Chapter 38 #2
The guard behind Odin lifted the butt of his weapon and prepared to smash it into Odin’s skull. Kendra braced herself, but the blow never came. Mordrick lifted a hand, the guard lowered his weapon.
“For those of you who fail to recognize this man, please allow me to introduce Odin Masters, the rebel leader who managed to escape a trap I laid for him eight years ago.”
“Escape?” Odin’s gaze scanned the room, his stare settling heavy on Reyne with a look of pure disgust. “Next time, try sending a man instead of an incompetent boy to do your dirty work.”
Gasps and murmurs echoed through the room.
Mordrick arched a dark brow. “Are you suggesting my nephew was inept?”
“Nephew?” Odin spat the word like it was a piece of foul meat. “Are you telling me that piece of scum shares your blood?”
“You mean you didn’t know?” Mordrick threw his head back and roared with laughter.
Odin fought the chains while his eyes blazed furiously in Reyne’s direction.
Kendra leaned forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of Reyne’s expression, but his face remained hidden behind a sea of onlookers. Moments later, the crowd parted as he advanced towards Odin with a heavy stride.
Her breath caught.
Watching for any telling signs as to what he may do, Kendra studied Reyne’s every movement as he crossed the polished floor.
Looming over Odin with a commanding stance, Reyne crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at him.
Odin fought his chains, hissing at him through clenched teeth.
Kendra couldn’t hear what Odin said, yet knowing how he felt about Reyne, she was fairly certain it was some sort of hideous death threat.
“Tell me Odin,” Mordrick asked. “Why today? Why choose today, of all days, to return to Talear? Did you, by chance, wish to congratulate me on my upcoming nuptials? And bask in Talear's triumph?”
Kendra shrieked as Mordrick lifted her from her seat and yanked her across his lap. With an arm around her waist, he held her close, stifling her struggles.
“Or meet my beautiful blushing Valerian bride?” Soft leather caressed her cheek in a long lazy stroke, down her throat, stopping just above the rise of her breasts.
Revulsion rippled through her, and she squeezed her eyes closed.
A commotion broke out.
Her eyes flew open just in time to see Odin break free of the guard’s hold, and attack Reyne.
He smashed his bound wrist into Reyne’s startled face as he lashed out, every limb fighting his shackles.
Odin tried to kick Reyne in the groin, but a guard yanked hard on the chain.
Stopped short by the collar, Odin fell backwards and rammed the floor.
Another guard sent his boot sailing into Odin’s side before he could move.
Kendra cringed. She didn’t want to watch this nightmare but couldn’t force herself to look away.
Reyne touched a finger to his cheek that bled from a long cut. His eyes darkened with intensity, and he yanked the chain from the guard’s grip. Letting some of the links scrape the ground, Reyne stepped on it with the heel of his boot, anchoring Odin’s face close to the polished floor.
Panting, Odin glared up at Reyne with hatred blazing in his intense stare. “Son of a spawn, I’ll see you dead for this.”
Son of a spawn. Fuck. Odin didn’t know Dante was Reyne’s father. Somehow, she had to tell him. But how? It seemed like an impossible task.
Mordrick thrust Kendra from his lap and stood again.
Clap...Clap…Clap. “Inasmuch as this has been the best entertainment I’ve had in years, I’m afraid I’ll have to end it.
Guards,” he bellowed. “Take Odin to the prison block.” He turned to his odious advisor.
“Magnius, send for Seth. I want this scum executed. Immediately.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Magnius bowed and shuffled from the room.
Executed? Seth? Whatever color was left drained from her face. Kendra turned to Mordrick ready to beg, plead, drop to her knees, offering anything he wanted in exchange for Odin’s life.
“A boon, uncle.” Reyne encircled the end of the chain around his wrist and elbow, shortening its length with every flick. “It would please me greatly if Odin could experience the hell of the chamber, just as I endured all those years ago.”
Mordrick seated himself and leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. “There is some justice in that, I suppose. After all, you were punished for failing to capture him.”
The chilling silence descended as all eyes collectively watched Mordrick in both horror and anticipation.
Tap…Tap…Tap…Mordrick drummed his fingers against the table for several tense minutes. “I grant your request. Ten hours in the chamber. Public execution tomorrow. Guards, take this scum to the chamber.”
Reyne lifted a hand, halting the confused guard who reached for the chain. “Please, allow me the honor.” He flashed a grin as he removed his foot from the chain and yanked a furious Odin to his feet.
As Reyne tugged on the chain, Odin faced Mordrick with a murderous glare. “You haven’t seen the last of me, I promise you that. Next time I see you, I will kill you.”
Mordrick elevated his goblet, saluting him with a mocking grin. “Make all the threats you want, Odin.” He took a healthy swig and laughed as Reyne dragged Odin towards the doors. “They can’t reach me from the grave.”
Kendra was desperate to let Reyne and Odin know about Dante. With Magnius gone, she decided Mordrick’s ire was worth the risk. “Spune-i cine este tat?l t?u. Era partenerul lui," she yelled across the room. Tell him who your father is. He was Odin’s partner.
Reyne’s pause was so brief, she would have missed it if she wasn’t so hyper-focused on his every move and silent gesture. He had heard her. Good.
Mordrick spun and the cold tip of his knife touched her throat. “What did you say to my nephew?”
She met his icy stare straight on, daring him to cut her. “I said they should experience hell together.”
He lowered the knife, leaving it unclear if he believed her or not. She didn’t give a damn. What more could he do?
She had been tortured until she agreed to wed a murderous madman. Her people despised her, and with good reason. Garrett and Quinn were in the dungeon and now Odin was in jeopardy of losing his life.
If she had a dagger of her own, she would plunge it into Mordrick’s black heart.
Now she knew why she didn’t get a knife.