Chapter 26 Audryn
AUDRYN
We rushed to the foyer and found Ryder speaking with Allura.
Leanna stood at his side while Maris hung back from the three.
Dressed in jewel-toned gowns, the women looked like they had coordinated.
Two tall, outwardly curved horns, crafted from Leanna’s black hair, sat atop her head.
I chewed on my lip, trying not to laugh, and urged my mind to think of something else. Anything else.
Maris’s foot tapped impatiently on the floor while she scowled at me. In her hand, she twirled a long brush, while a box of paints sat on the stone floor beside her feet.
Allura fidgeted with her nails and kept her red-ringed eyes trained on the floor; she’d been crying.
A slow, closed-mouth smile drew over Ryder’s face as our gazes locked. Lately, my stomach seemed to tumble in his presence more often than not. It was startling every time it happened.
“Do you two need a moment …” Leanna said, looking between us, “alone, perhaps?”
Ryder flicked his eyes to his sister. “No.” He turned back to me. “Allura is leaving today, so we’re saying goodbye and wishing her well.”
“Oh.” I looked back at the woman. She’d poured herself into the most brilliant day dress, not knowing she’d be going home. He should’ve sent Maris home instead.
“I’m sorry to see you go.” I bit the inside of my cheek.
“Are you though?” Maris chirped at me.
“We’re all sorry,” Leanna interjected, giving Maris a scowl before turning her attention back to Allura. “But as each of you know, there can only be one my brother weds, and we must continue on.” Her tone was soft, but stern.
Allura nodded, the disappointment on her face remained at the forefront despite her manners.
I looked to Ryder, who’d kept his sights on me. He extended a hand out and I stepped forward, taking it; I couldn’t get enough physical contact from him. Though the affection made those around us uncomfortable, I no longer cared.
“I’ll be painting.” Maris feigned a yawn before walking away.
Not waiting for Allura to leave, Ryder pulled me through the front door to an awaiting carriage. When he’d appeared at the market, I hadn’t seen how he’d gotten there, nor given much thought to it. Whatever I could’ve imagined wouldn’t have prepared me for what stood before us.
The fully enclosed carriage was made of thick wood, painted a rich aquamarine color, just a shade darker than the gem I’d seen at the workshop.
The undercarriage had a curved bow dipping down in the center.
Large spoked wheels elevated the ride high into the air, making the step land at the top of my knees.
There was a deluge of gold adornments attached to the entire structure, with an intricate wave pattern fully encompassing the top. Embedded gemstones twinkled as the afternoon rays struck them.
“Ready?” Ryder asked, guiding me forward.
He reached for the three books, but I quickly passed them to Fisher, who was standing nearby. The Prince assisted me up the step and helped me inside before joining me a moment later.
“Your books, Miss Audryn.” Fisher stepped up, bypassing Ryder and handing them to me. He’d held my secret once before; perhaps he would do it again.
“You were at the library today?” Ryder grabbed the top book and opened it to the center. “This is unexpected. I saw books in your room, but these are … different.”
“Vera said I could let my father borrow them for a couple of weeks, I hope that’s okay?” I hadn’t even thought to ask for his permission first.
He swapped out the second book and rested the first back on top of the stack.
“I take no issue with the librarian’s decision,” he said, thumbing through the book.
“Though I hadn’t realized your father reads tales.
I’ve never understood a grown man wishing to spend his time wrapped up reading someone else’s made up stories. ”
Returning the book to the top, he reached for the third. Before he could take the last and final book, I placed the pile on the bench next to me and slid his arm around my shoulder, letting myself tuck into him.
“Yes, well, I’m not sure I quite understand it either,” I said, not believing my own words. Perhaps if I had more leisure time, I might give his interests a try and see if I too enjoy the tales of another’s mind. Maybe I’d even read a worldwalking book.
It took us thirty minutes to reach the main area of the capital. Ten minutes later, we stopped in front of my home. Maybe it was less about seeing my father and more about Ryder meeting him, but nerves were getting the better of me. He’d met my friends on occasion, but never a potential partner.
Ryder pulled back the small drape of fabric covering the window.
With such an elaborate mode of transportation, it wasn’t shocking to discover a handful of my neighbors had gathered in the streets to gawk.
