Page 71 of A Crown Without Mercy

“We have never treated her like a whore.” Kieran walked around the stallions and patted their hindquarters. “They are beautiful. There is nothing more stunning than a purebred,” he offered.

As soon as the word ‘purebred’ left Kieran’s mouth, Alaric glared at Sylvana, who again failed to make eye contact.

“What is it you want, milords?” Alaric asked.

“I heard a rumor Lycan’s have been here. Do you know anything?” Nicolai asked.

“No, milord.”

“Interesting. I would assume you would have gotten word of it from the Legion—no?”

“No, milord.”

Kieran walked over and stood face to face with Alaric. “I think you might know a little something, seeing how they are looking for a purebred Ascelin,” he stated accusingly.

Alaric’s thoughts became disordered and frenzied, and he feared they would sense his panicked state of mind.Control yourself, they won’t know what you don’t show them,he thought. “I told you I know nothing about it, and I would appreciate it if you left.”

“That’s rude,” Nicolai said.

“Rude is intruding in on someone else’s manor without invitation. Now leave.”

“Alaric!” Sylvana snapped.

Nicolai held his hand up in her direction and looked at Kieran. “Do we take orders from

anyone?”

“Not that I can recall?” Kieran answered.

“Milord, Alaric has answered your question. I have not received word of this either,” Florin stated, in defense of his friend.

Nicolai and Kieran glanced between Alaric and Florin.“They know,”Nicolai said to Kieran telepathically.

“Of course they do,”Kieran replied before addressing Alaric and Florin. “I don’t suppose you would mind if we looked around?”

Alaric stepped to the side and in an over exaggerated manner, he placed one arm behind his back, and motioned with the other for them to have free rein of the property. “No, milords. We have nothing to hide.”

Nicolai glanced around and walked back to Sylvana. “I see no reason to suspect your family is hiding anything.” He then looked at Alaric again. “Just so you know, we will escort your sister to tonight’s ceremony.”

“The hell, if you will,” Alaric stated.

Florin placed his hand on Alaric’s shoulder before he did or said anything that would make the situation worse than it already was. “Alaric, pull it back—” he began.

Nicolai took one step toward Alaric. “Say again?”

Alaric stood his ground. However, he softened the tone of his voice. “My apologies. It is up to our father, not me.”

“Where is your father? We will inform him.”

“He’s not here.”“Why don’t you send word and ask him to return?”

Alaric and Florin side eyed each other, feeling like Alaric had backed himself into a corner.

“I’m waiting and my patience is thin,” Nicolai said.

“He won’t be back for some time,” Alaric admitted.

“How long has he been gone?” Nicolai questioned.

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