it does. Blindfold her, bind her arms. She will stay in this room until we leave here,” I order.
I should turn and walk away as soon as my orders are delivered, but I don’t. Instead, I wait until Merek has done what I’ve asked, ensuring that my cousin is safe from this siren witch and the overwhelming power that she possesses.
“The deed is done,” he murmurs as soon as he walks out of the room.
“She will remain locked inside, under guard, but no man will enter, per the King’s orders,” I state.
He dips his chin, then turns to relay my orders to the men of his choosing. Turning from him, I go in search of Henry and Lief.
I find them in the dining hall, a group of women gathered together. Some are of higher standing, judging by their clothes, some are simply servants. All are beautiful.
“Explain why there are no men here,” I demand, flicking my gaze over the women.
I hear one woman clear her throat before she takes a step forward. She is a beauty with dark hair and darker eyes. Her eyes flash with fear for a moment before she quickly hides the emotion and straightens her spine.
“I am Princess Loreena. Please do not hurt us,” she begs, but does not lower her chin, her words are a plea, but her stance is strong and proud.
“Why are there no men?” I ask.
She cringes, then lifts her chin and those defiant eyes find mine. “My father surrounded himself with women. No men reside in this castle, save for him,” she states.
I can read between her words. Her father freely used the women that I see before me, no doubt raping them over and over again for his personal pleasures. Dipping my chin, my gaze finds Loreena’s and I jerk my chin in a short nod.
“This will happen no longer. As long as you pledge your loyalty to me, you will be free.”
Her eyes find mine, her brow arches as she looks over my face, then scans my body. “What will happen to me?” she asks. “I am the King’s daughter.”
“Typically, you would not survive,” I explain and she closes her eyes for a long blink before she reopens them.
“However?”
“However, I think that you have most likely suffered enough at the hands of a king. We can come up with some kind of agreement, as long as your loyalty belongs to me, of course.”
“Yes, naturally of course,” she grinds out.
She looks almost resigned, assuredly assuming that I will use her in nefarious ways. She does not realize the man that I am, the king that I am. She will understand. She will see that I am not her father, nor am I my own, even if her siren almost tempted me to do exactly what I despise.
Turning to Merek, I grin. “Take the princess to her chamber, put guards at her door. Also, have a guard bring my bride here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Merek mutters, dipping his chin.
“Your bride travels with you, to battle?” Loreena blurts.
My lips twitch into a grin. “Though my bride and I are none of your concern, she will never leave my side again.”
In a whirl of motion, my men go about fulfilling my orders. The princess is taken to her chambers, the other women remain where they stand as my men go about finding my bride and bringing her to me.
Before she arrives, I interview all of the women and deem them, just as I thought, not a threat. Though they won’t be preparing food any time soon, I will keep them in my employ to continue running this castle, as they so desire.
Much is to be done here in this castle, in this land before we can travel home to Aerilon. And we will travel home before the babe is born.
There is so much hanging in the balance, so much unknown, including the witch that has been discovered here in this place. She has something to do with the prophecy, I’m just not sure how yet.
I need Aleida and Godiva to show themselves again. They hide for too long. They have answers to my questions that need to be asked.
Narrowing my eyes, I look around the room wondering where exactly those meddling witches ran off to and when they will decide to grace me with their presence again.
Chapter Thirty-Four
SYBILLA
Frederick appears not long after we hear the bells ringing. He’s astride a horse, looking no worse for wear as he grins down at us.
“Rowan and Asher,