Chapter 40
Kingsley
When the thorny grove parted, weapons were raised.
On both sides.
“Afternoon, gentlemen. Wander off the path, did you?” Trystan sounded uninterested.
Alexander knew that meant someone was about to get stabbed.
Evie stood beside him, keeping her mien of bravado intact, despite how badly he knew she was hurting.
They should’ve burned the book when they had the chance.
“We thought you might be amenable to a trade,” one of the knights said. With his helmet in hand, he looked like any other man. One who likely went home at night to a family, a life.
That was the problem with men who followed corrupt kings. They were skilled at hiding their ugly hearts beneath plates of silver armor.
“The trade being for my brother, I presume? And what is it you want in return?” Trystan asked. Alexander saw him wince when Malcolm was dragged over and thrown to the ground with several swords at his back.
“We want Evie Sage.”
Trystan growled beside him, lurching forward, but Evie had already stepped in front of him with a sweet smile. “Boys. I’m flattered, truly, but I’m taken.”
Trystan’s head whipped around so fast, Alexander was shocked it didn’t snap off. “You are?”
Her smile wavered, her lips parting. “I mean…yes. If you want to take me—or, uh, I suppose it’s more of an official capacity, but we didn’t really talk about it, so you don’t have to—”
“I do,” Trystan cut her off gruffly. “Want you to be taken…by me.”
“This is ridiculous!” one of the knights bit out. “Your brother’s life is in danger, sir.”
Alexander’s voice was deadly cold when he said, “Give them a moment,” trying to ignore the screams of protests from his throat.
“Malcolm, where is Winnifred?” Evie asked worriedly.
Alexander’s head snapped up, and he scanned the crowd, but there was not a single mousy enchantress in sight. Was he…actually troubled by this?
“I don’t know. She must have escaped.” Malcolm cried out when one of the knights stood with a foot on his back. “Please, Trystan. Help me.”
“I’ll give you gold,” Trystan offered. “Enough to get away from Benedict.”
“Benedict is the only one holding this kingdom together,” the knight closest to Malcolm yelled. “I care not for gold. I care for my honor.”
Alexander lifted a brow. “Then why are you—a knight?”
“Enough!” the Valiant in charge boomed. “What will it be?”
“I’ll surrender.” Evie stepped forward, and all who stood on their side objected. “Just please let him go.” She sniffed, and the action felt so incongruous with his knowledge of Evie that Alexander grew suspicious.
The knights lifted Malcolm to standing, and then Evie yelled, “Now, Keeley!”
An arrow soared through the air.
And right into Malcolm’s heart.