Chapter 18 Audryn
AUDRYN
Ryder’s uncalloused hands moved to each side of my waist as he stood close and guided me to step forward. His touch sent my core tingling even with the fabric between us. With eyes covered, I had to rely solely on my other senses and trust the prince to get me to our destination unharmed.
“Are you ready to see where I’ve taken you?” His voice was smooth, and the heat of his breath kissed my ear.
“Well, I’m definitely ready to get this off.” I chuckled and reached for the blindfold. But just as my fingers brushed the knot at the back of my head, Ryder stopped me.
His steamy breath moved down to my neck, and he laid gentle kisses on my skin. Lips soft and touch tender, he unhurriedly drifted a finger against my cheek, sending shivers erupting down my spine. His throat rumbled as his mouth moved across my collarbone to the center of my chest.
Touch disappearing, his trail went cold.
I was just about to beg him to return when he tugged gently on the blindfold and blackness slipped from my vision as the cloth fell away.
I blinked a few times, eyes struggling to adjust to the sudden change.
Flickering light filled the room and reflected off of the surrounding treasures—crowns, necklaces made of gold, and shelves lined with assorted jewelry all stared back at me.
Brilliant colors bathed the walls and ceiling, stealing my breath.
“This is the royal jewel room.” Ryder took my hand and led me to a counter where a tall crown sat atop.
Aquamarine jewels decorated the swirling pattern of golden waves around the crown.
“This belongs to my mother, but will be my wife’s once I take the throne.
” He ran a finger over the metal. “Maybe yours.”
The intricate design was worked beautifully—it must have taken the jeweler ages to craft such a piece.
The soldering was flawless, like the metal bloomed on its own and was untouched by man.
I ghosted a finger over its ridge just as Ryder tenderly grasped my finger and guided my hand down.
My breath caught as my touch slid over the solid, cold frame.
“Your beauty outmatches all the contents in this room combined,” he whispered.
I turned and looked up at him. Plenty of drunks had complimented me at the tavern, but hearing the sweet words from the prince was far more impactful than I’d expected.
My mouth lifted into a smile, his words hitting me like water to a wilted flower.
They were nourishing to my soul, water to a stem left in a drought that desperately needed some attention.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice faltering. “I—”
“My father assured my mother’s happiness, and I will do the same for you.” Ryder’s eyes deepened before he looked away. “Or for whomever my wife may be.”
The moment between us washed away in an instant. “What will happen to your mother when you take the throne? Surely a woman could rule just as well as a man.”
Ryder thrummed his fingers against the top of the mahogany counter while he considered his answer.
“A fae male has always ruled these lands. Even before our continent was divided, men led.” His fingers stopped their rhythmic tapping, and he walked down the counter, tracing his hand along the edge of the wood.
“There will always be a place for a woman in this castle, but it will be next to her king.”
I went to speak, but was interrupted.
He waved a dismissive hand. “Of course there are tasks better suited for the queen. Be it preparing for ceremonies, communicating with charities, or managing other sorts of events. But the queen’s primary job is to support her king.
And with my father gone, she will find her usefulness in other tasks. ”
“Perhaps there is room for change?” I chose my words carefully, being sure not to offend him or his family's traditions. “Just because something has always been done a specific way doesn’t make it the best way.”
He turned and smiled as he tilted his head. “Are you suggesting that if you were queen, you would want more than what my mother has? Would these jewels not satisfy the well of your happiness?”
“I’ve never found happiness in material possessions.
Jewels are something to admire, but my true passion lies in making the jewelry.
” I shifted the conversation. “Maybe I can speak to your mother to learn more about her role in the kingdom? Maybe my ignorance of the position could be eased after a conversation.”
I needed to get to the king and the book.
Receiving compliments from the prince was flattering, but I needed to keep my head on straight and remember the likelihood of making it to the end of this silly competition was slim—less than slim.
Even if he chose me, would I be happy to sit next to the son of someone responsible for my brother’s death?
