A Soul for Trouble Read online

  Heodis leaned forward at the string of titles. “Tel’brien, eh?” Gandor sneered from his position next to the king. “Father, surely you don’t pretend to recognize that name?”

  His face darkened. “Boy, don’t presume to know everything I do.” He turned back to Dev.

  “I understand you requested a private audience with me, Sir Devarius. On what grounds?” Dev pulled the seal out of his pocket. Although it had been passed down from Protector to Protector over the last five hundred years, it still gleamed like a newly minted coin. He displayed it in his palm. “This.”

  Trouble’s eyes widened to match the king’s. So far, so good. His plan was working. When Kell climbed down to retrieve it for his father, she whispered, “Where did you get that?”

  “That old thing? I’ve had it for years.”

  Heodis examined the seal closely. His cheeks grew a shade paler when he flipped it over to the back and saw the intertwined symbols of Ranello, Gravaria, and Thallus. “Sir Devarius, I wish to speak to you alone.” When the eldest prince opened his mouth to protest, he added, “I said alone, and I meant it.” He gripped the hilt of his sword as he stood and entered a room behind the thrones.

  “Wait here,” Dev whispered to Trouble.

  Her hand shook when she released him, but she nodded.

  As soon as they were ensconced inside the private room, the king’s rage exploded. “What is the meaning of this?” He held up the seal.

  “You know as well as I do. It grants me diplomatic immunity as long as I act in protection of the Soulbearer.”

  “You, yes. But it doesn’t save her.”

  “It all depends on your definition of protecting her. For example, if you were to order her execution, it would be my duty to do everything possible to save her life.”

  “Just because I can’t charge you with a crime doesn’t mean I won’t kill you if you try any funny business.”

  Dev crossed his arms and sat in a chair while the king paced the room. Courtly etiquette be damned. He had the king backed into a political corner, and he knew it. “Of course, you could always do the just thing and pardon her. She did save your son’s life, after all.” Heodis spun on his heel, aiming his dark gaze in his direction. “You’re not making this any easier for me. I have half a mind to make a lesson out of both of you. This is still my kingdom.”

  “Until Sulaino animates enough undead to take it from you.”

  “Don’t you dare bring him into this.”

  “On the contrary, he’s as much a part of this as she is. Sulaino attacked your son. Trouble used her magic to fight him and save the lives of over twenty of your men. Or didn’t Kell already tell you that?”

  “Diplomatic immunity doesn’t excuse you from rude behavior.” Dev stood, deciding it was best to humor the king for now. “Excuse me, Your Majesty.

  Prince Kell.”

  “Yes, Kell told me everything he knows. By the way, do you really expect me to believe she’s the Soulbearer?”

  “She bears Loku’s mark.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He leaned against a small table. “But I still find it hard to believe in such nonsense. Why would a god want to live in a mortal’s body?”

  “If you remember your history correctly, he didn’t have much choice in the matter.” Heodis combed the grey streak in his beard. “My son seems to think she’s the key to defeating Sulaino.”

  “And I keep telling him she’s not a weapon to be used. The consequences could be dire.”

  “The same could be said if we don’t stop that maniac. Lady Moon above, I should have killed Sulaino when I had a chance.”

  Dev’s head jerked to attention. This was an unexpected revelation. “You’ve had a run-in with him in the past?”

  “You could say that. I ordered the execution of his family for witchcraft and made him watch.”

  “Why did you spare him?”

  “Because at the time, he didn’t show any magical abilities. I thought I would be merciful, and it came back to bite me in the ass.”

  “And you’re worried the same thing might happen if you spare Trouble?”

  “Odd name for the girl, but it fits. And yes, I am worried about that. Whether I like to admit it or not, having her on our side when we hunt down that necromancer will make our job much easier.” Heodis eyed him up and down. “If I had known you were a Tel’brien, I would have been better prepared. You’re as wily as your old man.”

  “He warned me about you. He once told me you’re the reason why he refuses to take part in any more of the Empire’s diplomatic missions.”

  “Yes, we had some heated arguments back then.” His face relaxed for a moment, taking years off his face. He cleared his throat. “But back to the matter at hand. Because of this stupid seal, I can’t press any charges against you. You’re free to go.”

  “And you know by the nature of my duty, I can’t leave without her.” He took the seal back and placed it in his pocket.

  “I haven’t decided what I should do with her. I might need to mull over it for a few days.”

  “And in the meantime?”

  “In the meantime, you can keep your impertinent mouth shut and leave me to my thoughts.

  I understand Kell has you staying in the east wing as special guests.” Dev nodded. “Complete with servants, armed guards, and locked doors.”

  “We spare no expense for our special guests. For your safety, though, I’d suggest staying in your rooms. I’ve already received quite a few recommendations for your heads.”

  “May I at least stay in the same room with her?”

  A sly grin parted Heodis’ beard. “Is that how it is between you two?” He closed his eyes, remembering how tempting she looked tonight. “Duty comes before all else, Your Majesty.”

  “But I can tell by the look on your face it’s crossed your mind. No need to hide it from me—we’re both men. And judging by the way Kell was devouring her with his eyes tonight, you might have competition.”

