Page 117 of A Crown Without Mercy

The door opened, and Venthana stood. “Milords,” she said, along with a slight curtsey.

“Venthana,” Riordan replied.

“Good afternoon, milord.”

“You look a little more relaxed,” Riordan playfully grabbed the rope and pulled Sylvana into his body.

She poked him in the chest. “I’m still mad, you know.”

He grabbed her finger and stole a heated kiss before answering. “If this is you being mad, I’ll take it.”

“Venthana, your brother would like a word with you,” Nicolai said.

“Milord,” she replied. She then looked at Sylvana and smiled.

“You may speak freely,” Riordan said.

“Thank you, milord. Sylvana, if it’s okay with your mates, would you like to have a drink later? Lenora, Stefania, and Aurelia will be in the gardens for tonight’s games, and they asked if you would be there.”

“I would love to.” She then glanced at Riordan, Nicolai, and Kieran.

Riordan nodded. “You don’t need our permission to see your friends, my love.”

“I will see you later, Sylvana.”

“I look forward to it.”

Kieran held out his elbow. “Shall we?”

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Would you like to go for a walk in the gardens?” Nicolai asked.

“Of course. Is everything okay?”

“Things couldn’t be better.” Riordan smiled. “We have a few things to discuss, is all.”

“Like what?” she asked as they leisurely strolled down the hallway.

“We met with the Guild today and they have accepted our bonds,” Kieran replied.

“We also informed them your blood has the ability to heal Faye wounds,” Nicolai added.

“Why would you tell them?”

“They had to know, darling. They have also sworn their allegiance to you,” Riordan said.

“What do you mean?”

Riordan casually picked a flower off of a shrub and handed it to her. “Itmeansfrom this day forward; you are under the protection of the Guild.”

Sylvana took the flower, smelled it, and looked up at him with adoration. “Thank you.”

He winked and pointed to a large, curved bench beneath a shade tree. She sat on the satin cushion between Riordan and Nicolai while Kieran pulled a chair closer and placed her legs over his.

“We have to leave soon,” Riordan said.

“Why?”

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