FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

Riaura spun around, skirts fluttering as she leapt up the stairs.

His predatory gaze caught every flowing movement of her clothes. Knowing he could’ve caught it.

And jerked her back. But he let her go. Stalking up the steps behind her.

Let her lead me out. This will be easier.

“You’ll die on the chopping block, Alazar!” She called over her shoulder. “You’ve forced my hand! Even if this night haunts me the rest of my life.”

“It’s likely to.” He called up to her cryptically.

She fled up the narrow steps toward the Main Floor.

His step doggedly trailing hers, as he closed the gap between them.

When she pushed open the heavy wooden door, she saw the two knights stepping forward. She nodded behind her.

“Riaura!” Alazar growled reprimandingly. “You’d have me kill more?”

The two rounded on him. He ducked a swinging sword and stepped aside. Stabbing the knight in the abdomen as his armor lifted. Then the neck as it lowered into place. As the knight collapsed, Alazar stepped behind him. Angling the man’s shoulder to keep him between he and the other knight.

The other one charged and Alazar swayed aside, ducked, and planted his dagger in the gap of metal armor near the man’s arm pit as he rounded with another swing of his sword.

Too little, too late. I trained you, Fool. Alazar glared at them. Identifying they were knights he didn’t particular care for to begin with.

Thankful for that, at least. He was relieved neither had been Jacob.

The one man I truly hope survives this.

Riaura rushed upstairs and found her armed knights. “The prisoner is going to attempt an escape. Block the exits.”

The knights shouted to each other. Waving at teach other to disperse in different directions.

Looking behind her and seeing no one she stalked to her chamber. Slamming the door behind her she put her back to it and blew out a relieved breath. Taking two steps before spotting him splayed out on her chaise longue before the fire.

“What are you doing here?”

“Not like I haven’t been here before.” His gaze was hooded. He was craned back with a hand propped under the back of his head. Looking strategically relaxed. Though he was anything but.

“You’re wounded.” She tossed him a rag from the washbasin. “You need to clean those.”

Her gaze lingered on the burns marring his chest and arms.

“You knew it would happen, Riaura. Don’t eyeball them now.”

The wounds you ordered be created.

Sighing guiltily she walked to him to collect the rag and dab at his wounds.

He blew a long breath to keep from tensing at the pain.

She shot him a sharp look.

“Don’t worry it’s not my last. Despite your intent to be there when it is.”

Kneeling next to him, she gently cleansed his wounds.

He watched her ministrations.

“I’m sorry.” She gave him a sideways glance.

Are you really? Or just saying so since you think you’re cornered? He wondered.

It wasn’t the first time he questioned which of her faces was genuine. The sweet kind girl he’d first come to know.

Or the selfish, blind, queen she’s become.

“Love me.” His abrupt words startled her. “Be my mate. It’d simplify everything and you know as well as I, I could give you all you desire. You want me even now. I’ve sensed it.”

I can smell it on you when you touch me. His wolf was stirring at the scent of her arousal.

Say yes. He willed her. Don’t make me do this.

She scoffed and shook her head, not taking her eyes from where she dabbed a welted, black burn on his arm. The skin flaked upon her touch.

She winced.

“What?” He blinked at her. Artfully ignoring the alluring scent of rose wafting from her hair.

“I’m certain it hurts.”

“I was fond of you when you were my friend. I held affection for you which blossomed into deep love long before you became queen.”

Something I’m certain was orchestrated by Savage Jack...Somehow.

“It’s Nightway you wish to seduce. Not the woman ruling it.” She leaned away from him to eye him suspiciously.

“The Hell it is!”

I don’t want the bloody castle. I just refuse to watch you fail your people.