Bounty Hunter (The Black Tulip Chronicles #1)

42. Ikar

Chapter 42

Ikar

I ’d felt Drade’s stare on me all night. Like a predator. I had no idea I’d meet him here, but the glamour worked because I saw no sign of recognition when he first saw me. And though I fear some of the low kings may mutiny, I’m sure he never would have acted toward me the way he had tonight if he knew I am his High King. But my hackles went up when he set eyes on Vera. It’s obvious they have history, and the possessive way he took her hand almost had me reaching for my nonexistent sword. Good thing no weapons were allowed, or our battle may have begun before the meal was served.

I wasn’t at all surprised that when we’d sat down for dinner, he’d caused a confrontation. His longing for Vera was obvious, and though I know I can’t have her, I feel a possessiveness that I can’t explain. I want her. It’s torturous to be around her but never call her mine. He’d challenged me. I’d seen it in his eyes, I felt it to my core in his tone, and I’d accepted. Ready to show him that Vera is mine. Though, she isn’t. Two kings, men powerful enough to have almost anything they want, can’t have her and fought over it .

We crash from the window in a shower of stained fae glass. We hit an innumerable number of hefty branches on our way to the forest floor, but neither of us relinquish our hold on the other.

“I can’t… believe… you mate-bonded with her!” Drade pants when we slam into the very hard ground. I shove him off me and stand. He comes right back at me, barreling into my midsection with a shoulder and slamming me back to the ground. I throw my arm around his neck and hold strong until he punches me in the side, and a searing pain forces a growl from my throat. He’s broken a rib, maybe more than one. I can’t pull magic to protect myself, and if I don’t do something soon, he really will kill me. He’s a formidable opponent, even when I have magic. There’s a reason Drade is king of the fae.

I’d lost my hold and now brace my forearms beside my head to block the worst of the beating. I am strong without magic, but the fae are naturally stronger, and if he gets his hands around my neck, I’m a dead man. I simply endure, waiting for the right moment. When it comes, I throw him to my left and stand, my hands up in a peace-offering gesture.

I breathe hard, out of breath, my side refusing to allow my lungs to breathe as deep as I need. I grasp my side as I inhale and feel what seems like shards of glass slipping between my ribs with each breath. I grimace.

“It’s me,” I rasp. “King of Moneyre. Ikar.”

Drade lets slip a sound that’s as close to a laugh as I think I’ve ever heard from him, but he pauses in his advance. How to convince him?

“Last council I suggested finding the Tulips.”

I see the moment he believes me, and his shoulders relax a bit.

“A glamour.” He narrows his eyes at me, but he’s immediately more guarded and formal. “What are you doing as Vera’s bounty ?” He asks it in an overly controlled manner. He may believe me, but I can still feel the challenge for Vera beneath his understanding. No matter who I am, I’m involved with the woman he still apparently harbors feelings for.

“It’s a long story, a big misunderstanding.”

“Why haven’t you told her who you are?” Drade asks, staring me down. A trail of blood runs off his forehead and into the neck of his dress shirt. His perfectly pressed suit now looks no better than mine.

“I showed her my seal. She thought I murdered someone and took it. But it’s better if she doesn’t know who I am, I think. Seems she strongly despises kings. But I need her help to find a Tulip.”

At that, Drade scoffs. “I could’ve told you that. About her hating kings.”

“You two were… something?”

“Until I challenged the fae king. She left the night I won.”

“You love her, don’t you?”

He looks away and shakes his head, a muscle in his jaw jerking. A couple of fools in love with a woman we can’t have. “She thinks you’re a criminal, and she still mate-bonded with you?” His face is etched with disbelief and even a hint of pain.

For a vulnerable emotion like that to show before another king means it runs deep. Especially for Drade.

I don’t know their history, but I’m not cruel enough to continue the charade, even if Drade is one of the low kings and the urge to irritate and annoy any one of them runs strong in my veins. I remind myself I’m meant to unify them, bring the kingdoms together. Here’s a chance to start.

“Only one kingdom recognizes the bond as a commitment, and if it’s not kept up, it fades after six weeks until it’s gone. That was always our plan. It was a means to an end. Feel better?”

The truth jabs me in the heart, even as the relief of it shows on his face. I swallow the uncomfortable realization and hope it will digest and disappear. I am supposed to be searching for a Tulip to bridge with me, which makes me completely unavailable to any other woman. My kingdom is depending on me, and duty has to come before my heart, but I’m too selfish to tell Drade she’s fair game. I turn and walk away, holding my aching side. I know we need to talk, but it’ll have to be later, when I’ve set my mind and ribs right.