Page 61 of Her Lawless Prince

“What did you learn?” She drew her gaze back to him.

“You know what I learned.”

Payton shook her head. “He should not be blamed for what happened on Cysgod. He’s been trying to make it right.”

She felt like she kept saying the words, but no one was listening to them.

“I believe that.” Falke put a hand on her shoulder. “I also see a man hollowed by guilt who wants to be punished.”

“It’s not Nyle’s fault.”

“You should be with your husband.” Falke dropped his hand. “I will not pretend to understand your choice, but I will support it. Marriage is the most sacred thing you will do in your life. My bond with your mother makes my life complete. She is my soul, my very breath, and she blessed me with you and your brothers. All I want in life is to see the three of you settled the same.”

Payton tried to tell him she’d made a mistake with Yevgen but couldn’t force the words out. How could she after that testament to marriage?

“Rick said the Federation ship wasn’t far behind. We’re locking down the palace and village. The Cysgodians are being kept indoors,” the commander said.

“I understand. You must go.” Payton nodded. She was used to the demands of her father’s time.

“Right now, I need to talk to my daughter.” He stopped her from stepping around him. “Can I rely upon you to stay here at the palace where you and your husband are needed?”

“Of course.”

Falke gave her a small smile. “Do not say of course as if it was a given, my little runner. I can count on one hand the times you didnotescape to the forest when dignitaries were on their way.”

He was teasing, but it still stung a little. The Var were all about duty and honor, and the words made her feel as if she had skipped out on hers. “These aren’t dignitaries, and this isn’t some meet the Lithorian chocolate suppliers’ tasting banquet. If the Federation is coming, I will be here.”

He arched a brow. “Have we had a meet the Lithorian chocolate suppliers’ tasting banquet?”

Payton chuckled. “No. That one I might have gone to.”

Falke lowered his voice and leaned closer. “Women swarming over chocolate samples? That one I might have staged a war to get out of.”

Payton laughed a little harder.

“It is good to hear you laugh, little one. I have not liked the expression in your eyes since you returned home. It does not belong there.”

“I’m just tired. Ryland locking me in a room without windows and fresh air will do that,” Payton dismissed.

“Resignation,” Falke corrected.

“What?”

“I see resignation, not tiredness. I know the fighter I have raised, and that look does not belong on you. You are fearless, my daughter, with a fierce heart. You always have been. You’re braver than most of the soldiers I have trained. Even when you were just a cub, you would stand up for anyone you thought was being treated unfairly. You’d take on an entire planet in defense of something you cared about. I have seen your many moods, but resignation has never been one of them.”

“I’m not resigned.” Her eyes again strayed to the door. “I’m preoccupied. As you said, the Federation is finally coming. We need to stop them. That is all that matters right now.”

That was all thatcouldmatter right now. Too much was on the line—shifters’ futures, Cysgodians’ futures. They needed to prove to the universes that they had every right to eject the Federation from the planet and take over Shelter City.

She had to stay focused.

“You can see your friend if you wish, but we must prepare for our visitors.” Falke stepped aside. He lifted his hand to gesture at the guards. “Don’t take long. It sounded as if you need to keep Yevgen focused on his task and out of the palace mainframe.”

“Thank you.” Payton nodded as she moved past her father toward the guards. They reached to open the door for her.

Nyle stood at attention near the fireplace. His eyes met hers, but he didn’t relax.

Payton felt a rush of emotion flood her. She lifted her hand, gesturing at the guards to shut the door behind her.

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