The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(19)

Toka wanted nothing more than to go to his love, but he didn’t dare. It wasn’t his place to do so. Also, Riley had asked him to remain in this room. It was sweet how concerned Riley was for him, and the way he’d protected Toka from Pavoni was like nothing Toka had ever seen. He would always be grateful to Riley. Mostly it was the moment Riley had told Khalon that Toka was his friend that had squeezed at Toka’s heart. Although Riley didn’t quite understand how a prince and servant could never truly be friends, Toka held the sentiment close to his heart.

Growing quite sleepy, Toka blew out the candles and turned down the lights. He’d bathed and dressed in the nightshirt and robe Riley insisted Toka take from the wardrobe. As he climbed into bed under the lush duvet and snuggled up into the luxurious feather pillow, he let out a sigh of contentment. With a great big yawn, he closed his eyes and thought of Rayner slipping into bed with him. It brought a smile to his lips. Rayner had looked so handsome at the banquet. It had been difficult to keep himself from sneaking glances at Rayner, and even more of a challenge not to touch him when he sat right beside Toka. Soon, he told himself. Soon he would be in Rayner’s arms once more.




A BELLOW startled Toka awake sometime in the middle of the night, and he scrambled out of bed, his heart pounding fiercely. He threw the bedchamber door open, stumbling out into the corridor, forgetting about his bare feet. His heart stilled at the sight of Rayner on his knees outside his bedchamber, nothing but a blanket wrapped around his waist, which he clutched tight to his naked torso. What terrified Toka most, was the sword King Pavoni had to Rayner’s neck.

Khalon and Riley emerged from their bedchamber still dressed in royal garb. Perhaps it wasn’t as late as Toka thought. Had he been asleep such a short time? Khalon and Riley hurried over to Rayner and Pavoni. Toka slowly and quietly followed. He kept close to the wall, knowing he had no business being out here, but he couldn’t go back to his room. Everything in him screamed to go to Rayner’s side, to bark and snap at Pavoni for daring to threaten his love. Rayner looked frightened and confused, as if he couldn’t grasp what was happening. His eyes were red, and his chest heaved. Why was he naked?

“What is the meaning of this?” Khalon demanded, glaring at Pavoni. Toka edged nearer, making certain not to move too quickly and draw attention to himself. He tiptoed a few feet closer to Riley, remaining against the wall.

“This jackal is a disgrace to the Soldati and your name,” Pavoni growled. “I knew he was a scoundrel, but this is beyond the pale, Khalon.”

“What is his crime?” Khalon ground out through his teeth.

“In a drunken stupor, he attempted to force himself upon my innocent brother!”

Riley gasped, and Toka clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle his cry. Anger rose through him, and he gritted his teeth to keep quiet. That was a blatant lie! Rayner would never commit such a heinous act, no matter how into his cups he might be. He was an honorable man. He would never take someone against their will. Never.

Khalon stared at King Pavoni. After seeming to snap out of his trance, he turned his gaze to Rayner, his eyes filled with fear for him. “Speak.”

Rayner shook his head as best he could with the blade held to his neck. “Khalon, you know me. I would never bring such disgrace to myself, to you, or the Soldati. When have I lost myself to drink? When have I ever behaved dishonorably? I swear to you—”

“Lies!” Pavoni spat. “You reek of spirits, and my brother said you could barely walk. You asked him for his aid in escorting you to your bedchamber, where you dragged him in and tried to have your way with him. Look at him!” Pavoni thrust a finger at the red-faced, disheveled prince, his shirt collar and sleeve torn and trousers undone. His hair was tousled, and his neck had red marks.

Princess Verity stepped forward, tears in her eyes. “It’s true. I was heading for the guest wing when I heard my brother’s distress. I should not have gone in, but I feared for him. I opened the door and saw Rayner… on him. I heard my brother… beg for Rayner to stop. I ran to fetch my king. He dragged Rayner off my brother and brought him out here.”

Rayner met Khalon’s gaze, his chin lifted in defiance. “I did not force myself on him,” he ground out through his teeth.

“How did you get to your bedchamber?” Pavoni demanded. “The truth.”

Rayner’s eyebrows drew together, and he frowned. “I can’t recall. I remember the banquet hall, speaking with Merlo, and then nothing until I found myself dragged from my bed.”

“You see?” Pavoni sneered. “He was so inebriated, he doesn’t even recall how he made it to his bed, and he admits my brother was the last person he spoke with. I caught him red-handed, and what’s more, my poor sister witnessed the deed herself.” Pavoni straightened, his disgusted gaze moving from Rayner to Khalon. “I cannot accept this slight against my family, Khalon. I demand justice. As per Soldati law, I am owed recompense and call upon the right to choose which punishment the criminal is to receive, or the Soldati face war with the Orso.”

Criminal? How dare he! Khalon couldn’t allow this. They had known Rayner for centuries, knew his character, his heart. He would never do what Pavoni accused him off. Toka clenched his fists at his sides, tears in his eyes. Even as he knew what Khalon’s reply would be, his heart refused to believe it.