King of the Seditious

“Too far!” Rhyers intervened. Coming from the lower parlor to step before Savage. Clearly furious.

But Savage’s eyes were locked on Bast who’d clearly deflated at the words. His hand gripping the railing next to him, shook slightly.

Drawing Savage’s keen eye.

He could see the fury written over the green-eyed tracker who looked ready to do battle in Sebastian’s defense.

I needed to see. Savage stomped down the slight pang rising through him.

How does this news really affect him? Savage was watching Sebastian carefully.

Bast looked unsteady. Color drained from his tanned skin, and he looked prepared to vomit. “It was my fault.”

The words were barely audible, but Savage heard them. “What did you do?”

“My magic bound her when our daughter needed her.”

“Sounded like there would’ve been too many for her to take on anyway.”

“There were!” Rhyers spat. Angry at Savage as he turned to lead Bast to the Parlor. “That was unnecessary.”

“Not for me.”

I needed to know if he wanted a prisoner or cared for a mate.

“There were too many, but she would’ve taken them all along for Sebet.” Bast said numbly. Walking backward as Rhyers guided him. Looking to shell shocked to turn himself.

Perhaps it was too far.

“I was wrong to keep her.” Bast admitted.

“Then why did you?” Savage called across the foyer. Not moving from where he stood.

“Because I couldn’t let her go.”

Could I have? Savage pondered. If Murah hadn’t wanted to stay with me?

He could’ve refrained from ever taking her off that ship and allowed her to fend for herself if that would’ve been what she wished. But after she’d gone back with him, and he’d begun to develop feelings for her it would’ve been different.

I’ve never felt for anyone how I feel for her.

I would’ve let her go. He was fairly certain. Though he couldn’t guarantee it. I’d have wanted her to be happy without me.

But his mind commanded that to fully analyze the comparison he needed to account for the two missing factors. What if I thought she wasn’t happy not only before me but wouldn’t be after? And what if I knew that Radix and every one of his demons would want to possess her?

With those two details in mind, he knew his answer had changed. I’d never let her fall into his hands.

And if that meant keeping her against her will, I’d keep her.

Screaming, ranting, wailing and crying. As long as it took. Until I knew she’d be safe or happy.

Savage considered going into the Parlor and trying to offer comfort. But I’m no good at it and he doesn’t know me.

He could heart Rhyers talking softly to Bast who was now dead silent. It’s better that I go.

He left as silently as he’d come. Having found the answers, he sought. I know what she is to him.

***

Greenway Village, Netherlands

Savage liked to check the commerce in the villages. If the villages are flourishing the towns are struggling which means the kings and queens are getting desperate.

I like them desperate.

And Greenway was flourishing.

Today was trader’s day. And the boots were overflowing. People were exchanging goods as fast as they could trade hands.

Good.

As he walked down the line of booths. People turned with their wares but seeing him they stepped aside to make way for him. Casting him furtive smiles.

He’d nod in exchange.

“You could feign some warmth.” Phalanx remarked at his back.

“I thought I was.”

“Not even slightly.”

“For some strange reason you’ve garnered their respect anyway.”

“How do you discern that.” Savage walked with his hands linked behind his back in an effort to look harmless.

Not an easy look for me to manage.

“There’s thanks on their faces, when they look at you. They know it’s you replenishing their stores after the raids.”

Savage sent him a sharp look warning him to quiet.

“It doesn’t matter. They all know. Children have laid awake watching you do it, like you’re some white knight.”

Savage scoffed. “I’m the very opposite of that.”

“Thank God for that.” Phalanx remarked.

Savage’s brow knitted. He looked back forward and stiffened. Pointing to a booth he asked Phalanx. “Do you know her?”

“Has she caught your fancy?” Phalanx asked hesitantly. “I thought the only woman you could even see was the red-haired vixen.”

“She is the only woman. The rest are just people.”

“Then why is she special? I don’t know who she is.”

“She has a unique glow.”

“She’s not glowing.”

“She is to me.”

“Seriously,” Phalanx frowned. “I do not understand half the things you say.”

“No one does.” Savage remarked.

“Your vixen does.”

Maybe she does. Savage tilted his head grudgingly. Abandoning Phalanx to head to the potion booth.

“Who are you?” He asked in his characteristically direct way.

The woman’s blue eyes widened, and she reared back. “I’m-I’m-”

“You are?”

She should be asking why I’m asking.

Dimurah would. She’s that fierce.

“D-Dorena…”

He tipped forward on his front foot. “Do you know what you are?”

A Watcher.

“I do.” She said fearfully. Terror written over her face.

“There’s precious few of you.” He remarked. Giving her a long look. “Be careful. There are those that would corrupt your light.”

“Radix.” She whispered in hushed understanding. As though his very name were something to dread.

She’s right to think so.

“Yes.” Savage eyed her warily.

But there was no darkness to the light around her that would indicate Radix had corrupted her.

Like he has so many.

“He had me in his clutches. But one of you saved me.” She whispered.

One of me? She thinks I’m a Forever Knight. He filled in the gaps.

“Oh, which one?”

“Sebastian Bodane.”

Savage’s head lifted. Of course, it was.

That is a white knight thing to do.

“But sometimes,” She swallowed. “I can still feel it.” She patted her stomach. “Writhing around.”

The dark magic. It’s how he baited her.

“It will ease. But careful he doesn’t sense where you are through it.”

“I am.”

He turned to walk away but she caught his hand. “Thank you.”