Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
“I meant with the castle. Because I could be killed—along with my whole family.”
He rolled his eyes. “That would never happen.”
“I don’t know…the guards are really strict.”
“On those who trespass. But you aren’t trespassing. I sneak in girls all the time.”
My eyes narrowed.
“Okay…that was a stupid thing to say.” He extended his hand over the ledge so I could grab on to it and pull myself over. “But I’ll make it up to you—and you know I’m good for it.”
I grabbed on and made my way over the ledge, letting him get me to the ground so my feet didn’t make a loud thud. I shut the window until there was just a crack to insert my fingers, and we left.
The cobblestone pathway was empty, torches lighting the routes through town. I’d snuck out of my room a couple times, and I was always amazed by the peacefulness of the night, the silence, and the stars.
When we made it close to the castle, he took my hand in his. The guards didn’t even look at him as he pulled me through the double doors of the castle, into the grand foyer with the staircase. Torches were everywhere, highlighting the colored tiles, the crown moldings on the ceiling, the armor of the guards who kept watch all night long. Red rugs were everywhere, decorated with the seal of the king.
I’d never been inside a castle before, only admired it from the exterior, and it was a kind of luxury I couldn’t fathom. His hand guided me, and I admired the paintings on the walls, the sculptures on the tables in the hallway, the chandeliers that glowed with light.
After a couple turns down the corridors, we entered his bedroom.
Which was bigger than the house I shared with my family.
He had a four-poster bed against the wall, a sizable rug underneath, two nightstands, and a large hearth that could contain a bonfire. His lamps were on, and so was his chandelier, because they had electricity here.
The rest of the city didn’t.
He had his own bathroom too, even a separate living room in front of another fireplace. I spotted doors that must have led to a balcony that overlooked the city. It was innately comfortable, and that made me a little bit envious.
If I’d been born into a different family, this could have been mine. My parents could live a life of luxury instead of one of backbreaking work. Ryker had won the lottery, and my family hoped to win a different one.
He uncorked a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. “Would you like to sit on the balcony?”
“I figured the only place you’d want me is in your bed.”
He handed the glass to me, playfulness in his eyes. “We’ve got time for that later. Come on.” He opened the double doors to a balcony, with loungers and chairs that overlooked the city below. The torches illuminated the pathways, and the lights from the windows of the homes glowed like stars.
“It’s something, huh?” He took a drink before he sat in one of the chairs, setting his glass on the table beside him.
I took a seat too, the glass of wine resting on my thigh. I’d rarely had wine because it was so expensive. Ale and mead were my usual options. Once the taste hit my lips, I really appreciated all the subtle flavors, the sweet grapes, the blossoms, the hint of cedarwood. “This is good.”
“From King Rutherford’s own vineyards.”
Then it was an even greater honor.
He stared at the city for a long time, even though it was a view he got to experience every day of his life. It was a rare moment when he wasn’t gloating or making jokes. A seriousness overtook his face, like he was deep in thought about something. He was even more handsome like that—just being himself.
“She’ll turn up eventually.”
His face gave a subtle wince before he turned his eyes back to me. “You think so?”
I nodded. “No one would take a duchess without a reason.”
“That’s what my father says.”
“Just have to be patient.”
“I feel like shit because she tried to tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
“That one of the guards in the castle was untrustworthy.” He rested his arms on his knees and looked ahead. “He made her uncomfortable. He stared longer than he should. Since he was a Blade Scion, I just assumed she was intimidated. But she was right on the money…as always.”
He was still practically a stranger to me, but my heart broke anyway.
“He transported her to the Capital, but along the way, he killed the other guards and took her.”
“Do you think someone ordered him to do that?”
He gave a shrug. “Probably. But not sure who.”
“If it’s someone from one of the villages looking for ransom, that’s stupid. The second he hands her over, he’ll be killed. There’s no scenario where he gets away with this—and he must know that.”