“It’s customary for the queen to be at the king’s side during illness and death. It’s unlikely she will even attend my ceremony,” Ryder continued. “My bride will meet both of my parents only after we are wed.”
Well, that was more than disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. I knew I’d need to get creative in my endeavors, but had hoped for better access to the king considering I was being courted by his son.
“How unfortunate for your bride not to get to know your family prior to your wedding.” I kept my eyes focused on a beautiful diamond and emerald jeweled necklace as Ryder walked toward me.
His fingers brushed down my arm to the top of my hand. Curling his fingers around mine, he grasped my hand and turned me toward him. His river-blue eyes landed on my lips, then drew up to meet my gaze.
“Not just a wedding, Audryn,” he breathed. “More than anything, I desire a mating bond ceremony.”
His gaze was hypnotizing, and I felt myself getting lost in it. My entire body drew toward him without thinking. Each piece of me felt somehow connected to the stranger, like I had known him since the beginning of my existence.
“Do you feel—” His voice trailed as he lowered his head toward me. Just as our lips touched, a loud knock on the door broke the moment. His attention shot up, eyes darting. A scowl marked his face as he moved to the door. “They know better than to interrupt.”
A stone on a large pedestal sat next to the door. Ryder pricked a needle to his skin and placed a tiny bead of blood onto the stone; the door opened with a click.
“What?” he snapped at Fisher and Hunt as they stood in the corridor. “I told you not to disturb me.”
“It’s the resistance, Your Highness,” Fisher said sternly. “They’re battling with the guards at the gate.”
Ryder drew back, shock streaking his face. “Why would they be so foolish?”
Hunt went to answer. The prince waved him off and stepped a foot into the corridor. The door began to close, but Ryder retreated into the room, causing its closure to pause.
“Royal blood protects this room, you must come.” He motioned me to him. “Or else you’ll be left here until I return. Come to think of it, you may be safer here than out there.”
“No, I’m coming with you.” I rushed to the door, fearing he might just leave me behind. He took my hand, and I reached under my skirts with the other to find my dagger. Before I could grab it, the prince passed me off to Fisher.
“Take her to her room and let Roark know not to let anybody pass.” Ryder turned down a corridor I wasn’t familiar with. “Gather Allura and Maris—be sure they make it to their rooms safely as well.”
We moved, taking turn after turn, and descended a set of narrow spiral stairs to the main corridor. Even if we weren’t moving at such a fast pace, I don’t think I’d be able to memorize the route we’d just traveled.
“Is Captain Vexley on site?” Ryder asked, leading the group as I trailed at the back.
“Not yet,” Fisher replied curtly, and glanced over his shoulder at me. “Word was sent. Guards have been mobilized to the castle while those at the gate are attempting to fend off the large group of rebels.”
It made little sense for the resistance to attack those at the gate; I’d given Jaspar directions on how to avoid the guards entirely. In the middle of the day, the streets were full of witnesses.
“Why would they come during the day?” Ryder spoke my thoughts aloud to anyone who might listen. “I’ll head to the gates. Fisher, you stay stationed at the main entrance in case there is a breach. You will prioritize the safety of Audryn and the other women.”
I went to protest, but Ryder and Hunt peeled off while Fisher grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward down the hall. Minutes passed as we moved rapidly through familiar corridors and came to rest in front of Guard Roark. He appeared unusually stoic and ready to protect those who were in need.
“Get inside your room while I collect the others.” Fisher’s words were a cold demand rather than a request.
Knowing better than to argue, I hurried down my hall, rushed past Roark and made it through my bedroom door. With my room facing the front of the grounds, I promptly went to look out the window.
From the first floor, I didn’t have much of a vantage point to view the gate.
A second-floor location would have given me a view of the long, winding path towards the fight.
If they made their way through, I wasn’t sure I would be spared from their rampage.
Though if they didn’t come, that would only mean the worst—Jaspar was dead.