Page 19 of The Nightbound Soldier

“You’re supposed to think I have a good reason for doing so. One that could quite possibly save us some span seeing as how nobody is alarmed. It’s as if nothing happened, but I’m telling you, somethingdidhappen.”

“If something happened, I’ll find out. I don’t need you investigating or chasing criminals.”

“I was inside the safe cell.”

“For your information, that’s a torture chamber.”

“But not for me.”

The commander sighs. “You’re not telling me something.”

“Okay, fine, I wasn’t in the cell the entire time.”

“Fleur!” he bellows.

“Before you chastise me, had I not left the cell, I wouldn’t have uncovered his ploy, and apparently, you would be none the wiser.”

“Are you questioning my security measures?”

“There was a breach.”

His jaw works. “If there was one and someone managed to cover it up, they’re very powerful, and you should stay as far away from them as possible.”

Oh boy. The commander is right. He’s right. He often is.

I take his hands in both of mine. His touch is warm, his scent that of leather and dominance, his beating heart a strong reminder that I encountered a very undead male only a few moments ago.

Flickers of my drained magic rise. “I followed my instincts about this male, for I had to know his intentions toward our court. That’s why I went there. I wouldn’t put myself in harm’s way if I believed it frivolous or unimportant. I’m a crown princess, and I also want to ensure the prosperity of my court. You know that if my womb is of no use, I still have other uses.”

“We keep records of all the vampires entering our court. Detailed records, Fleur. Nobody by that name has ever been here, and I know this because our security briefs would mention someone who could compel a powerful fae.”

“Wait. You think I was compelled and I’m fabricating the entire thing?”

“I must get you to Et’enne.”

“Oh. I haven’t been compelled.” Not in the sense he means. “I know what I saw. The search will confirm it.”

D’Artaron’s gaze holds pity.

He doesn’t believe me.

9

FLEUR

The king’s quarters take up the largest part of the family’s housing in the court, and the family’s favorite gathering spot is the sprawling terrace overlooking the city, the marina, and the vastness of the blue seas beyond. We love having breakfast with Et’enne on this terrace. It’s a tradition.

While it’s not breakfast time, I’m happy the king will receive me here and not in the throne room.

The throne room is formal, and my brother’s words uttered there final. In the throne room, he’s the king of the Seelie Court, but out here, he’s also my older brother who pauses from speaking with his valet as the commander and I walk onto the terrace.

Great big obsidian wings tipped in golden yellow rise behind wide shoulders, which are covered with an elegant black jacket with tiny gold buttons sewn at the seams. Gorgeous handiwork.

It appears he’s just returned from an outing, as there’s a crown pinned at the top of his hair, which is tightly pulled up into a ponytail sitting high on his head. With the dark Unseelie-like eyes he inherited from our mother, hard-edged jaw, and high cheekbones, along with the overall power he exudes, Et’enne was voted the handsomest of all the current rulers.

No surprise to any one of us. The Summer kings are bred for beauty and power, and with Et’enne, my parents secured a Seelievocabloodline, previously only found in the Unseelie Court. He can whisper into minds and access anyone’s thoughts. Which is precisely why the commander brought me here.

While my brother doesn’t swoop into my mind often, if he perceives a threat to our kingdom or myself and finds me lying about it, he will read my thoughts.

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