Chapter 12 Ryder
RYDER
The air in the room was lighter than usual as the breeze from the ocean blew through and temporarily cleared away the impending promise of death.
Even the worn pits in the chair’s cushion held more bounce than I remembered.
I bit into the handheld pie expecting berry filling, but was disappointed by the sourness of the diced green apples hidden within.
Draven knew it was my least favorite fruit, yet had handed me the pastry with a smile.
“The repairs, how are they coming along?” My father’s voice was raspy. “Has Elowen been helping?”
“No, she only seems to muck things up.” I put the bitter snack down on the table at my side. “But not to worry—I’ve resolved the issue myself.”
With a hazy stare, he made a silent command for further information on the matter.
“Well, it was actually Audryn who found the solution,” I started, but was quickly interrupted.
“Are you so incompetent that you needed to seek advice from a female?” He pushed back on trembling elbows and attempted to sit up in bed. “How many other sensitive matters have you disclosed to this woman?”
If it hadn’t been for her, I’d still be floundering with castle repairs. Had there not been an attack on the ship and the barrels lost to the sea, we would’ve had the resources to patch the cracks.
“She is my mated.” I stood and went to the door, not wanting to take another verbal lashing.
My mother’s head lifted from the book she held, her expression hopeful. “She is?”
“Foolish boy,” my father interjected, “you wouldn’t know your mate if she was standing directly in front of you. She is nothing but a tavern whore.”
“Audryn is my betrothed,” I snapped, “so you will address her properly.”
I’d done all he’d asked of me. With the promise of the throne no longer weaponized, there was little reason to accept his insults—not only the ones thrown at me, but the ones launched at Audryn too.
“And she holds Divine magic?” His question was accusatory, as if I wouldn’t be worthy of such greatness.
“Yes,” I spat. “It was one of your requirements, was it not?”
“You’ve asked her to marry you?” My mother threw a hand over her mouth.
Had I asked Audryn to marry me? The gesture was rushed since Grave interjected himself into the situation. I’d planned to take her to the garden after breakfast and ask her with the rising sun as our backdrop, but he’d ruined that for me.
“Yes,” I croaked, still attempting to recall the details of the proposal.
“And she accepted?” She stood and waited for my answer.
“Who wouldn’t accept the offer? Any woman would be lucky to be my wife,” I said. “And who wouldn’t want to be the Queen of Rivale?”
I waited for her agreement, but she simply stared past me. She might not appreciate the position considering she was wed to my father. But had she chosen someone with my disposition, she’d understand just how absurd her question was.
“Bride or no, you must be cautious of sharing matters that are not the business of a woman.” My father’s voice was strained. He reached for a cup with a wobbling hand, spilling out a quarter of its contents before bringing it to his mouth.
“I can’t wait to meet her,” my mother gushed. “I’m sure she’s going to make a beautiful bride. Will she wear your grandmother’s bridal gown? Have you decided on a group of stringed players for the celebration?”
“You will meet her after the wedding concludes,” my father snapped. “We shall be introduced at the same time.”
“Why would I wait when Ryder can bring her to meet us now?” Her voice edged toward irritation. “I understand you don’t want people to see you like this, Edric, but she will be family soon.”
My stomach sank.
Bringing her to meet my parents wasn’t only a bad idea, but completely impossible. I was supposed to do whatever it took to make the deal for the crude, but somehow I knew my father’s instructions wouldn’t have included sending my bride off with the wickedest king in all of Crofea.
“You’re to stay at your husband's side during his death and until he is buried,” he scolded.
“I believe that tradition was intended for husbands who were mortally injured at war.” Her voice was laced with chill. “Not for those who take more than a year to meet their grave.”
I couldn’t blame her for feeling the way she did. I’m sure standing by a man who treated you so poorly was an arduous task.
“You’ll meet her soon enough.” I patted her shoulder. “I need to go, but I’ll return tomorrow.”
Before she could argue, I was in the corridor and headed to my rooms to change.
With the cooler months encroaching, I needed to take advantage of the remaining warmth and spend as much time as possible sparring in the ring.
Though Rivale rarely saw snow, the frost was unpleasant enough to dissuade me from outdoor activities.
“Your Highness,” Hunt called from behind me as I nearly reached my rooms. “Captain Vexley is here and requests a meeting.”
