Page 14 of A Tempest of Shadows

“I was bringing money to the prince to help him rebuild what the ghouls have destroyed in Tempest.”

Her mouth pursed, and she glanced away. She seemed to debate saying something but shook her head as she reconsidered it.

“What is it?” I demanded.

When she bit her full bottom lip, I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to taste her. Her personality was far pricklier than her appearance indicated, but she was still gorgeous and had a mouth designed for kissing and fucking.

“You’ll get mad,” she muttered.

“Too late. Now, what is it?”

She reluctantly met my gaze again. “I don’t think the prince ever sent any money for the ransom of King Leonidas, and he’s not using the increased tax payments to rebuild the realm. As far as anyone in Tempest is concerned, the only rebuilding that has happened is at the palace while the prince remodels it. Things aren’t good here.”

Before I could say anything more, a pretty redhead came to stand at her side. It took me a second to recognize her as the girl rolling in the snow with Ellery all those years ago.

The redhead’s brown eyes widened on me, and her mouth parted before she took a small step back. She lifted the skirt of her yellow dress and gave a small curtsey.

“Milord Locke,” she murmured.

Fire shone in Ellery’s eyes as she looked from her friend to me. She hadn’t offered a curtsey, and I wouldn’t get one. I smiled at her before shifting my attention to her friend.

“And who might you be?” I inquired.

“My name is Dawn Willson, milord.”

I started to speak, but Ellery rested her hand on Dawn’s arm. “We should go. It was good seeing you again, milord. I’m glad you’ve returned safely from the war.”

Before she could turn away, I rested my hand on her arm, stopping her. Beneath my palm, her skin was warm and silken. I couldn’t stop stroking it.

Ellery’s mouth parted a little, and a pretty flush stained her cheeks. She was gorgeous and felt as good as she smelled, which was of fresh apples on a perfect fall day.

Despite my encounter with Dorothy in the carriage, my cock stirred. Ellery was defensive and far too on the side of a criminal for my liking, but I would gladly take her to my bed… after I found the asshole who stole my money… or maybe during my hunt. Some distraction could prove to be a really good thing.

Reluctantly, I shifted my attention to Dawn. “Do you know anything about the Hooded Robber?”

She blinked at the sudden change in topic. “Everyone knows about the thief, milord.”

“I see.”

When a cheer went through the crowd, I turned back as the giant heaved two challengers from the ring. I studied the massive man until I felt a small tug at my waist.

Out of instinct, my hand clasped a tiny wrist, and I jerked the offender forward.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ellery

My heart leapt into my throat when Lord Locke hauled the boy forward. The tiny child wore little more than a potato sack, dirt streaked his prominent cheekbones, and his dirty, black hair stood up in all directions. He was so thin Ryker’s hand could have encircled his wrist three times.

“Mouse!” I blurted as I reached for him.

Ryker pulled Mouse further away, and he took his money purse away from the boy. He shoved it in his pocket.

“Let him go!” I cried.

When Ryker’s impossibly silver eyes narrowed, I knew I’d made a mistake. He was the one who commanded others; he didn’t take orders.

He was the son of a duke, and his father was one of the most powerful men in this realm. Not to mention, he was a general in the king’s army. He’d commanded armies and fought the ghouls.