Chapter 11 #2
“The European Ministry appreciates your feelings on this matter, but it’s also important to remember that a ruler must look beyond vengeance to what is best for all of his people.
” Aiden glared hard at Mara, and Ronan rolled his eyes.
He’d already made it clear that this wasn’t just a decision based on vengeance, but also prudent ruling and protection of his people.
Why keep around someone whose only goal was to undermine and destroy the Variks?
Mara swallowed hard and pressed on, but it was clear to everyone in the room that this ship was sinking. So, Ronan shouldn’t have been surprised that she threw out one more life preserver, latching on to him.
“It has also come to our attention that you were acquainted with Ronan Svendsen prior to his arrival at court. Because of your old friendship, we hope that you will listen to his counsel.”
Ronan’s heart skipped a beat to have Aiden’s eyes fall on him. There was a coldness in those golden orbs that he hated seeing directed at him.
“She’s right,” Ronan started slowly. The world was tilting now, and he was going to set things in motion that could not be undone.
“Heller came begging to the European Ministry to intercede on his behalf. I don’t personally know if he is in the US or Europe, but my money is on him being here.
Probably even in this town as we speak.”
“And your recommendation? Do I listen to the European Ministry? Do I give him and his clan a pardon?”
Ronan shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced down as Mara twisted in her seat to send him a warning look. He knew that look: follow the company line, or you’re dead.
He gave a little snort and smiled at Aiden. “Fuck him. He’s a coward and a traitor. He wants you and your family dead. Why would you ever give him a second chance?”
Mara launched to her feet and took a step toward him, her face going from painfully pale to bright red in a matter of seconds. “What are you doing?”
Taking a step away from her, Ronan shifted so he could clearly see Aiden where he still sat behind the desk. “The European Ministry doesn’t give a damn about Heller and his clan. This is all about whether they can flex their muscle and control you from across the ocean.”
“Traitor! The Ministry is going to have your head,” Mara screeched. She started to launch herself at Ronan, her hands outstretched with fingers curved into claws, but stopped suddenly.
Everyone stopped when a long blade seemed to slice right through the air between them and turn toward Mara.
“What magic?” she breathed in horror.
The blade was quickly followed by the rest of Winter and his mate, Fox. Grabbing Ronan’s arm, the witch pushed Ronan backward, putting more space between him and Mara, while Winter turned the blade on the woman currently seething at them all.
Ronan risked a glance over at Aiden to find that he was now standing, a look of barely controlled rage digging lines into his face. Marcus had stepped closer to his father, looking more than ready to jump into the fight.
“Just stay back here with me,” Fox whispered. The witch waved his hand in front of both of them, and Ronan swore there was a new tingle of energy in the air. Something shimmered in front of him. He reached out and touched the electric blue film.
Fox shivered and smacked his hand. “Don’t touch it. It doesn’t feel good.”
“Sorry,” Ronan murmured, turning his attention to where Winter was holding Mara and Michael at bay.
His mind was absolutely spinning. Winter and Fox had been there the entire time.
They jumped in to save him. He could have handled Mara and Michael with little problem, but the fact that they’d acted to protect him was…
well, it was confusing and kind of wonderful.
“How dare you threaten us! I’m an emissary of the European Ministry. I—” Mara shouted but Aiden cut her off.
“You are nothing here!” Aiden roared. “The European Ministry has no power here. You are permitted to be here by my tolerance, and after you attempted to shed blood in my office, in my domain, without my permission, my tolerance is at an end.”
“You have no idea the power the European Ministry wields,” Mara hissed.
Aiden chuckled. “You have twelve hours to safely leave my lands and return to the Ministry. The clock is ticking. Do not test me.”
Mara glared at Aiden for a couple of seconds before turning her ire on Ronan. “The Ministry will have your head for this betrayal. You swore your allegiance to the European Ministry.”
Ronan snorted. “There was no oath. I’m a paid sword. I’ve always been a paid sword for them. They knew how far my loyalty ran.”
Mara tried to take a step closer, but Winter was right there in front of her, his grin growing wider and more wicked, as if he were taunting her.
With a final huff, Mara spun around and marched to the door that opened as she reached for it. On the other side stood a lethal-looking woman and a man who was both taller and wider than Michael.
“Lola, Ryder, please escort our guests from my property. See that they return directly to their hotel,” Aiden instructed. His glare turned on Ronan, and Ronan’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. “I will see to the final member of the envoy.”
A frown pulled at the corners of Ronan’s mouth, but he forced down his growing worries. That didn’t sound promising at all for him, but at least Aiden knew the kind of danger he clearly faced. Keeping Aiden safe was the only thing that mattered to him.