Page 69 of Bonded Chaos

“No, you primitive barbarian, but you won’t always be around to keep her safe.”

I considered Riordan’s words. I trusted Malesh and Eamon with my life, and I knew that if I asked it of them, they would protect Cadence above their duty to the crown. But I wasn’t so confident my remaining men would feel the same.

The weight of my brother’s gaze bore into me as I resumed my pacing. My shadows burst free, and they swirled around me, twisting and writhing as though they sought to soothe my agitation.

“Assigning guards to her is only going to bring more unwanted attention her way.”

My voice sounded rough, laced with the frustration burning through me like acid.

“The entire court was present when Father summoned you to answer for the massacre, were they not? The news that Cadence is your mate will spread.”

An involuntary smile pulled up the corner of my mouth. My brother spoke of my murderous deeds with such casual indifference.

“No,” I answered. “Father dismissed the courtiers after I’d described the way I would have slowly tortured Lucas to death for daring to touch Cadence had I more time, which made his mother faint.”

“You did not,” Riordan chuckled.

“I did, and I don’t regret it. Not even a little. She was spewing nonsense about how her precious Lucas would never harm a woman, and she needed to be set straight,” I grunted.

“And I’m sure it pained you greatly to be the one to undertake such a delicate task,” he drawled.

“You know me, Brother, I am a prince devoted to his people. I live to serve my subjects,” I said as I spread my arms wide and dipped into a bow.

Riordan, who had just taken a swallow of his whiskey, choked on the amber liquid, and I stepped back to avoid being in the firing line.

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered. “You really ought to work on that, Little Brother. Your penchant for choking is not only annoying, but it also leaves you vulnerable.”

“Hilarious Ryker,” he scowled.

“Who’s joking?” I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Let’s get back on topic,” Riordan grumbled. “I hate to break it to you, Brother, but if you will not install guards, then you’ll need allies in the council.”

“The council is full of vipers who wouldn’t hesitate to offer up Cadence if it meant putting a leash on me and my powers,” I growled.

“Precisely.”

I narrowed my eyes at my brother. “Explain yourself,” I demanded.

“Who better to expose the council’s schemes than one of their own? Just offer them something they crave more than your obedience.”

I absentmindedly scratched at the stubble along my jaw. “I assume you have someone in mind.”

Riordan’s grin was downright devilish. “Lord Hanzel has a son he is trying to move up in the military ranks. The problem is, the man is useless.”

“And?” I pressed.

“And,” Riordan said, rolling his eyes. “Give him a contingent to oversee.”

“If the man is incompetent, he’ll only endanger my other soldiers.”

“Not if you pair him with someone more experienced,” Riordan countered, the mirth twinkling in his eyes.

“Are you suggesting I play Lord Hanzel, Little Brother?” I asked, my amusement infecting my tone.

“Me?” Riordan said, aghast, as he placed a hand over his heart. “I would never.”

I snorted and shook my head, already feeling much better about the situation.

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