Page 77 of A Crown Without Mercy

“I want a new life with you, but I feel I owe Sylvana. She is—was my friend.”

He leaned in and, after a heated kiss, he pushed her onto her back and rested his heavy body on hers. “As a gift to my new mate, I will help you, but you will need to bring her to me. They cannot see me near the castle and after which, you will sever all ties.”

“You would really do that for me—for us?”

“Yes, but right now I am going to fuck my new mate .”

Chapter 11

Klyndismountedhisstallionand escorted Sylvana into the parlor; two young servants greeted them and once again, they pulled the wash basin from beneath the chair and motioned for her to take a seat.

Sylvana looked at Klyn, who was watching her as if amused; she smiled at him and subtly rolled her eyes, and he chuckled aloud. “I assume you’re not used to this kind of personal attention?”“No. And it’s awkward,” she replied quietly.

“You better get used to it,” he said.

“Sylvana, I’m glad you could make it,” Riordan said as he entered the parlor.

“Milord,” she replied, along with a subtle curtsey as she stood.

“No need to great me so formally, Sylvana.” He then looked at Klyn. “I’ll take it from here.”

“Milord.” He nodded and turned to Sylvana. “I will see you tonight.”

Riordan walked over and held out his elbow. “Nicolai and Kieran will be here soon.”

She wrapped her arm in his and did her best to quell her beating heart, feeling as though she was a rabbit scurrying into the den of a wolf.

“I heard what happened earlier,” he said.

“My apologies if Alaric offended Nicolai and Kieran.”

“Do not apologize on his behalf. It is his duty to look after you and your sisters. Your brother is protective. I would expect nothing less.”

“I can look after myself.”

Riordan looked down at her and winked. “I am well aware.”

He escorted her to Nicolai’s chamber, and three ladies who were waiting in the hallway greeted them.

“Milord,” one of them said as she opened the door and stepped aside.

“Milady, we are here to help you dress,” another offered.

Sylvana walked in and they had spread an elegant gown out on the bed.

Riordan took a seat and crossed one leg over his knee while one of them handed him a drink. “I hope it is to your liking, milord.”

Riordan nodded. “I believe Sylvana would like a drink as well.”

“Yes, milord.” She filled another goblet and handed it to Sylvana.

“Thank you,” Sylvana replied.

Riordan tilted his head, curious why Sylvana was staring at him, as if waiting for something. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Are you staying?” Sylvana asked.

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

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