I rolled my eyes and turned on my heel. “Where?”
“Royal common room.”
I sighed and walked past the guard. With my father’s health continuing to decline, I’d started to feel the weight of the obligations piled on me. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle, but there were other activities I’d rather be doing.
“Captain,” I acknowledged the man standing as I breezed past him to my chair. “Did we have a meeting planned?”
“No, Your Highness. We have a matter to contend with, and I wanted to speak with you as soon as possible.”
I motioned to the attendant and tipped my empty glass. The man stared at the cup, brows furrowing. “Wine!” I demanded, frustrated that I even had to ask.
He scurried off and reappeared holding a dark bottle marked with Rivale’s emblem. With a shaky hand, he poured the burgundy liquid, letting a drop spill on the table as he pulled away. That someone couldn’t manage to do their job without making a mess was ridiculous.
I waved him off.
“There is general dissension among many fae in the capital.” He paused. “Intel suggests an uprising from the resistance. It appears they are actively recruiting and growing their campaign.”
I hummed and took a large gulp from my glass, letting the heat of the sweet liquid coat my tongue.
“The group has changed its tactics. Last night, they damaged businesses in the capital.”
“To what extent?”
He let out a slow exhale. “Alleys and buildings marked in paint, and windows broken with notes written on stones.”
Thrumming my fingers against the glass, I waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. “What do the notes say, Vexley?”
“The resistance has defiled your name, sir. Very publicly.”
With my father nearly dead and the resistance’s flagrant contempt, my rule could be at risk. My stomach twisted. We’d already suffered through an uprising centuries ago and barely held onto our reign; I wasn’t about to let insurgents take my crown.
“We have people working to paint over the writings and repair the windows. For free, of course. We don’t want the good people of Rivale to be held financially responsible for the actions of the group.” He ran a hand through his hair. “We’re using all our resources to find those responsible.”
I nodded. “Yes, increase patrols and offer rewards. Whoever exposes these cowards should be compensated greatly.”
The door opened and Leanna strode in, taking up the seat beside me. “I didn’t realize we were holding a meeting, gentlemen. My invitation must have gotten lost,” she purred.
“Where are you pulling from in order to increase patrols?” I ignored Leanna and directed my question to the captain.
“We are reducing each outpost along the coastline by one, leaving two to a shift. Those reassigned will patrol on horseback, they’ll cover more ground that way. The buildings were targeted in the night hours, so we are focusing our efforts during that time,” he finished.
“Has the vandalism spread to the surrounding areas?”
“It appears the conflict remains only in the capital, though there are plenty of resistance members in the outer areas as well. We are actively monitoring their activity.”
I drained my glass and gestured for a refill. “Very well. I expect to be updated both at sunrise and sunset until further notice.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” He moved to stand.
“Perhaps it’s time you mingled among the people, Brother?” Leanna suggested. “If you are seeing this much pushback, they are clearly feeling disconnected. Go meet them where they are, both physically and in opinion.”
The idea wasn’t a bad one. In fact, the strategy might help solidify my position. I was only irritated that I hadn’t thought of it first. I needed to get a hold of the public opinion before it spiraled out of my control because once one group united publicly, others might follow.
“While I understand how that may seem like a good idea, the situation is volatile and I cannot guarantee your safety,” Vexley warned. “We are still gathering information about their next move.”
I motioned with a hand for him to stop. “There’s no need for concern. I can keep myself safe without the assistance of others, I guarantee you that.”
“You should travel on horseback to greet the fae. If you arrive in a gilded carriage, it will be far too intimidating for the people to approach,” she said.
“Yes, I shall walk among the people. Show them there is no reason to challenge my rule.” I gulped down the full glass of wine. “I am the rightful heir and will bring strength to this kingdom.”
Leanna’s lips pursed while Vexley nodded.
“I have yet to meet Maris’s family—she shall make the introduction and we will visit the people along the way.” I relaxed as my plan fell into place. “Her father will be a good connection.”
“Maris?” Leanna sneered.
“Her father holds power of opinion over the commoners. They’re considerably wealthy and have a formidable voice,” I said. “Make plans for the meeting. Also, arrange a gathering and invite a dozen lords and ladies from the area. Secure the most influential attendees. I need to put a stop to this.”