Page 72 of Bonded Chaos

Her voice quivered with rage, and I quirked a brow in amusement.

“And yet, here I am, breathing just fine.”

Celeste raised her palm as if to strike me, and my magic pulsed in my veins. Before she could land her blow, however, a large masculine hand caught her wrist in mid-air.

Celeste turned, her face paling when she realized who had seized her arm.

“Careful, My Lady,” Riordan purred. “Trust me when I tell you that my brother does not take kindly to anyone mistreating his things.”

Riordan glanced my way and sent a cheeky wink in my direction. This time, I didn’t stop the eye roll from escaping.

“Your Highness, you misunderstand the situation. This insolent little witch,” she snarled as she pointed at me.

“On the contrary, Lady Barrington,” Riordan said, cutting her off. “I understand it perfectly. I see you for the desperate woman you are. One trying to cling to power that should never be yours.”

Celeste wrenched her arm from Riordan’s grasp, her chest heaving with outrage.

For a moment, she looked ready to lunge at the prince. Consequences be damned. But then her attention returned to me, and a cold smile spread across her lips.

“Enjoy your position while you can. I don’t make idle threats. Soon enough, everyone in this court will know the worthless blood that runs through your veins.”

An icy shiver raced down my spine, but I refused to let it show. I pushed aside my fear and tilted my head to the side as I smiled maniacally at Celeste.

“I welcome it, Lady Barrington.” I leaned in closer as I whispered against her ear, “You see, that’s not the only secret I’ve been hiding.”

When I pulled back, I saw the terror flashing across her eyes. For the first time since she accosted me, uncertainty tightened her features.

I lunged forward, gnashing my teeth together mere inches from her face.

Celeste squealed as she retreated, her companions turning as pale as she had before they scurried off, muttering among themselves.

A dark chuckle drew my attention, and I whirled on Riordan.

“I had everything under control! You didn’t need to come in and play the hero.”

“I see that,” he grinned. “What did you say to unsettle her so much?”

“None of your business.” I crossed my arms over my chest for emphasis.

“Fair, fair,” Riordan chuckled as he extended an elbow to me. “Shall we?”

I huffed, but accepted his proffered arm as I let him lead me away from the courtyard.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ryker

The long, winding corridors were quiet as I made my way toward the healer’s quarters. Secluded from the main dining hall and the bustling guest chambers, the healer’s wing lay at the farthest end of the palace.

It was well past midnight, and the only discernible sound in the darkness was the echo of distant footfalls from the patrolling guards.

Tonight, the isolation suited my needs.

I couldn’t risk curious ears overhearing what they should not, or questioning glances perceiving more than they should.

As the door to the healer’s quarters came into view, I pulled the hood of my cloak back, allowing the faint shimmer of moonlight to illuminate my features.

My father’s ambitions and Cadence’s disobedience fueled the storm lurking inside me. I could feel the tension pulling tight across my shoulders as I rapped my knuckles against the heavy oak door.

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