Page 118 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Matters of the Guild,” he replied.

“Are you going to be gone all night?”

Kieran shrugged his shoulders. “It depends on how things go.”

“In that case, I would like to see my family.”

Riordan picked up a goblet the servant had set down and took a sip. “They will be here shortly. We have made arrangements for them to say in three of the chambers in the main castle.”

“They agreed—more specifically, Alaric, agreed to this?” Sylvana asked

“Yes, with a little prompting,” Kieran replied.

“Where are they now?”

Nicolai rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. “At the manor with one of our advisors who is explaining the situation. They too, are under our protection now.”

“I know the three of you are keeping more from me.”

“We are,” Nicolai replied causally.

“Why? I deserved to know what is going on.”

“The only thing we are keeping from you are matters of the Guild,” Riordan replied.

“Have you heard anything about my father?”

“No. But we are doing everything we can to locate him,” Nicolai answered.

“You should have let me speak to my family.”

“Sylvana, it is not safe right now. You need to come to terms with it,” Riordan stated firmly.

She scanned their faces and it dawned on her. “The Lycans know who I am, don’t they?”

“We believe so, but as long as you and your family are behind these walls, you are safe,” Riordan replied.

“I have something to tell you all as well,” Sylvana admitted.

“Go on,” Nicolai smiled.

She looked at Kieran. “I told Venthana about my blood healing your wound.”

“We expected as much,” Kieran replied.

“You’re not mad?”

“On the contrary. It pleases us you have someone to confide in,” Kieran replied.

“Is that why her brother wanted to see her?”

“Yes. Now let’s talk about something we think will please you,” Nicolai said.

“What would that be?” she smiled.

“Our mating ceremony,” Riordan replied.

Sylvana smiled and looked down at her cup. “That sounds—” she began as her voice trailed off.

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