  “So I’ve noticed. If your son lives up to his reputation, his interest will die down in a few days.”

  “The boy’s a bit too much like his father, but once I met his mother, I was hooked. There hasn’t been another woman for me since then. If Kell’s determined to have something, he usually gets it.”

  A stone landed in his stomach. He’d left Trouble alone out there, giving Kell the perfect opportunity to seduce her. A curse escaped his lips. He needed to find her and lock her in a room.

  “Worried?” Laughter edged the king’s voice.

  “Only for her safety. She’s resisted your son’s charms so far. I have faith she’ll continue to do so.”

  “So you hope.” He straightened. “I’ll announce that I’m still considering both of your fates. No need for the court to know about your special privileges.”

  “I appreciate your consideration of this matter.” He tried to keep his voice calm and steady, even though he couldn’t wait to get out of here and snatch Trouble back from Kell. He bowed and waited for the king to exit the room before following him.

  Chapter 26

  Arden’s heart thumped in her chest as Dev followed the king out of the throne room. The chill of abandonment surrounded her, leaving her naked and exposed to the crowd. Once again, she became the freak everyone stared at. The men turned away from her, their expressions something of fear mixed with contempt. The women with their fancy clothes and kohl-lined eyes openly glared her. One in particular looked like she wanted to rip the dress from Arden’s body.

  She searched the room until she found the one friendly face she could count on—Kell’s.

  He smiled and strolled down the stairs to join her. “May I suggest a turn in the garden?”

  “Please.” She took his arm and hurried toward the open doors, not caring how many people she shoved aside to get there. Once the night air embraced her, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome, Arden.” His gaze swept up and
down her body. “You look ravishing tonight.”

  She lowered her eyes and smoothed her damp palm on the silk skirt. “It has to be the dress.”

  “My dear Soulbearer, do you know how to take a compliment?”

  “I’ve never had much experience with them until recently.”

  “Don’t discount Dev’s compliment, either. He’s very spare with his praise, and you should be very proud you weaseled one from him.”

  Her smile widened and, for a moment, she forgot that she could be minutes away from a pyre. Right now, she imagined she was just another lady of the court who’d happened to catch the attention of the prince.

  A shrill voice came through the open doors. “That little witch must have stolen it.”

  “Uh-oh.” Kell’s mouth angled down, and he led her down the stairs onto the garden paths.

  “Perhaps we should hide in the labyrinth until Elslyn calms down.”

  “Who?” She’d forgotten how easily her legs got tangled up in full skirts until she tried to match his pace.

  “Elslyn, Gandor’s wife. You’re wearing one of her discarded dresses.”

  “Oh.” Her heart sank a little. She wore a princess’s cast-off, not a gown that belonged to her. The truth reminded her that she was nothing more than a skinny barmaid playing dress-up.

  He stopped at the opening of a tall hedge. “You sound disappointed. Do you not like the dress?”

  “No, I love it, but I don’t need any more enemies.”

  His lips brushed against her forehead. “Don’t worry so much about her. Everyone in the palace knows Elslyn’s a spoiled bitch. If she dropped dead tomorrow, there would be great rejoicing.”

  The gentle kiss soothed her more than his words, but she fought back a laugh. “So I’ve heard from Katie.”

  “Katie?”

  “The maid you sent to help me this evening. She’s a delight.”

  “I’m glad I caught her in the hall, then.” His lips trailed along the side of her face, and he tilted her chin up. “I want you to enjoy your time here.” She didn’t know if Kell’s touch or the tight laces of her dress made it difficult to breathe, but her head swam from lack of air. “Why is that?”

  A quick grin flashed on his face. “Come deeper into the labyrinth with me and find out.” A little voice inside her head warned her not to trust him so easily, but she took his hand and followed him through the tall hedge maze.

  “Yes, Prince Kell certainly has swept you off your feet.” She stopped dead in her tracks, cursing under her breath. Leave it to Loku to remind her of her foolishness.

  “Arden, are you all right?”

  She struggled for air. Everything was happening too fast. She’d spent twenty-one years avoiding men, and now in the last few weeks she was intrigued by two of them. “Loku, is this part of your plan to drive me insane?”

  “Nonsense. On the contrary, perhaps you’d be happier if you learned to play with fire and feel alive for once instead of always playing it safe. The chaos of the unknown is what makes life exciting.”

  “And terrifying.”

  “Take deep breaths,” Kell instructed. He brushed a few stray hairs from her face. “I suppose I shouldn’t have made you run in that dress.”

  “He’s probably enjoying the sight of your breasts straining against your bodice.” She pulled away and covered her chest with her hand. “It’s a bit tighter than I’m used to.”

  “We’ll walk from here to the center.” His arm circled her waist, and they strolled down the path.

  “You know how to get there?”

  “Of course. I have this whole labyrinth memorized.”

  She wondered how many other women had walked along this same path with him, anxiously hoping for a romantic tryst once they reached the center. “What will we do when we get there?”

