Chapter 12

Ryker

While she heldthe WANTED poster, I searched her face as she frowned at the picture before shifting her attention back to me. "What do you know about this thief?" I asked.

"The same as everyone else. The Hooded Robber steals from the rich and gives to the poor."

My brow furrowed at her words. "Is that what they're saying about him?"

When her eyes met mine again, I became momentarily lost in their beauty. I'd never seen eyes like them before and doubted I ever would again; they were entrancing.

"They're not saying it about him; it's the truth. The Hooded Robber has ensured the families in The Hollows and other towns have food, something that hasn't been easy for them to guarantee since the king went to war."

"There's plenty of food?—"

My words were drown out by a cheer from the crowd as a second young man bounced across the ground a few feet to our left.

"But there's not," she said when the noise died down. "While you've been at war, things have changed in Tempest."

I'd been through more things than war for the past two years. I'd also spent a year in Doomed Valley, the most lethal place I'd ever encountered, and three months in a dungeon where snakelike monsters, who thoroughly enjoyed making others suffer, tortured me and my friends.

I'd also neglected my realm during all that time. Yes, I'd been trying to protect it from ghouls and then trying to rescue its king, but I hadn't put much thought into Tempest or what was happening here.

That hadn't changed since I returned. I'd never had much patience for politics and bullshit. I had less now. I'd far prefer to forget all of it in women and drink, but this thief had intruded on my oblivious bubble, and I wouldn't tolerate that.

"I doubt they've changed so much that lawlessness is now considered a good thing," I said.

She tapped her foot and glanced at the poster again. "The Hooded Robber is all the amsirah of The Hollows and nearby towns have to keep them going. Lawlessness isn't good, but neither is starving to death."

"This asshole stole from me today. He took money meant for the immortals of this kingdom?—"

Her bark of laughter cut off the rest of what I'd been about to say as hostility emanated from her. "That's a lie."

"Are you calling me a liar?"

I'd never experienced such a thing before… from anyone. She wasn't a commoner, but she was far below me in social standing, and King Leo himself wouldn't have dared to say such a thing to me.

Realizing this, her hostility faded as she glanced anxiously around. "No, of course not, but you've been away for years. Things have changed here."

"I was bringing money to the prince to help him rebuild what the ghouls have destroyed in Tempest."

Her mouth pursed, and she glanced away. She seemed to debate saying something but shook her head as she reconsidered it.

"What is it?" I demanded.

When she bit her full bottom lip, I couldn't help wondering what it would be like to taste her. Her personality was far pricklier than her appearance indicated, but she was still gorgeous and had a mouth designed for kissing and fucking.

"You'll get mad," she muttered.

"Too late. Now, what is it?"

She reluctantly met my gaze again. "I don't think the prince ever sent any money for the ransom of King Leonidas, and he's not using the increased tax payments to rebuild the realm. As far as anyone in Tempest is concerned, the only rebuilding that has happened is at the palace while the prince remodels it. Things aren't good here."

Before I could say anything more, a pretty redhead came to stand at her side. It took me a second to recognize her as the girl rolling in the snow with Ellery all those years ago.

The redhead's brown eyes widened on me, and her mouth parted before she took a small step back. She lifted the skirt of her yellow dress and gave a small curtsey.

"Milord Locke," she murmured.

Fire shone in Ellery's eyes as she looked from her friend to me. She hadn't offered a curtsey, and I wouldn't get one. I smiled at her before shifting my attention to her friend.

"And who might you be?" I inquired.

"My name is Dawn Willson, milord."

I started to speak, but Ellery rested her hand on Dawn's arm. "We should go. It was good seeing you again, milord. I'm glad you've returned safely from the war."

Before she could turn away, I rested my hand on her arm, stopping her. Beneath my palm, her skin was warm and silken. I couldn't stop stroking it.

Ellery's mouth parted a little, and a pretty flush stained her cheeks. She was gorgeous and felt as good as she smelled, which was of fresh apples on a perfect fall day.

Despite my encounter with Dorothy in the carriage, my cock stirred. Ellery was defensive and far too on the side of a criminal for my liking, but I would gladly take her to my bed… after I found the asshole who stole my money… or maybe during my hunt. Some distraction could prove to be a really good thing.

Reluctantly, I shifted my attention to Dawn. "Do you know anything about the Hooded Robber?"

She blinked at the sudden change in topic. "Everyone knows about the thief, milord."

"I see."

When a cheer went through the crowd, I turned back as the giant heaved two challengers from the ring. I studied the massive man until I felt a small tug at my waist.

Out of instinct, my hand clasped a tiny wrist, and I jerked the offender forward.