Andrei howled in pain and clutched his forearm to his chest. “That man attacked me!”
Aiden snarled at Andrei. “You’re lucky you’re still breathing. Stay away from Zoe if you want to live. If you make any move toward her, I can’t guarantee that I can hold him back.”
Gage almost snorted. That was a blatant lie. His commander could easily restrain him if needed. In addition to that, there were four powerful witches in the room that could cast Tangled Web the moment the order was given.
Gage stilled and looked across the room. Kendrick’s hand was over his mouth, and the Ashleigh brothers stood forming a semi-circle behind where he sat. So far, none of the witches had spoken up. Try as he might, Gage couldn’t hear Kendrick breathing. It dawned on him that they had cast a secondary soundproof spell.
“Your Majesty, I must insist that Lady Zoe be returned to us,” Karl repeated.
“No.”
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Why should I explain myself to you, in my private chambers, in my palace? I wish for Zoe to remain, so she shall. Portia, have Malcom escort these two back to the portal to Storm Keep,” she ordered.
Behind Gage, Portia stepped into the hallway, and moments later, Malcom and half a dozen gold-armored warriors stood at the ready. The queen’s captain stepped forward. “Karl Brugmansia, Andrei Jessamine, if you would please follow me.”
Karl went to retrieve the scroll from the queen but made the mistake of taking a single step in her direction. Faster than even Gage could track, Malcom had his sword at Karl’s neck. “I really must insist you follow me now.”
Karl swallowed hard, causing his neck to flex against the blade and a trickle of blood to appear. His eyes darted to the queen. “May I have the scroll?”
The queen shook her head. “No. I will be presenting it to the Elder Council for consideration. Magnus Rioux has recently abolished arranged matings in Noctem Falls. I feel this sort of situation merits further discussion. You are dismissed.” The queen looked at Malcom, who nodded.
Removing his sword from the witch’s throat, he grabbed the back of the man’s robes and physically removed him from the queen’s chambers. Andrei was escorted by a warrior on either side, right behind him.
Once the door closed, Zoe bent at the waist, hands on the table. She looked like she would collapse at any moment. Gage flew to her side. Rubbing her back, he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. “Shush, my love. They are gone, and you are safe.”
“I didn’t sign it, I swear, Gage,” she repeated over and over.
“I think you were right in that they more than likely had you sign this unaware.” The queen tapped her lips with the scroll. “My concern, is the fact that they thought this would sway the argument in their favor. Why would an arranged mating take precedence over a true one?”
“I hate that we have the phrase ‘true mating’ now,” Brennus said, spitting the words.
Slowly Zoe’s trembles eased. “You aren’t going anywhere,” he promised.
Zoe looked up at him. “I want to go home with you and the boys. I want to feel safe again in the warrior villa.”
The queen chuckled.
Zoe’s head swung that way. “I meant no offense, Your Majesty, nor do I discount the protection you provided. It’s just that…”
The queen winked. “I’d feel safer too, surrounded by dozens of unit warriors.”
Brennus growled but didn’t say anything.
Gage turned to Kendrick. “What were you four up to?”
Kendrick’s eyes darted from Aiden to where Ryuu stood, both hands on Meryn’s shoulders. Aiden saw Kendrick look to Meryn and his eyes followed. “Meryn?” he rushed to her side. “What is it, baby?” Like Gage, he scooped up his mate and set her in his lap.
Meryn just buried her face in his chest.
Aiden turned to Kendrick and Ryuu. “What happened?”
Kendrick sat back. “Meryn had an immediate and violent reaction to Karl and Andrei. It took myself, the Ashleighs, and Ryuu to keep it quiet.”
Aiden, with his finger under Meryn’s chin, tilted her head back. “Baby, what happened?”
Meryn swayed slightly, then heaved twice before turning her body to vomit on the floor.