Chapter 28 Audryn
AUDRYN
It took over twenty-four hours to fly back to Rivale.
We stopped only for a few minutes to switch gryphons in Rynholm and then immediately continued on.
Ryder was so furious, he made me travel with Hunt for the entire trip.
Several times I considered jumping; but that would’ve undone everything I had worked for.
With Fisher in Kuroden, my list had shrunk to two, though I contemplated putting Ryder in his place.
He’d said we were mated, which explained why I felt so connected to him, but what made little sense was the absolute hatred I felt simmering too.
Even when he touched me, the lust stayed at the forefront, but I still loathed him.
The moment I stepped off the gryphon, my legs nearly gave out from exhaustion.
My body was icy from the early morning air, and as a last-ditch effort to warm myself, I had sunk into Hunt.
If I didn’t think too hard, I could almost trick my mind into thinking it was Col who sat behind me.
But the smell of tobacco on the guard’s breath jolted me out of the delusion.
Making it to my room, I threw off the leather riding jacket I’d borrowed—stole. Not wanting to draw too much attention to the unintended keepsake, I quickly threw it into my armoire and searched for a sleeping dress. I needed to bathe, the grime on me was disgusting.
“Your behavior while away is absolutely appalling,” Ryder scolded as I dug through what was left of my clothing. “It’s pointless to stand here and lie to me, so tell me everything.”
“Right now? You want me to give you a list, right now? Grab a notebook.” I faced him, my patience nonexistent. “Or would you rather hear of my escapades tomorrow? Maybe you can work up your anger by then since you’re in such a cheerful mood.”
He moved his hand toward me, and I winced.
“Careful, Darling. I was only going to fix your hair,” he purred.
Slowly, he slid his hand through my wind-blown locks, letting his fingers scrape against my scalp. My stomach tilted. I couldn’t ignore how handsome he was, and I ached to have his hand finish what he’d started earlier.
I shook my mind clear as his fingers arrived at a knotted section and he forced his way past it, pulling my head with him. It wasn’t truly love I felt. It was whatever ruined bond the land had cursed me with.
“Don’t give yourself too much credit.” I yawned, sleep nearly overtaking me.
Maybe I’d wait to bathe. Moving to the sofa, I kicked off my boots and slumped back, pulling a small blanket over me. If he wanted to talk, fine, but he’d need to keep me awake first.
“Did you fuck him?” Ryder’s eyes drew down as he hovered over me.
“Would you like details, or would a yes suffice?” I raised an eyebrow and bit the side of my mouth.
“I hate you,” Ryder breathed as his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“Don’t worry, the feeling is more than mutual.” I smiled.
The toilet flushed in the adjoining bathing room and my eyes darted to the door. With the engagement, I assumed he would’ve sent Maris home. My surprise must have shown because Ryder grinned wide.
“She fucks better than you,” he said smugly.
I smirked. “Col’s dick is bigger and curves just right to hit the perfect spot.” It wasn’t a lie, only a detail for Ryder to lament on.
His face fell flat.
“And his tongue … well, that’s something women write songs about. I’ve never had such an amazing org—”
“Enough! You’ll shut your mouth or I’ll bring Mirael in here to sew it shut.”
His face was so red, it was nearly purple; I decided not to push him any further.
“Later,” Ryder continued. “Sleep and we’ll speak later.” The door slammed as he left.
The bed was softer than normal; I had succumbed to sleep the moment my head hit the pillow.
I woke up groggy and exhausted, despite sleeping longer than usual.
I wasn't used to functioning in such a sleep deficit.
Kuroden had given me the opportunity for a stable schedule.
It was one of the many perks of being away.
I stared lazily at the door, wishing Draven might send breakfast to bed for me. As if my hope was realized, the door opened without a knock. Unfortunately, I found Ryder staring rather than a tray filled with food. I considered hiding under the blanket.
“Good morning.” His tone was softer, and he hesitated in the doorway before stepping into the room. “We’re going to start over. There’s much to discuss, and I don’t have time to argue with you.”
Erasing everything that had happened was impossible. There was nothing he could say to make up for any of his actions. Even with the bond pulling me to him, I was steadfast in maintaining a distance between us.
He moved across the room and sat at the bottom of the bed. Stroking my foot under the blanket, he looked up at the ceiling. “We don’t need to discuss the particulars of your visit. I’ve decided we’re going to move forward.”
