barrington.

Hatred burned through my veins, and Riordan placed a hand on my forearm.

“Easy,” he warned.

It was then that I realized I had curled my hands into fists at my sides as I ground my teeth together.

Few people had earned my disdain more than Lord Barrington.

He was a snake. Always slithering around, waiting for an opportunity to strike. He was the type of man to rejoice in the suffering of others, and unfortunately, he was my father’s closest ally.

He was also the mastermind behind my father’s recent notions regarding how I would best fulfill my duties to the crown.

Of course, Lord Barrington benefited greatly from his stroke of genius.

“Ah, my sons have arrived.”

My father’s voice was icy as he studied me.

I noted the absence of any seating for Riordan and me, which was likely the point. He wanted us to be uncomfortable for this discussion.

“Lord Barrington and I have been discussing our strengthening allegiance,” my father drawled.

“Have you now?” I retorted.

My father narrowed his eyes at me, his irritation at my interruption written all over his face.

“You have a duty to the Unseelie, Ryker. To this family, and to the crown.”

Lord Barrington smirked at me, and I stared back at him until he shifted uncomfortably before glancing away.

A sick satisfaction rushed through me at his obvious fear.

“Is it duty that motivates you, Father?”

My gaze flicked back to Lord Barrington before I added, “Or is it just another move in your endless game of power?”

My father’s gaze sharpened, and he straightened in his seat. “You will watch your tone when you speak to me, Son. I may be your father, but I am also your King, and I won’t tolerate disrespect from any of my subjects.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. My father was well aware that my strength was greater than his, and if I wanted to, I could dethrone him with little effort.

But I had no desire to sit on his throne and spend my days indulging the council's every whim.

This performance was solely for Lord Barrington, who would be wise to remember the danger he was courting.

“Lord Barrington has been aiding the kingdom with our efforts to dispel the rebels.”

“The Crimson Enclave? You can say their name, Father,” I taunted.

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