Seducing Destiny(52)

                             I stepped back and nodded as he stepped closer.

                “You should have been satisfied with the life my men offered you. By your own deeds, you forfeited your life; may the Goddess forgive you,” he said and looked at me.

                Highly doubtful!

                He swung in a wide arch, and I refused to flinch as her head was severed from her shoulders.

                “Bring forth Cailean,” Ryder growled as some of the lower guards moved to remove the body of the selfish Fae who’d sealed her own fate. Zahruk made a quick motion of his hand and every trace of blood disappeared. I felt like a horrible person, because I felt relief that she was dead, and could no longer do harm to those I loved.

                Cornelius didn’t pause to grieve for the daughter he’d lost, instead he shouted orders to his men who only stood by and watched his feeble attempt to start a riot. I watched him as he continued to froth at the mouth as his only daughter watched him with anger burning in her eyes. Tears had slipped from her eyes as she mourned her sister. Another group of the lower guards pushed through and took a screaming and struggling Cornelius away to his punishment.

                “Abiageal,” I whispered but it was enough to force her eyes from her bitter father’s form. “These are not your sins, nor will we judge you for them. You will join us in a treaty, and I’d like it if you stayed here with the protection of the Horde for a few weeks.”

                “My lady,” she mouthed. “I have wronged you, because my family has,” she said as her shoulders slumped. “I should be thrown to the far corners of Faery and our lands should be given to the crown.”

                “No; the deeds of the father are not that of the child. Alazander was a bastard, and yet his son is just. Your father misled your sister and walked her down a very dark path and she chose to walk beside him. You did not. You were innocent of these crimes and you shall retain your father’s holdings. You will make a great ruler of his lands. One I am counting on to help us when the time comes.”

                I hadn’t realized that everyone was silent, watching me as I spoke to Abiageal. Others had moved away from her as if I’d been ready to accuse her of a crime. By the time I turned back to Ryder, Cailean was there watching me with a guarded look in his eyes.

                “Cailean, you’ve been following me. I’d like to know why,” I said as I stood tall and watched him for any sign that something was off.

                “I know Faolán and what he is capable of. I have tried to protect you as should be expected of those that guard the royal family. Although I was part of his guard, my primary duty is to the family. You know I shielded you when he found your guardians, and I have been trying to protect you from him for years. I could do nothing when you were given to the Horde King, but I could follow you to make sure you were safe. I was with you when you were in Faery as well, on the last outing. I was following you, of that I am guilty, Princess.”

                “Why were you in the woods?” I asked, intrigued to know that he’d been like my own guardian angel.

                “Faolán had sent many Mages to track and intercept you. Despite all of your precautions, I fear you still underestimate him,” he said and I stiffened as Ryder growled.

                “I mean no disrespect, Horde King, only that I was afraid it would cost Sorcha—Synthia, her life. I meant to keep watch and only intervene if needed. I chose to protect her and appointed myself as her guardian,” he said solemnly.

                “And would you die for me?” I asked him as I stepped down onto the floor at eye level with him.