Page 74 of Bonded Chaos

“Cadence is not a courtesan,” I snarled. “Refer to her like that again, and you will find yourself seeking employment elsewhere. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I reached a hand over my head and pulled my neck in the opposite direction. A sharpcrackshattered the tense silence, and I mirrored the motion on the other side. The action went some way to alleviate my anger. I forced myself to remember that I needed this woman alive to carry out my plan.

When I returned my gaze to Odette, she was waiting patiently for me to continue. All traces of her earlier fear had vanished.

“I need you to prepare her tonic, as usual. However, I want you to alter it. Replace the ingredients with something harmless that mimics the taste, color, and texture exactly, but will not prevent pregnancy.”

Odette stared at me for the longest moment. My request caught her off guard, leaving her speechless.

Just as I thought she wouldn’t answer, she drew a breath and said, “Your Highness, forgive me, but shouldn’t we discuss this with your lady first?”

My palms clenched into fists, and I allowed my shadows to coat my eyes with obsidian. Odette swallowed, and her posture stiffened, but she did not back away from me.

Once more, I was forced to appreciate her resolve. Odette was fierce, and a woman like that made a better ally than an enemy.

Softening my tone, I tried again. “The situation is… complicated. If it helps ease your conscience, this is what’s best for her.”

Her gaze held mine, and I could see the conflict warring in her eyes. “Your Highness, I am a healer. What you are asking me to do goes against the oath I swore to protect those in my care.”

“And what of your oath to serve the Royal Family?”

I could always make Odette do as I commanded, but I knew her discretion would be more potent if she felt she played a willing role in my deception.

“I am loyal to the Monarchs, Your Highness,” she said, her voice softer now. “If this is your command, I shall do as you ask.”

I fought to contain the smile that threatened to spread across my face at my victory.

“Thank you, Odette. I will not forget your loyalty.”

I dipped my head in a slight bow and headed towards the door. When I reached for the handle, I paused and glanced back over my shoulder.

“I trust you know what happens if you breathe a word of this.”

Odette’s lips thinned, and she grimaced. “I do.”

“Excellent.”

I crossed the threshold of the healer’s wing and set off toward my chambers without another word. She may not likemy methods, but once Cadence was carrying my heir, the future King of the Unseelie Fae, I’d be one step closer to ensuring she was untouchable.

As I slipped into the shadows of my quarters and saw Cadence curled up on my bed, sleeping peacefully, that same sharp tugging erupted from my chest.

It wasn’t guilt.

I was doing what needed to be done. Cadence thought she could escape me, but I would ensure she was bound to me so tightly she could never break free.

I would see this through, no matter the cost — even if that cost was my peace.

Chapter Thirty

Cadence

Warm rays of sunshine peeked around the edges of the thick black curtains, shielding me from the outside world that was slowly coming to life.

My altercation with Celeste had left my muscles coiled tight, and my body ached all over.

I was ready to call it a day before it had even begun.

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