Page 38 of Taken By Shadows

“After his mother died. His father was said to be inconsolable. And he took it out on Kaedian.” Audrie shook her head gently.

I didn’t know what to say to that.

“I’ve never seen the marks. Obviously. But it’s hard to believe as a juvenile fae he endured so much.”

I turned my head to see Audrie’s face was contorted like she could feel the pain she spoke of.

Something cold twisted under my skin. Marks? His scar that blazed from his brow to his cheekbone was fully visible. There were more? I hadn’t considered how he’d gotten that particular scar. I’d just assumed it was something stupid he’d done, a situation he’d gotten himself into. Arrogant fae male behaviour. But a layer of snowdrift settled onto my bones as I considered its potentially new origin.

I swallowed hard and turned to her.

“Now. All done,” she said at full volume.

Gavrin clearly heard that because he opened the door without invitation.

“Oh! Your hair. Let me do that.”

“No. We don’t have time. Move.” Gavrin’s gruff demand stopped Audrie’s hands before they could fix my hair, and we were ushered out of the room.

Chapter twelve

Down multiple flights of marble stairs, Kaed sat in a chair behind a mahogany desk. A warm breeze I wasn’t acclimated to tumbled through a set of wide-open glass doors. A beautiful orange grove and garden sprawled beyond the doors with flowering blooms that seemed to shimmer like they were covered in stardust. Bees buzzed between petals of gem-like magenta and sultry rose that brimmed beyond the house. The urns and beds were overflowing with flowers of every variety, and I wondered who the gardener amongst them was.

Enchanting as it was, it was also an exit strategy for when I did decide to leave. I’d made a promise to myself to memorise the exits and routes I took from now on.

But this wasn’t what I was expecting from my shadow-fae abductor. I thought Gavrin might lead us to a dark stone cave with flickering torches. Skulls and cages. But to see Kaed lounging in the chair with the backdrop of flowers. It was disorientating. Ever the predator drawing you into comfort.

His clothes had changed from riding attire to a tailored shirt and tight-fitting leathers that laced to the front. “Patience is a virtue. But it’s not one I possess.” His callous tone was hampered by exhaustion. It was plain across his face.

“Didn’t get your beauty sleep, I see.” Maybe I should have shown some deference when it came to the lord that was before me. But I couldn’t find it in me to cower before him.

Gavrin swallowed a laugh. He closed the door behind Audrie and me once inside and stood, arms clasped, like a warden.

“Denora is still in Hayden.” Kaed’s voice carried to Gavrin behind both of us as if we weren’t there.

“Denora? She was the last one there when Bray was …” I couldn’t finish the thought.

“He’s alive.” Kaed’s words sounded charred, like they burned his tongue to say them. “While Denora wouldn’t have killed him without my order, that doesn’t mean I won’t still give it.”

Shock hollowed out my cheeks.

He was alive. Audrie stood into my weight as I swayed a little. But Kaed didn’t look at me again.

“She should be here in a few days.” Kaed’s voice was tight as he spoke to the sentinel behind us.

“Just in time for Daeghan’s party.” Gavrin’s grin was broad and mischievous.

I didn’t take them for the partying type. But how did I know, I supposed. It wasn’t the usual occupation for kidnappers.

“We won’t be going.” Kaed clenched his jaw and shot a look at Gavrin that had his sentinel’s chest deflating.

Audrie’s shoulders slumped under me at Kaed’s words.

“You don’t like to relax, ever?” It might be helpful if he were at a party, getting drunk, letting his guard down. I’d at least get a moment to myself to explore this new city. And, aiming to plan ahead, my eyes darted to everything in the room. Gilded candlestick holders, leather-bound books. Even some of the vases were small enough to carry off. Plenty in here for bartering with any merchant sailor to get me out of here.

“Sadly, peach, I don’t have that luxury right now.”

“You mean, don’t have an invite,” Gavrin quipped.