Chapter 59

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

Ryker

“Okay,” Ellery said. “I’ve closed all the drapes, so at least no one can see in.”

She didn’t say anything more before veering into the sitting room. I followed her into the room that, while it was now devoid of all the artifacts once decorating it, was still cozier than anything in my father’s castle.

A drape hung askew, they’d broken the arm of a chair, and the table that once sat before the sofa was gone. She’d told me that Samael and his lackeys had trashed the place, but seeing what they’d done infuriated and saddened me.

She’d lost so much, and I could never give any of it back to her. But I could give her freedom and security from the monsters who’d done this, and I would.

“What happened here?” Callan asked as he stopped in the doorway.

“The sheriff,” Ellery answered tiredly.

“That bastard.”

Callan walked over and settled in the chair I’d occupied the day Ellery revealed she could control all the weathers. He was far too familiar with her home for my liking.

“How were you involved in the rebellion?” I demanded.

Closing his eyes, Callan scrubbed his face with his hands before lowering them. His green eyes were wary as they surveyed me.

Ellery sat on the sofa, clasped her hands before her, and hunched forward. Her eyes were on Callan, but her posture screamed of sorrow.

Settling beside her, I drew Ellery into my arms and held her against my chest while I stared expectantly at the lute player. He didn’t speak as he gawked at us.

When Ellery wrapped her arms around me, Callan blinked before rising. “I’m going to get a drink. Would either of you like anything?”

Ellery shook her head, but I said, “Ice for her face.”

“It will heal,” Ellery mumbled.

“Until it does, we’ll keep it as pain-free as possible.”

When Callan left the room, I settled back on the sofa while cradling her. She didn’t cry; that would come later.

For now, she sat while trying to adjust to the new reality of her world. She’d once shared this home with loving parents, and now she was an orphan, trapped in a realm that had become a hostile, lethal place.

I didn’t speak or tell her it would get better. There were still moments when, out of nowhere, I’d recall something about my mother, and the memory would stop me. The heartbreak I’d experienced over her loss would rush back over me, and I would once again be a heartbroken, six-year-old boy who missed his mother.

I still thought of her every day, and I always would. Ellery would do the same, but she already knew that after the loss of her father.

In the kitchen, cabinets opened and closed, and water turned on. Ellery settled deeper against my side. “You should go,” she whispered.

“I know.”

Neither of us moved.

“What are we going to do about him?” I asked.

“He’s supposed to meet up with his sister somewhere, but until then, he can stay here. I’m sure the king and earl will uncover the truth of the rebellion soon; once they do, he’ll be a wanted man.”

“And what is the truth of the rebellion?”

“The earl’s servants turned on him. Callan’s sister worked for the man, and that’s how he got involved. Once they learn that, they’ll put the pieces together and start hunting him. If, by some miracle, they don’t discover he was involved, it will still be too much risk for him to return to his life. He won’t like it, but he’ll have to go to Tucker’s.”

I grunted in response. I’d much prefer it if he vanished somewhere on his own, but he did save her, and if they caught him, he could reveal all he knew about us.

Because of that, I either had to kill him or protect him. I knew which I’d prefer, but Ellery would disagree, and I wouldn’t be the one to take anything more from her.

“What if he chooses not to go to Tucker’s?” I asked.

“That’s for him to decide.”

“He’s seen us together. He’s a threat.”

“He’s a friend who saved me.”

“He saved you from something he helped create, and if they catch him, he can turn us in.”

“I helped create the threat that led to them ransacking my home. We all make choices, and we all have to face their consequences. If they catch him, he won’t turn us in.”

“Maybe you trust him, but I don’t.”

Especially when it came to her, but I kept that to myself. The last thing she needed was more of my jealousy over that man. I trusted her completely and knew she wouldn’t do anything with him, but I didn’t trust him not to try something with her again.

Ellery closed her eyes as she nestled closer against my side. This was a lot for her to deal with on top of what she’d already endured.

She should be allowed to sit in peace and grieve. She shouldn’t feel like she had to save the entire realm and the asshole in the kitchen.