Page 81 of Crown of Briars
“If he is from another court, he could be a spy,” I ground out. “I should throw him in the dungeons.”
“He could also be a nobleman or a royal,” Clermont said. “We cannot risk it. We cannot afford a war with another court! Release him, Varius. I am begging you.”
I knew him well enough to understand he wasn’t orderingme but pleading. If anyone other than Clermont had been speaking to me in such a way, I would have broken their legs.
“Swear you will not bring harm to Sybelle,” I growled, my eyes drilling into Warwick, “and I will release you.”
Warwick hummed as if considering this. He leaned forward, drawing my claws deeper into his throat and allowing rivulets of black blood to spill down his shirt. “No.”
My shadows exploded, and I unleashed a roar, shoving him to the floor and slashing my claws across his forearm. Blood spurted, soaking the carpet, and several screams rang out.
“Varius!” Clermont screamed.
“I don’t care who the hell he is. Throw him in the dungeons,” I said to no one in particular. “And Clermont—see that Murvo is awaiting me in my chambers.”
I didn’t wait for anyone to respond before I tore from the room, flinging the door open and stepping into whatever place the castle deemed fitting.
Any room was preferable to this. If I lingered around other fae for much longer, I was bound to kill someone.
I found myself in my own chambers. It was just as well. I needed to be alone to compose myself, but I also wanted to be alert the moment Murvo was brought to me.
That son of a bitch. That lying piece of shit. I didn’t know what was going on, but I intended to inflict as much pain as was required for Murvo to give me answers. Fae bargain be damned.
I paced the length of my room, my steps hard and furious, my shadows spilling around me and swirling more violently than a rushing river. My fingers curled and uncurled into tight fists, and I couldn’t keep my arms from trembling.
I distracted myself by changing into a loose tunic and trousers, feeling ridiculous wearing my revel attire. When I finished, I found myself pausing at the adjoining door to Sybelle’s room. My hand stretched for the doorknob, prepared to open it and see if the castle would take me to her.
Seconds before touching the knob, I froze, my fingers stiff. With a growl, I withdrew and continued my pacing.
I didn’t need to be around Sybelle right now. She couldn’t see me like this. It would only frighten her further, and she was likely already terrified enough.
Besides, Enzira was with her, and she was quite capable. She seemed to sense when Sybelle needed assistance, and I respected her for that.
Fifteen minutes passed, and my anger only mounted as I considered every past interaction with Murvo. I trusted him. Relied on him. For a decade, he had proven his loyalty to me.
And he was betraying me with Warwick, whoever the hell he was.
When the knock sounded at my door, my shadows had thinned to a subtle mist that coated the floor. But within me, my anger continued to simmer.
I had just gotten better control of it.
Steeling myself with a steady breath, I opened the door and found a bound and gagged Murvo waiting on the other side. Behind him was Clermont, his face rigid and his jaw tense.
“As you requested,” my steward said tightly before shoving Murvo toward me. I caught the captain before he collapsed to the floor, then glanced at Clermont. “And Warwick?”
“In the dungeons, as you ordered.” Clermont wouldn’t meet my eyes.
He was unhappy with this situation. I couldn’t blame him. I expected a stern lecture from him later.
But for now, I only nodded once at him before shutting the door with my foot. I shoved Murvo forward, and he landed hard on his elbows with a muffled cry. One of his eyes was swollen and bloody, and a large gash on his shoulder bled freely.
I kicked him for good measure, then crouched before him, bracing my arms on my knees. He was whimpering, muttering something I couldn’t make out from behind the gag.
“You know what I am capable of, Murvo,” I murmured softly. “You know what my shadows will do to you.”
He nodded quickly, tears shining in his eyes. His entire body was shaking.
“So, you will talk?”
