Page 219 of The Call of Crimson
CHAPTER FORTY
BREYLA
“Get up,” a gruff voice commands.
I turn my head to find Darian standing in the doorway, an annoyed look plastered across his face.
“I don’t answer to you, General,” I say flatly.
He huffs in irritation, crossing the room to where I sit by the fireplace. Dressed in full leathers, winter cloak, and strapped with weapons, he looks ready to face battle.
“You do today.” Darian folds his arms, eyeing me up and down. No doubt he’s assessing my pathetic appearance. “Prince’s orders, you’re helping me with an investigation.”
Ayden hadorderedme to assist this prick?
“Whatever,” I mumble, turning back to the fire.
The chair tips forward unexpectedly, dropping me on my ass on the hard marble floor.
Pain spikes through my hip as I cast a scowl his direction. “What’s wrong with you?”
“You mean other than the fact that I’m being forced to include an invalid in official court business?”
“Fuck you,” I hiss, throwing him a crude gesture for good measure. “I’m not an invalid.”
He shrugs, not even bothering to meet my eyes. “Could’ve fooled me.”
I move to my feet, rubbing my hip to assuage the sore flesh. “Was dropping me on the floor necessary?”
“Yes.”
Infuriating male.
“It hurt.”
He levels me with a look of utter boredom. “Your feelings are not my concern.”
“Obviously,” I deadpan.
“Get changed.”
“Or what?”
He lets out an exasperated sigh. “You're sorely mistaken if you think I won’t drag you outside in your nightgown.”
“I detest you,” I say, glowering at him.
“The feeling is mutual.”
I finally relent, turning for the door that leads to the bedroom, only to find an outfit already laid out on the bed.
Black leathers folded neatly beside a fur-lined cloak and matching gloves. They’re black with gold stitching running along the seams. They remind me of the cloak I’d purchased as a Solstice gift for Elijah. The one that now sits untouched in a chest at the foot of my bed.
When I return, dressed and sullen, Darian is waiting exactly where I left him.
“Let’s go,” I grunt.
Outside the castle doors, horses wait, along with Ryder and Zion.
