Chapter 21 #3
Ashren’s slight smile grew a little. “May I assume she has not returned as a prisoner?” The way he asked the question made it clear he knew the answer.
Straightening his shoulders, Kai pressed his lips into a thinner line.
“She is a guest, and she will be staying with us. She is to be placed in the guest room nearest mine, and whatever she needs will be provided. She is also to have full access to the library and the archives so that she may learn all she wishes about the Day and Aurora Fae.” He spoke in a clipped, clear tone as if I were an item on his to-do list.
“Of course.” Ashren tipped his head forward and looked at me with his warm charcoal eyes. “Whatever you require. Is it acceptable if Thea assists in her care at this time? We would not wish to overstep.”
I bit back the urge to grin. I knew I liked Ashren. Even if he kept his manners polite, there was an underlying expression and sincerity in them. He seemed like the quiet guy who wasn’t so much shy as he was contemplative, and who knew precisely how to get under his brother’s skin.
“Yes. Thea may assist.” Kai’s tone remained solemn. “As I said, see to it she has everything she requires.”
Ashren gestured toward the stairs, and we began walking as he continued speaking.
“The wyvern is recovering well. He’s quite strong, and he appears untainted by the enchantment.
Additionally, there is the matter of Olen.
He is currently being held, but I do feel it important to note that he was aiding some of the vulnerable citizens at the time of his apprehension, even if he did assist in a prisoner’s escape. ”
My heart tightened. Neither of them was looking at me, so I cleared my throat. “That isn’t accurate, at least, not if you’re talking about me.” I held my hands up as Kai looked at me, his brow furrowing.
“Hannah.” He said my name in an exasperated tone while arching his brow. “I am well aware that you were hidden in his larder. Had the wyvern not attacked, I would have found you. Do you think me a fool?”
“No, I was definitely there.” I matched his pose and lifted my chin.
“But he had no choice. I took him hostage and threatened to kill him if he betrayed me.” Though I wanted to look between Kai and Ashren to see if either believed my story, I remained focused on Kai. He was the one I had to convince.
This was a lie, but it was an essential one.
Olen hadn’t asked to have his home destroyed or volunteered to help me.
I’d broken into his home, and he’d gone above and beyond to give me aid and then to help others.
Even if my judgment of men was shit, I knew Olen was a good one.
“He didn’t want to betray you. He’s loyal and good.
He even warned me that what I was doing was wrong and dangerous, but I didn’t listen.
I thought you were going to kill me or keep me locked in that prison to freeze to death. ”
I placed a hand on my heart, hoping Kai would soften some. “Please. I’m willing to stay here as we bargained, but I ask that you don’t punish someone who showed me genuine kindness, even though I’m sure I scared him half to death.”
His nostrils flared, and he closed his eyes. “He still should’ve told me of your presence as soon as I entered the house.”
“Olen lost Isabella.” I turned to Ashren in surprise. “If he feared for his life, then he wouldn’t be comfortable telling you about Hannah. Not only that, but what would punishing him say to your people after seeing how heroic he was?” Ashren lifted both hands.
Tension spiked as soft flakes of snow drifted down. My butt wanted to get inside, but I couldn’t throw Olen to the hounds… or the wyverns. I wasn’t sure which one was more vicious, since nothing made sense here, but I guessed either worked.
Kai tensed then sagged while his jaw worked. Ashren looked between Kai and me while Thea appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression incredulous, as if she’d caught my plea. Her arms were folded over her chest with her hands tucked into her long, blue velvet sleeves.
With a long sigh, Kai looked back at me. “Did he harm you? Demand anything of you?” He asked these questions softly and with a look in his eye that made my breath catch.
“He was a perfect gentleman.” I raised a hand to put on his chest and stopped myself. “And—he said he had a mate.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it had sounded important when he’d said it to Kai earlier.
Ashren offered a slight shrug. “Isabella was his world. No one will ever replace her for him.”
Kai's expression shifted, and something unreadable passed behind his eyes.
He glanced at Ashren, then back at me. "Very well.
Olen will be released without punishment.
But he will be watched." His voice carried a warning edge that made it clear this was as much mercy as he was willing to extend. It was as much as I could hope for.
The knot in my chest loosened. "Thank you." The words came out softer than I intended. Part of me had feared he would still insist on some draconian punishment.
He gave a curt nod, then turned toward the stairs and gestured at Thea. “Hannah, you are to go with Thea. She will escort you to your guest chamber and ensure you have all you need. Ashren, are the reports fully prepared from all the outposts and agents?”
I reached out to touch his elbow and then let my hand drop to my side. “Wait. Can I speak with you in private about something else?” The words were out before I could stop them, but I needed clarity. “It’s important.”
Kai hesitated a breath, then turned back to me. “No, Hannah,” he said firmly, his eyes violet though his voice remained flat. “That won’t be possible.”