Blakeshire (Insight #9)(74)
“Landen has arrived.”
Zander glanced to his side at me. “Sensing their whereabouts is becoming easier to you.”
Their. I didn’t tell him I knew Draven was here, too. Sometimes I wondered if he meant to slip up like that or if he were silently testing me to see if I was paying attention.
“Why do you suppose that is?” I asked in a knowing tone, even though I didn’t have a clue.
“Suppose you are all rising to power, becoming aware of who you must defeat and why that is so vastly important to the Creator Himself.”
“We have been aware of who we had to defeat from day one.”
“Landen was.”
“What are you trying to say? Siding with Alamos now? Saying I’m too lovesick to see the good of my kingdom?”
“No. I’m saying some enemies are easier to see than others…that, and your path has been unnaturally crossed with other fates in the hopes that you will all self-destruct—but each of you are managing to turn what was used to hurt you into your advantage. Quite brilliant.” Zander peered forward. “I’m interested to see where intent and fate will lead us all from this point.”
He was leering at a man that was walking past us, one that was at the dinner tonight. He couldn’t be much older than me. He wore a royal collar, so I assumed he was related to someone at that feast we had tonight, but something else was familiar about him. What, I didn’t know. I just knew I didn’t like him.
“You’re telling me that you can’t see where all this is heading?”
Nothing.
“Does this have anything to do with the seven deadly emotions? Seven kings that must fall?”
“This? You mean what Madison is contending with? No, I told you she has to focus on your beginning in order to save your now and protect your future.” I started to argue with him to be clearer, but we had reached the wing that was made for Madison.
“Your fellow kings are awaiting you.”
Fellow kings. Thanks for the hidden message, Zander. I stared at her doorway for a long moment before walking to her library and descending the stairs to the bottom level to where I knew Landen, Draven, and the others were waiting on me.
Madison
The guards that were still dry, along with Chrispin, led us back to our wing. Considering that we were soaking wet, they chose to lead us down back passageways. We emerged in the hallway that led to our wing in less than two minutes.
At the end of the hall next to the double doors, Britain was leaning against the wall. A cart of food was next to him.
“You need help with that?” Chrispin said coldly as he pulled his shoulders back.
“No, man, sorry to jack up your night. I’ve got this,” Aden responded dryly.
Chrispin nodded once, then he and the others leaned against the walls, giving me the impression that they were not leaving us unguarded tonight. So much for exploring.
Aden glanced at me as we walked. “Does he not understand what the word ‘no’ means?”
“Never has before. Why should he start now?”
Aden halted in the hallway as rage rippled off him and his tall, lean body tensed. “Are you telling me that he has forced himself on you?” he fumed.
“He’s still breathing, isn’t he?” I answered as I passed by Aden and gestured for him to stop, to let me deal with this. Grudgingly, he stayed a few steps behind. Once I reached Britain, Aden gave us all of six feet of privacy.
“What are you doing here?” I asked Britain with an exhausted sigh.
He glanced over my dress, which was wet from my tank top and briefs. “What have you been doing?” he asked as concern filled his eyes.
“I always go for a swim after dinner; helps me control my rage.”
“Rage?”
“Yeah, rage. It ticks me off when boys feel me up while I’m trying to eat my dinner.”
A near sinful smile came to the corners of his lips. “I touched your knee. I just wanted you to know I was there and no one was going to hurt you.”
“It was dinner, and I was very aware that you were there. Don’t make me ask you again to leave me alone. I’m sure Anna is wondering where her Prince Charming is.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that I used that girl to get your attention? That I knew you would come when you felt my anticipation?”
“And I told you it was not my idea to come there.”
“I don’t buy it. You can act tough all you want, but I have known you across far too many lives. Your eyes give you away—they always have.”
“Well, right now they should be telling you that I don’t give out second chances.”
“You will get over it eventually. Right now, I’m just trying to keep you alive, salvage what is left of your power.”
“Right, your source of food. Must suck to know that your ticket to rule that Realm is null and void. I’m not giving you anything.”
He moved forward in the same slow, commanding manner that he had always used with me. “I don’t need you to rule anything.” His eyes moved across my furious image. “Fate brought you to my doorstep. Literally. I knew Charlie was special, but I had no idea she was harboring you. That she would hand deliver the one girl that has had my attention for the better part of an eternity. I’m not going to stand by and watch you allow Drake to destroy you.” He raised his head to look down at me over his chiseled profile. “I’m here as a friend. We’ll work on the rest later.”