Page 28 of His Dark Delights
“Why didn’t he come for me himself?”. The words rolled off my tongue before I could bite them back.
Rhydan shrugged, then swiped a hand over the back of his neck. A sharp breath flew past his lips. “He told the council what happened when he returned. About how you found him on the verge of death in the woods and he barely survived. Soren might be the king, but he still has duties for his people and his kingdom. Plus, the council and Grand Duchess did everything possible to keep him within the capital for the past two weeks to ensure he had fully healed and was out of danger. Sending us to fetch you was his only option.”
“Hm.” I twiddled my thumbs in my lap, turning over that information.
I’d always believed kings and royals were all powerful, with no one to deny their whims. The council and Grand Duchess must be the king’s reins.
“Why bring me back at all?”
“One excuse he gave me was that he had to be sure you weren’t with child.” He glanced sheepishly around the room. “I can fetch a physician to be sure, unless…”
Horror flashed through me at the thought of carrying the Butcher’s bastard. Heat crept up my neck and stained my cheeks. “No. Gods, no. I had my bleeding after he left.”
Internally, I thanked the gods for that bit of luck.
“Oh, good, I suppose,” he sighed heavily, embarrassed he had to ask. “The king drinks a monthly tea to ensure his seed bears no fruit, but we must be sure. Ren’s not fond of the idea of bastards.”
An infuriating spark of curiosity tugged my lips loose once more. “Why is that?”
The knight shook his head, rising to his feet. “That’s not my story to tell, my lady.” He offered a hand to help me up.
Repeating what I’d told him earlier, I said, “I am no lady.” I wouldn’t accept his hand on the pretense I was such. My lips thinned as I stared at the deep brown skin of his toned hand and the scars on his fingers. A peasant girl from the outer villages didn’t need a knight to help her up.
Ignoring my wary stare, Rhydan leaned down and grabbed my hand. He effortlessly tugged me to my feet. His scent filled my nose, one of sweet oil and still faintly of horse and fresh air.
Rhydan’s smile was blinding. It unsettled me how my heart delighted at the sight of it. As if I needed the connection, the friendship, glittering in his eyes, I relaxed in his presence.
“You stand like a lady, and you almost talk like one. Maybe that’s enough to help you while you’re here,” he offered.
While my ears weren’t an outstanding trait, unless one was looking for a reason to suspect me of having faeblood, it still wasn’t safe for me. I could pass as human well enough. I’d even gone undetected under the very nose of the Fairy Butcher, but risking that luck would be foolish.
“I don’t intend to remain here long,” I countered, hardening my resolve. I tugged my hand free from the knight’s and scooped my apron off the floor.
“He’s… He’s never been like this before,” Rhydan stated.
“An ass?” I blurted.
His features grew tight with defense. “Undone by a woman. I’ve never seen him so unraveled.”
“Ah, so you and the king are friends?” Was Rhydan one of the fake friends Ren mentioned weeks ago?
“We’ve known each other for a long time. Since before they made him king.” At my silence, he quietly said, “You don’t know the story at all, do you?”
Being isolated on the farm left me more in the dark than I thought, I realized. There was gossip and whispers I’d missed out on thanks to my solitude. My knowledge of Soren felt endlessly limited to the scrapes he’d let slip.
“I knew there was a new king, and that he officially declared war against the fae. And I knew what he was called.” The nickname left a bitterness on my tongue at the thought. I couldn’t bring myself to repeat it.
“But not where Ren came from or why he is king now?” Something clicked in Rhydan’s eyes. He knew a tale I didn’t.
One I didn’t think I wanted to know.
“Is this about the story that isn’t yours to tell?”
His head dipped in answer. “Most people in the capitol know the story on the surface, but I won’t be theone to tell it. If you want to know more about Ren, ask him.”
I held up my hand. “No, I don’t want to know more than what I do now. I don’t need to understand him or know him. I need to leave.” My stomach interrupted, loudly protesting being empty. “And I need something to eat.”
“Aye, I can see to that.” He seemed content with the change of subject. “Come with me and I’ll take you to your room. Then I’ll have the kitchen prepare you something to eat.”
