Page 72 of Hellish Fae
I think the smoke drifting from him is from too much pent-up energy, but I don’t honestly know. He can smile all he likes, but I can tell his mind is running a mile a minute. He takes a step forward, but my hand settles over the chaotic tattoos lining his chest.
“Walking into the castle with four enormous men might make me look suspicious,” I whisper.
“If by suspicious you mean lucky, then yes, I think people will think you’re the luckiest fae in all the realms.” Krave cocks a dark eyebrow at me, and my lashes flutter from how hard I roll my eyes at him.
I’m certain my father uses Krave as the court jester when the incubus isn’t out trying to seduce princesses.
“I’m going to sneak inside. Krave, fly up to his balcony and wait there. I’ll unlock the doors for you. The rest of you, stay on the ground and wait for Krave’s signal to make sure it’s safe. If he’s caught there, everyone will just assume he’s spying. This is the best way.” The minute I say it, Ryke’s eyes narrows into thin slits.
He doesn’t like this plan.
It’s the best one. I’ve thought it all out. I have a blade strapped unseen to my thigh. Anyone who might recognize me should be asleep by now. Guards aren’t posted on the side entrance. Krave won’t look out of place. This is the fastest route to my brother and also the safest.
For all of us.
I don’t wait for them to answer. I slip inside and pull the door shut behind me. It’ll only take a few minutes to slip upstairs. I’ll only be separated for two minutes.
The door re-opens swiftly behind me and shuts just as fast.
Ryke’s fastening a collar around his thick neck like it’s his finest tie, and he’s ready for an interview as the castle’s head of security.
Instead he looks like he’s preparing for some BDSM play, but now isn’t the time to mention it.
“What are you doing!” I hiss.
Why is it so hard for them to listen to me?
“You said four men would draw attention. One should be fine. And I know how much you like to leash me, so let’s get the hell on with it.” He hands me the leather leash and starts prowling ahead of me like he’s about to fight off the whole damn world for me.
I have to rush to get ahead of him and look like a real handler who has a demon who actually does the things she tells him to.
Luckily, it’s late, and no one lingers here. The guards are based at the front entrances and along the back of the castle near the king’s rooms. We slip up the marble staircase without passing a soul.
Until we get to the second floor. Again.
The little goblin waddles past us on his way toward my mother’s rooms.
“Lady Aries,” Nille says with a bob of his large head.
I tense hard, but Ryke never misses a step.
Ryke’s big palm settles on my lower back, and he has to guide me forward for me to snap out of the fear of someone spotting me.
Nille won’t tell my mother. Nille won’t tell. Nille. Will. Not. Tell.
With faster steps, I race to the last door on the right. The leash is strung tight as Ryke rushes to keep pace with me. My heart pounds through my ears as I take a steady breath, grip the handle, and open the door.
I release the leash and slide the weapon along my thigh as I pull it from its leather sheath. I’ve done this once before not long ago, but it feels like I’ve done it a thousand times from how often I’ve fantasied about it. It’ll be quick. The slice of the blade along his throat will be a fast death.
I know because my big brother showed me personally when I was just a little girl with a harmless crush.
I step into the room and walk stealthily to the massive bed. My feet never make a sound. My muscles are strung tight. I’m ready.
But no one’s there.
Cool wind blows my long silver hair back from my face, and I look up to find the balcony doors wide open. Krave’s lithe figure leans there against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
“Seems the prince is out late. I could stay and let you know when he gets back,” the incubus says quietly.