  “Whatever you want to do. There are still a few roses blooming, I’ve been told. And there’s a private arbor with a wide bench for you to rest on.” He didn’t need to mention he wanted to continue where they’d left off this morning. His promise of “later” still rung in her ears and made her pulse race.

  “How about letting him fuck you into oblivion?”

  Her cheeks burned at Loku’s suggestion. “I’m not losing my virginity in the middle of a labyrinth, thank you very much.”

  His laughter vibrated through her mind . “We’ll see about that.” She took another breath, clearing her mind. She needed to focus on getting out of Ranello alive, not wondering if Kell was going to try and kiss her again.

  The twists and turns grew tighter as they ventured deeper into the labyrinth, forcing her to press her body against his several times. She savored the hardness of his body. How would he compare to Dev if she saw him naked?

  She shook the stray image from her mind. Why did Dev keep creeping into her thoughts like that?

  The hedges opened to a wide circle. She backed away from Kell, taking it all in. The sweet smell of roses wafted in the breeze, mingling with the spicy scent of the fading gardenias. A vine-covered arbor sat next to a gurgling fountain in the center of the clearing, and lit torches bathed everything in golden firelight. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  “I’m glad you like it.” He led her to the bench under the arbor.

  The sights, smells, and sounds of this little piece of paradise captured her attention and didn’t allow her to think of anything else. “What I wouldn’t have given to have a place like this growing up.”

  “Why is that?”

  They sat next to each other, their knees barely touching. “Wallus was very small. If I got into trouble or made a mistake, I had no place to hide.”

  “You don’t like being the center of attention?”

  She shook her head. “I absolutely hate it. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve tried to darken my hair or wished my eyes were brown just so I could blend in with everyone else?”

  “Ah, but what makes you different makes you beautiful.” He stroked her hair, his gentle fingers not disturbing any of the pins Katie had so carefully placed in it. “The rare rose that blooms in winter.”

  “Except that I’m an accused witch with—” She caught herself before she mentioned the chaos god living inside her. Kell didn’t need to know about all her eccentricities. She stared at her hands in her lap.

  “With what? A cranky protector?”

  She giggled in spite of herself. “That’s one thing.”

  He inched closer to her. “A necromancer hunting you?”

  The cold feeling of dread from this afternoon danced across her skin. “Please don’t remind me of him.”

  “Then I won’t.” His hands caressed her arms. “You know you are safe here with me?”

  “Am I?”

  “Completely safe.” He kissed the hollow of her neck.

  Sweet Lady Moon, this didn’t fit her definition of safe. Every touch threatened to unleash the wanton woman buried deep inside her. If he continued, she’d give into the reckless need building within her body. “Kell, I don’t want to be the next woman you toss aside once you’ve gotten what you wanted from me.”

  He pulled away, and a cool breeze chilled her scorching skin. “I see my past bothers you.”

  “You have a reputation for certain things.” Being a damned good lover was one of them.

  Could she handle the aftereffects of their affair? Memories of her mother weeping into her silk gown still haunted her. She reached for her pendant and tried to push them aside.

  “Do you believe people can change?” The cocky air he normally carried disappeared, making him appear just as scared and confused as she felt.

  “Sometimes, if given the right motivation.” She cleared her throat. “I’m surprised you didn’t have an angry father demanding you marry his daughter.”

  “Most of them throw their daughters at me. Besides, I always take precautions not to sire a child.”

  Unlike my own father, whoever he was.

  He ran his finger alo
ng her jaw. “You’re different than most of the ladies in there.”

  “Why? Because I told you no?”

  He laughed. “Partly, yes.” The levity left his face as he added, “I’m also a little envious of what my parents have and my brother, Therrin, and his wife have.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Love, built on trust and respect. I’ve never truly seen two people so well-suited for each other. No head games, no politics. Just a man and woman who can’t get enough of each other.” Her mouth went dry. She wanted to trust this softer side of him. “Is that the truth, or are you just saying that to win me over?”

  “Would I share it with you if it wasn’t true?”

  “Why did you share it with me, then?”

  “Because, I…” His brows knitted together like he was searching for the right thing to say.

  He cupped her cheeks in his hands, stared at her lips like he wanted to kiss her again.

  Her bodice felt too tight again. After this morning, she knew what he was capable of doing if he wanted.

  Instead, he released her, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. The look she’d come to recognize as desire still smoldered in his eyes, mixed with the strange gleam she’d seen the night of the sword fight. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” His face struggled to contain his emotions while he waited for her answer.

  “What are you afraid of, my Soulbearer?”

  “Getting hurt in the end.”

  “Do you think you could love him? Or is it Dev who holds your heart?” Kell embodied danger. He’d known his share of women and, despite his words, a tiny shred of her still wondered if he meant what he said.

  “But you don’t trust your heart with anyone yet, do you, my Soulbearer? Not even me.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “No rewards come without risk. If everything in life was simple, certain things would never be cherished.”

  “Kell, I…” Words failed her much in the way they failed him earlier. A plethora of emotions tumbled in her heart, making it almost painful to breathe. She wished she could let go of her fears, but there was too much at stake. Even if she was pardoned, how could she tell him about the chaos god living inside her?