The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(29)

The east gardens helped Riley clear his thoughts. Next to the library and the kitchen, the gardens were Riley’s favorite. It was easy to see why. The gardens stretched around the sides and back of the castle and bloomed year-round, regardless of snowfall in the winter. In the forests beyond the gardens, the leaves changed colors and fell, but the Soldati Royal Garden remained perfect. The grass always rich and green, the trees lush, and the many brightly colored flowers in bloom.

Trails were flanked by hundreds of flowers of all types and colors, painstakingly arranged. Statues of frolicking tigers could be found among the rose bushes and neatly trimmed hedges. Stone benches offered places to sit and watch the trickling fountains. It was breathtaking. Yet without Toka, Rayner found little enjoyment in the majesty around him.

Riley sat with his back against the large trunk, but this time, there was no book in his hands. He simply stared off into the distance. Rayner joined him on the grass, mindful of not stretching his healing wounds. His Soldati blood would heal him soon enough, even without Ezra’s aid, but it was best he not take any chances.

“Don’t be cross with him,” Rayner said softly, drawing a knee up to rest his arm on. It had taken Rayner time to clear his head and work through the emotions clouding his judgment, though now he was more conflicted than ever. He understood why Khalon had done what he had, and Rayner was certain it was the most difficult decision Khalon had been forced to make since becoming king, one that was taking its toll on him. And yet Rayner could not help his anger at having his love torn from his life. Despite his grief, he felt responsible for the discord between his prince and his king. Riley had so much to learn without Rayner making things difficult for him.

“Cross? Oh, I’m beyond cross. He let that son of a bitch take Toka. I can’t….” Riley shook his head, his lips pressed together as anger rolled off him in waves. “I love Khalon, I do, but I don’t know if I can be with a man who would do something like that. Doesn’t he care?” Riley turned his reddened eyes toward Rayner, and it squeezed at Rayner’s heart.

Rayner was touched by Riley’s fierce defense of Toka. The man’s heart was filled with so much love and compassion. “Of course he does, but you must place yourself in his shoes. Everyone in this kingdom looks to him for protection, to provide for them when they’re in need. Added to that, there is the human world to consider. The responsibilities that weigh on his shoulders are great. Khalon has lived centuries, ruling the Soldati Realm as it has always been ruled. What he did was for his people. By giving up Toka, he kept our kingdom in peace. Surely in your world, sacrifices for the greater good have been made.”

“In my world, we don’t give up to the demands of tyrants,” Riley spat out. “What’s to stop the next Pavoni from marching in here and making demands? Threatening Khalon with war. Will he give in to them as well? Who’s next? You? Me? Ezra? Adira?”

Rayner hung his head in shame. “Toka was payment for my crime.”

“Toka is a living being,” Riley growled, his voice laced with his frustration. “He shouldn’t be payment for anything! And as far as your crime, you didn’t do it!”

Rayner swallowed hard. “The prince and princess gave their word. Their rank surpasses my own.”

“Even if they’re lying?”

Rayner couldn’t help his smile. He took Riley’s hand in his. “You have such faith in me.”

“I know you,” Riley replied softly. “You would never have done what that bastard said you did, and just because their rank is higher than yours doesn’t mean their word should be taken at face value. You didn’t even get a trial.”

“It doesn’t work that way.”

Riley jumped to his feet and threw his arms up. “That’s ridiculous! So I can just go around accusing people of shit they didn’t do, and because I’m a prince they’ll get punished for it?”

Rayner stared at him. “Um, generally. Even if there are witnesses, they’re likely to fear speaking against someone of higher rank.”

“Oh my God, that’s such bullshit!” Riley paced furiously before him. “What kind of fucked-up law is that? How does that protect people? We’re just relying on those in power to be honest? Yeah, because that always goes so fucking well. The Soldati have been around since the beginning, protecting the human world from demons. Have the Soldati not learned anything from our human mistakes? Like how not to repeat fucked-up history? Humans can’t seem to work that one out, but I thought there was hope for the Soldati.”

“Riley, calm yourself.”

“No, what happened to you and Toka is wrong. I won’t let this go. How can Khalon condone this?”

Rayner stood and reached out to take hold of Riley’s arm, bringing his pacing to a halt. “It’s complicated, Riley. All I ask is that you try to understand. This decision has torn him up inside. Ezra is beside himself. Khalon hasn’t been sleeping, eating, or taking care of himself. You are the only one who can reach him. Riley, you are more than his prince. You are his heart. Without you, he will wither, and with him our world. I’m not asking you to forgive him, only to see him. Speak with him. Please.”

Riley let out a heavy sigh. He averted his gaze, his eyes filled with uncertainty and heartache.

“Do you wish to leave him?” Rayner asked gently.