Just when Riley thought this night couldn't get any weirder. Khalon shook his head before releasing Riley. His jaw muscles clenched as he grew pensive, narrowing his eyes.
"We're taking him with us."
"What?" Hell no. He hadn't just survived whatever the hell that was back there to get kidnapped. Riley tried to make a break for it, but Khalon threw his arm around Riley's waist and pulled him up against him. "What the fuck? Who the hell do you think--"
"Sleep, human."
Khalon waved his hand over Riley's face and everything went black.
Chapter Two
"IT CANNOT be."
Khalon paced his study. He refused to believe it. There had to be a mistake.
"He has the mark. Your mark," Rayner said. Beside him Adira nodded her agreement. Ezra was silent as usual.
"I'm aware," Khalon snarled.
He stepped up to the Eye and placed his hand on its smooth golden surface. Was that why the orb had led them to Riley Murrough? It would explain why the human could see Khalon and his warriors. The all-seeing Eye had never steered him wrong, but this? It didn't explain this... insult. A human? For centuries he'd waited patiently for his prince to be revealed to him, only to be ridiculed with this farce. How could the priestess mock him so? No Soldati king had ever mated with a human. He'd be ridiculed across the realms.
A knock at the door brought him out of his vexing thoughts. Toka entered the room and bowed. "Your prince awakens, Your Majesty."
"He is not my prince," Khalon growled, causing the young servant to start.
"Khalon," Rayner warned. "There is no need to take your displeasure out on Toka. He's merely doing his duty." Rayner shook his head in disapproval before meeting young Toka at the doorway. He spoke softly. "Forgive His Majesty. It has been a trying day." He placed his hand to Toka's cheek and smiled warmly. "Return to the prince. Our king will be in shortly."
Toka smiled and nodded before hurrying off. Rayner rejoined his brethren, receiving a scowl from Adira, and rightfully so.
"You shouldn't encourage his sentiments. He is a servant, Rayner. Bed him if you wish, but do not fill his heart with false hopes."
Rayner rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mother."
"Could we perhaps focus on the problem at hand and not the delusional desires of a foxling servant?" Khalon grumbled. He was in a foul mood and had no time for Rayner's dalliances.
"Very well." Rayner smiled sweetly. "Your warrior prince awaits."
Khalon marched toward the door, stopping to thrust a menacing finger in Rayner's face. "You are an insufferable bastard."
Rayner bowed graciously. "Surpassed only by my glorious king."
"Bite me." Khalon stormed off to the laughter of his second-in-command. Why did he put up with such insolence? Because he's your fiercest warrior, trusted confidant, and your best friend. Khalon let out a scoff. Friendship was terribly overrated.
Khalon entered the royal bedchamber and scowled at the sight before him. The shackled human was up and brandishing an iron poker, swinging it at the servants.
"So help me, if you touch me again, I'll skewer you like marshmallows!"
With a growl Khalon marched over to the puny human and snatched hold of the poker. He jerked it away and grabbed him by the collar of his neck.
"Get your hands off me, asshole!"
The human twisted and attempted to land a punch, but Khalon made certain to keep him out of arm's reach. He shoved the human down into the wingback chair and tossed the poker at one of the servants, who caught it and returned it to its rightful place beside the stone hearth.
"Leave us," Khalon barked, waiting for the last servants to dart out of the expansive room. He turned his glare on Riley Murrough. The man dared to scowl at him? Khalon tried his best to summon patience. They had, after all, taken Riley from his world. "You have questions."
Riley fumed, watching Khalon's every move with his indignant hazel eyes. "Damned right I have questions. How about we start with what those things were and why they were trying to kill me?"
"Those demons were trying to kill you to get to me." Khalon clasped his hands behind his back and paced slowly before Riley. Just the sight of him was enough to boil Khalon's blood. Madness. Absolute madness.