Page 53 of Hidden Fate

My heart ached as the two grown women also hurried away. They were more than welcome to talk strategy with us, but it was clear they either didn’t feel comfortable or wanted to stay with Reece. Either way, I wouldn’t push them.

Vlad rubbed the back of his neck. “If the queen is working with Drake, they could already have our location.”

“I don’t know.” Errol strolled around the couch and leaned against the edge of the fireplace. He pursed his lips. “If I hadn’t seen the broadcast, I never would have believed it. Though giving up Thorn caused problems in their relationship, King Arman and Queen Mira loved each other very much. They were truly fated. I don’t see her supporting Drake, knowing he killed his father, her mate. I don’t care if he is her son…so maybe she doesn’t know or doesn’t believe it.”

Saphira and Brenton took the spots on the couch our newcomers had vacated. Saphira crossed her legs and leaned forward, placing an elbow on her knee. “Maybe she doesn’t think the dragons will support Thorn as king.”

“I swear.” Tia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “The king and queen didn’t know what their people would do. Let’s be real—most of the time, they stayed holed up in their big, fancy mansion and did shit like this to inform us heathens of their decrees. It’s insulting. Even if Thorn didn’t have a lick of power, I, for one, would want someone likehimruling. He understands not having money and the struggles that we-the-people actually go through. I don’t need that scoundrel prick or the spoiled queen making decisions for me.”

“Dear.” Merlin placed an arm over his mate’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Sometimes, it’s best if you don’t sayeverythingthat’s on your mind.”

Elliott shook his head. “Don’t listen to him. Say it. I love hearing it.” He glanced at Mindy and shook his head. “Babe, it’s a good thing she’s taken, or you’d have some serious competition.”

Giggling, Tia blushed. “Oh, that boy makes me feel young.”

Instead of getting growly, Merlin chuckled. “It’s a damn good thing I know you would never stray, or I’d be teaching this young man here a lesson or two.”

“Oh, I’d be helping you.” Mindy placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at Elliott. Unlike the older man, she wasn’t teasing. They weren’t fully mated yet, so there was no doubt super-heightened emotions were swirling through her.

Tyson snorted. “Dude, you’re in trouble.”

Luckily, that wised Elliott up. He lifted his hands. “Babe, I was kidding. You know I love you.” Then his face blanched, and his mouth dropped open.

I don’t think your brother has said the L-word to her before, Thorn connected, mashing his lips together.

Mindy’s breath caught. She blinked several times. When she opened her mouth, a phone rang.

The ring had come from Thorn’s and my bedroom.

That broke the moment, and utter silence fell, even in the kitchen. It was the burner phone that Uther had given Thorn.

When it rang a second time, Thorn sprang into action and raced to the bedroom. Vlad and I were hot on his heels, with Theron and Saphira right behind us.

He snatched the phone from the end table, swiped it, and put it on speaker. He snarled, “Are you calling to gloat and inform us that warriors are on their way?”

It was the queen. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but the pain etched into Thorn’s face tore me in two.

No matter what, I’d make sure this woman never made him feel like this again.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Thorn’s adrenalinespiked as my throat constricted. I hadn’t realized I’d put so much hope in all of this panning out so we’d have a chance to beat Drake at his own game. My heart felt obliterated.

Finally, the queen sighed on the other end of the line. “I shouldn’t expect your trust. I haven’t earned it.”

Thorn laughed cruelly. “Well, we did just watch you say that you’re backing Drake as the king, so forgive my problematic attitude.”

“You heard me say I would back my son—the one I know will continue on his father’s course. I won’t lie. Part of me wishes it were Drake. It would make things easier. But there was a reason I didn’t use his name.”

Thorn’s hurt sliced through our bond, stealing my breath with his agony.

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Stop the games. You can’t keep playing both sides.”

“Everly, I’m assuming that’s you.” The queen wasn’t asking. She knew.

I didn’t humor her with a confirmation.

After a pause, she huffed. “You saw my shock the day I learned Thorn was alive. I couldn’t fake that. Then I saw him at the wed—”

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