I suddenly understood why he preferred not to leave the castle grounds unless required to do so.
The door swung open, revealing Fisher standing near the stairs. Ryder exited first, turning to assist me down while I pulled the books under my arm and against my side. He looked at the scrawling tattoo across my arm, and his jaw ticked.
“Thank you.” I smiled, straightening my skirt with my free hand.
“Your Highness,” one guard said loudly in our direction, “a word if you will.”
Ryder nodded before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on top of my head. “Say hello to your father. I’ll be inside in a few minutes.”
The land was looking out for me because I’d been contemplating how I’d give my father the book from King Grave without Ryder realizing what it was.
My father would have questions—I had questions.
For starters, why would Grave give the book to Roark when the guard was obviously employed by the Suttons? It was a risky move.
Lifting my skirts, I walked up the steps leading to the porch. Only a few weeks had passed, but the home felt foreign. Turning back, I found Ryder’s gaze set against my back; his warm eyes melted my core. He dipped his chin and gestured me in before striding over to the guard.
Fisher took a position next to the front door. “I’ll be right here, let me know if you need anything.”
I debated on knocking, but decided against it.
Pushing open the door to my living room, I found my father seated on the sofa with Jaspar sitting a cushion away.
My eyes shot to the door, then to the men and back to the door.
Before I could come up with a better plan, I closed the door and locked it.
“What are you doing here?” I gasped, worried Ryder might recognize Jaspar from the night of the ball.
“What are you doing here?” Jaspar’s eyes were wide. “Did you get kicked out? Is he dead? Do you have a name?”
“Ryder’s here,” I snapped back before turning to look out the window, “and he can’t see you.”
“Who?” My father’s brows pulled together.
“The prince! He’s outside and will be in here any minute!” My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest and splatter onto the table for all to see.
“Shit, okay.” Jaspar rose. “I’ll talk to you later, Kenelm.” He hurried to me and pulled me in for a quick hug. “Be safe.” He rushed through the living room and out the back door before I could respond.
Taking a seat next to my father, I leaned in for a hug. “I don’t even want to know why Jas was here.” I was sure there was an explanation for their impromptu meeting, but we didn’t have time.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Things are well. What about you?” The conversation was more rushed than I had wanted. “How’s everything? Has Benton been taking care of the field?”
“He has. Everything continues to sell, and I’ve even been able to save a bit with the stipend I’ve received from the Suttons.”
“Look, I brought you three books, but one of them belongs to a friend. You need to take excellent care of it and keep it hidden,” I said, my words hurried. “I haven’t looked through it, but if it’s what I think it is, you’ll get in trouble if anyone knows you have it.”
My father grabbed the small stack and tucked it in the corner of the sofa, hiding them behind a pillow. “Fine. But really, how are you?” His hand ran over my arm, and his eyes landed on the bruises.
“Oh, this?” I shrugged a shoulder. “You know how rude women can be. Add a male into the environment and someone’s bound to get hurt. I pushed one of them into a pond.”
My father laughed. “That’s my girl!”
The doorknob jiggled. Swiftly, I moved across the room, and untwisted the lock in the same moment that the door shoved in.
Ryder looked down at me with narrowed eyes; his good mood had soured.
He scanned over my shoulder, and I turned to find my father standing with a charming smile across his face.
“This is my father, Kenelm,” I offered sweetly, ignoring the prince's harsh glare.
Several moments passed while Ryder stared, trying to bend my father down into a bow with his mind; until he unknowingly submitted.
“Prince Sutton,” my father greeted and then bowed, his bad leg shaking from the shifted weight.
“What is your family name?” Ryder demanded.
My head snapped. “What?”
“It is Clair, sir—” my father stammered, “Your Highness.”
“And this is your residence?” Ryder walked through the living room and into the kitchen. He appeared as if he were looking for something or someone in particular.
“Yes?” My father looked nervously at me. I tried to force my face into something resembling pleasantness, but failed.
Ryder turned back, dragging his hand along a wooden countertop, bringing his fingers up for inspection and then flicking the dust from them. He moved to the small flowerpot sitting on the windowsill and examined the two pink peonies.
He rubbed his fingers over the petals, broke one head off and held it in his hand. Slowly, his stare met mine, and he crushed the peony in his palm. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath before opening them; his gaze was locked on me. I blew out the breath and swallowed.
