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“Such a change requires the approval of all ten kings. That feat has not occurred in centuries.”
“So you won’t even try?” I pushed a little harder. “You were willing to help my fictional friend, but you refuse to take a chance for me?”
“I. Already. Tried,” he grated. “I received a unanimous rejection.”
Oh. I couldn’t ask him to run away with me. His people needed him. “How do you feel about the Isobel you’ve been married to these last few days now?”
He pursed his lips again.
“That bad, huh?” I winced, as if I felt sorry for him. “All the feelings you’ve experienced since the wedding are for me. I reciprocate. But I won’t let you abdicate, and I won’t be with you in half measure.” I’d tasted a full commitment with him, and I could settle for nothing less. “If you want me, you’ll have to do something to keep me.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. I opened my mouth to push further, but he stood. Conversation over, then. Got it.
“Proceed with caution, Callen.” I balled my hands as he strode to the door. “I grow tired of playing sexy warden and innocent prisoner. Every day that you snub the truth, your downfall draws closer. Soon Iwillescape. I refuse to wait around for Sorcha or Tavish to orchestrate my death.”
Callen paused in front of the door, his spine ramrod straight. “Isobel has demanded a trial by kings to prove she isn’t soul switched and you seek only to orchestrate her death.”
Ugh. She’d stolen my plan! To demand a proceeding againsther. From the history books, I’d learned a trial forced a judgment for any supposed crimes committed by a royal or their closest associates. I’d hoped to work up a solid offense and defense first.
“When is my hearing to take place?” I asked.
He inhaled slowly but deeply. “Tomorrow morning.”
So soon? Dread unfurled, its sharp edges shredding what remained of my good humor. What, had he come in here to warn me of my coming guilty verdict? Hadn’t wanted me getting my hopes up and expecting too much?
There were just so many accusations she could launch at me. So many ways to “prove” I’d done this or that. Because I had—while she inhabited my body. Logically, her arguments made all kinds of sense. Therefore, I wouldn’t be able to rely on head knowledge. I’d have to go deeper and force the judges to accept heart knowledge.
Would my husband be one of them?
“Callen,” I breathed out before he walked away for good.
He gripped the sides of the door, his knuckles quickly turning white. “Aye.”
A tide of longing spiked, nearly swallowing me whole. Words evaporated before I could speak them. I surged forward.
He must have sensed my purpose, because he spun on his heel and caught me. As we slung our arms around each other, he bent his head and pressed his lips into mine. Our tongues thrust together in a tangle of need, hunger and...hope?
He hauled me against his chest, cradling me against his powerful body. We clung to each other. Kissing wildly. Desperate. Every thought faded to the background. A whimper escaped when he tenderly cupped my jaw with his calloused palms. His unbreakable strength guarded the tenderest of hearts. But…
In the back of my mind, I couldn’t stop thoughts from forming. While this act should have sealed our connection, offering a blend of longing and release, it merely illustrated the sacrifices we’d soon be forced to make.
With a rough noise, Callen broke away. He panted as he rested his forehead against mine. I choked on a sob. These too brief stolen moments might be all I ever got.
All too soon, he lifted his head. Flames danced in his irises. Determination and sorrow stamped his features. His mask had been totally stripped away, strain and torment aging him a thousand years.
He lowered his lips to my ear and whispered, “I will forget to lock the door when I leave. At midnight, every sentry, including your guards, will be preoccupied with trouble that accompanies Prince Jamie on his visit. His car will be parked in the drive, the trunk empty. When he leaves, he’ll go to the airport on an assignment for me. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
I licked my lips, tasting him and trying not to crumple.He was breaking berserker law and letting me go. Telling me goodbye. If I stayed, I would be put to death. If I left, I must live without him.
“I understand,” I croaked.
He hesitated only a moment longer before spinning on his heel and exiting. The door closed behind him, but the lock never turned.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Check-Up and Chainmail: When To Consult the Official Berserker Rule Book
