Page 96 of A Crown Without Mercy

Kieran placed his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it. “I’m sorry, Sylvana.”

“Sylvana, look at us. We need a decision,” Riordan urged.

“If I agree, how will this work?”

“All you have to do is agree. We will worry about the details,” Riordan replied.

Kieran walked over and wrapped her in his arms. “We have waited a lifetime for you, and you need to know there is nothing we would deny you.”

“You need to decide, Sylvana,” Riordan stated again. “The Wolf’s Bane Moon won’t rise for another two seasons. I know this situation is difficult. It is not easy for any of us to be here with the choices that are being thrust upon us, but you are the better part of us. Allow us our destiny and we will show you a life you never dreamt of.”

Nicolai lifted her chin and stole a heated kiss. “Is this not what you want?” he whispered.

“I do,” she replied in a hushed tone.

Riordan picked her up and held her firmly against his body. “You won’t regret this.”

“I sure hope not.”

“Laurent?” Enatta called out. Not getting a response, she headed up the stairs to his bedchamber, opened the door, and noticed his window was open; she rushed over and looked down. “Cadell! Cadell!”

He appeared in the doorway. “Enatta, what the hell is wrong?”

“I can’t find Laurent anywhere.”

He walked over to the window, leapt out, and headed for the barn. As he pulled the door open, Rhone was also missing. “Dammit that bairn!”

Enatta appeared behind him. “If anything happens to Laurent, I will never forgive myself!”

“I assume he’s run away with Mira. This is not the first time they have disappeared. I will go to the Orfaedo’s manor. Maybe Calista has seen them?”

“Cadell, I have a terrible feeling something is wrong. A mother knows.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “My love, I will find him. I will send word to the Legion, and they will help in the search. Stay here and call to me if he returns.”

“Aren’t they all at the ceremony?” she asked.

“You know we have never left the villages vulnerable to attack. There are enough warriors around, and they will help me search for them.”

He mounted his stallion and headed for the Orfaedo’s. “Calista?” he called out as he knocked on her door. “Calista, it’s Cadell.”

Calista opened the door and covered herself with her shawl. “Cadell, what’s wrong?”

“Laurent is missing, and I believe he may be with Mira,” he replied calmly.

“Shit!” She turned, ran through the parlor and up the stairs while Cadell followed. “Mira?” she said, as she opened her chamber door and glanced around.

“She’s not here. Damn that girl!”

They walked around the room and then opened the armoire doors only to notice her bag was missing. Meantime Cadell had walked over to the bureau; one drawer was partially askew and the clothes were disheveled. “At least we know they are together.”

“We have to go find them, and I need to let Alaric and Sylvana know they are missing,” Calista stated.

“You can’t speak to them,” Cadell replied.

“Why not?”

“There is an energetic veil blocking all communication being relayed outside or inside the castle grounds.”

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