“What magic do you have, Kenelm?” Ryder’s head tilted.
I flinched. “You can’t ask him that! It is rude to speak of someone’s abilities.”
A cruel smile crept over his mouth. “But can’t I? Am I not the Prince of Rivale? Your future king?”
“It’s okay, Audryn,” my father said, his voice firm. “Your Highness, I am one of the few whose heritage betrayed them. The land turned its back on my father, and on me as well. I do not possess magic.” The lie was spoken smoothly, as if he’d been practicing it daily for years.
“Unfortunate,” Ryder drawled. “Do you have other children?”
“My daughter and I reside here,” he responded, not entirely a lie.
Ryder’s attention shot to the long table in front of the sofa and eyed the two mugs. “Was someone else here when we arrived?”
I immediately looked at the mug on the table. “It’s mine.”
“What were you drinking then?” Ryder walked toward me slowly.
My body stilled, and my mind went barren.
“Tea,” my father answered for me.
Ryder and I both went to snatch the mug, but he grabbed it first. “What type of tea, Audryn?” He shot a look at my father, sending a silent threat.
“A green tea,” I lied.
Ryder sniffed the contents of the cup before taking a drink.
“Lavender.” He hastily dropped the mug onto the wooden table.
The ceramic struck and toppled onto the floor.
It broke apart into dozens of pieces, releasing the warm liquid.
“Do you only lie about tea or do you prefer to lie about everything in your life?”
“I don’t understand,” my father muttered behind me. “What’s going on?”
Had Fisher told Ryder about the book? He wouldn’t do that, right? After seeing what happened at the workshop, he’d know better than to spill my secrets.
“What else have you lied about?” Ryder roared. “Do you even have Divine magic or was it your friends who repaired your field?”
“She does,” my father spoke up, and I shot him a look.
Ryder’s gaze darted between my father and me, attempting to read whatever we were wordlessly communicating.
“Audryn has the magic of the land,” my father said adoringly. “She was gifted it from her mother’s family.”
“Prove it.” Ryder kicked a boot at the pieces of mug splayed across the floor, sending a larger chunk into the wall.
“There’s been a ban for twenty years, any magic I've done was accidental and I’m not sure how—” I started.
“Stop lying!” Ryder shouted. “I am tired of all your lies!”
“What—” My words faltered and my stomach sank. “What would you like me to show you?”
“Get creative,” he sneered. “Use that mind of yours for once.”
I looked around the room, hoping to find something to squash his anger.
If Ryder were to treat me as he did at the workshop, my father’s magic would rage and expose our family.
My father adjusted his weight on the cane, causing the floor to creak.
He needed to sit, and I needed to get Ryder the fuck out of my parents’ house. I moved toward the front door.
“Not in public,” Ryder spat, “unless you have a death wish.”
“My father needs to sit,” I pleaded. “I’ll do whatever you want, but please let him sit first.”
Ryder waved a hand. With wobbling legs, my father turned and limped the few steps, then collapsed down onto the sofa cushion.
“I suppose I can try to regrow the flower you destroyed.” I crossed the room to the clay pot.
Carefully, I wrapped three fingers and my thumb around the stem and closed my eyes.
I made a show out of conjuring my magic, pretending to struggle when all it would take was a small flick of a magical spark in the stem’s direction.
If he knew I could conjure without touching the source, he’d understand just how powerful my abilities were.
I flitted my eyes open weakly. “It’s been so long, I’m just not sure I can. ”
My father watched carefully. He didn’t know Ryder as well as I did, which wasn’t saying much. But if I didn’t make it look difficult, he’d know I’d used magic my entire life, and I’d find my head rolling as easily as Kamden had.
Ryder only stared.
I directed my effort back to the stem and a couple of minutes later, a small bud sprouted. Though not happy with my weak ability, he seemed content enough with the result. Unsurprisingly, he told me he could’ve done a better job than I had. For the sake of leaving, I didn’t argue.
“Let’s go,” Ryder demanded.
I crossed the room and leaned down to my father for a hug. “I’m so sorry. Everything’s going to be okay, please trust me.”
“Now,” Ryder roared behind me.
“I love you,” I whispered.