The swings in his personality were so drastic, and when I was around him, so were mine. It wasn’t like me to be affectionate one moment and then rife with anger the next. Something shifted when he was around; up was down and down was up.
“That’s fine.” I pushed back and sat up, pulling my foot away. “I don’t want to argue either. But I’m ready to part ways and return home.”
Ryder blew out a breath. “I think when you love someone deeply, passion bleeds through in other emotions. Emotions I’m not proud of.
” His gaze turned to me as he scooted, sitting closer than I liked.
“Audryn,” he said, putting his hand on mine, sending sparks through me.
“Tell me you don’t feel our connection each time our bodies touch. ”
It was a trick question, and one I couldn’t answer easily.
Because if I were completely honest, I’d tell him each time he touched me, I was about to crawl out of my skin.
Not just from pleasure, but from fear. When he had hit me, the bite of his hand left an invisible scar.
I was on edge when he was around, but not for the reasons he assumed.
He stood. Leaning down, his lips landed on mine, but my mouth remained closed. I urged my body and mind to listen to logic, to ignore whatever always ignited when we touched; and, to my surprise, my mind finally did not relent.
Pulling away, he stared down at me. “You need to let me in. You’ll be my wife soon, and the queen shortly after.”
“Soon?” My voice pitched high.
“With so many guests and so much to coordinate, we had to schedule the ceremony for Friday.” He smiled and kissed the top of my head before pulling back and walking to the door. “I have someone coming to make adjustments to my mother’s bridal gown for you. He’s highly recommended.”
I was stunned. It was already Wednesday, leaving me only two days to find a way out.
“My grandmother wore it, as did my great grandmother—it’s been in the family for generations.” He ran a finger up my arm and adjusted the front of his pants.
“When will I meet your father?” I attempted to keep my tone light. “He’ll provide the blessing, right?”
It was tradition for the father of a groom to bless the marriage before the ceremony. Meanwhile, the father of the bride had the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle and releasing her to the groom for all to see.
“He lost consciousness some days ago, but knows about you. I told him so many wonderful things. We’ll visit him bedside after the ceremony. You’ll meet my mother there too.”
“What time have you scheduled the event, and where will it be held?” I needed to gather as much information as possible.
“I knew your mood would change.” Ryder’s eyes lit up. “Leanna thought you’d like it held in the garden. I ordered a large area plowed for seating and paths, but the rest of the foliage and flowers will remain. With the ocean as our backdrop, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of blue.”
“And the time?”
“What better time than sunset? Only the best for my wife.”
A garden wedding at sunset would’ve been every woman’s dream. Add to the fact that I’d be marrying a prince, and most wouldn’t want anything more out of life. But I did. And I suddenly worried that the place I wanted to be most was out of my grasp.
“Your father is here,” Ryder continued, “and I’m sure you’d like to see him. Breakfast is being served later than normal to accommodate your sleeping in late, so get ready and head down within the hour.”
With the click of the door, I was up and drawing a bath.
I hadn’t seen my father in quite a while, and there was so much we needed to discuss.
The first issue being how I’d get him out of the castle and to safety.
My plans to kill King Sutton hadn’t changed, and I wouldn't have him harmed because of my choices.
If I were caught, he could sneak to the border and go to Kuroden.
But I would need to come clean about my plans first.
An hour flew by, and I rushed down the corridor. I waved a hand at Guard Roark as I passed.
“Glad to see you back.” He gestured a wave.
“Wish I could say I was glad to be back,” I quipped and watched as confusion washed across his face.
Ryder, Maris, and my father sat at the dining table, and I sprinted across the slick floor to get to him as quickly as possible. My future couldn’t be guaranteed, and I wouldn’t waste a single moment from that point on. My boots skidded as I glided into his awaiting arms, nearly knocking him over.
“How have you been?” my father gushed. “I’ve missed you!” The wrinkles on his face dug deep, and his eyes shifted between Ryder and me. Was it a silent plea? I’d need to find a way to speak with him in private.
“I’m good,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t notice the bruise on my cheek that the prince had left me with. “Just happy to see you.”
“Yes …” My father rubbed a thumb across the curve of my face. “I see that.” His jaw clenched as he released me and moved to sit.
“No Leanna today?” I asked as I walked around the table.