Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,57

quickly they were able to mobilize. I’m eager to see just how cooperative they’ll be.”

As if hearing emperor Lackley, the front doors blasted open, and Cyler walked through them with an unmistakable air of confidence. The black circles under his eyes hinted that he was up all night and my stomach churned at the sight of him. Something told me that he was walking into a trap.

The guards around us coughed uncomfortably, and a hand gripped my wrist, pulling me out of their circle and away from Josiah into a familiar chest. He smelled of citrus. Maverick. Somehow, during Cyler’s grand entrance, he had managed to sneak up on us and pull me away from Josiah.

Josiah’s lip twitched into a brief smile before a deep scowl took its place. He then whirled around, making eye contact with me. Although his eyes burned with a familiar furry that made me tremble, he maintained his composure.

“I didn’t realize that the emperor now dealt with minor trade conflicts,” Cyler said in a gruff voice. Maverick snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me even closer to him. emperor Lackley smiled and eyed Maverick and me suspiciously.

“Welcome! Welcome! I’m humbled by your presence here, Cyler. You’ve caused quite a stir these past few months since discovering that nice little mine of yours,” Lackley replied with a grin.

“I’ve never been accused of subtlety, emperor Lackley,” Cyler replied in a snarky tone that caused a few observers to cough. “I’m here to reclaim what is rightfully mine.” Cyler then gestured towards me with a scowl. I knew he hated referring to me as property.

“Ah yes, it seems that since the engagement is broken off, different arrangements must be made,” Lackley replied with forced politeness. “I think it’s only fair that Ashleigh here goes back to her prior Holder since Mistress Black is now back in your possession.”

“And what would the great emperor Lackley suggest to rebalance this trade?” Cyler asked with a knowing smirk.

Emperor Lackley walked over to where Maverick was clutching me. The scent of stale smoke filled my nose, and I gagged on the smell.

“It would seem that you’re not the only one smitten with the little Walker. I think it would only be fair if you allow us to have a portion of the mine’s overall production. I think twenty-five percent would be fair,” he said with a grin. I gasped.

Maverick whispered to me to remain quiet, which was surprisingly easy since my throat still hadn’t recovered from the night before and whatever drugs still floating in my system. He clutched my hand softly, and his thumb rubbed over the top of it, almost as if to remind me that he was still there.

Without wavering, Cyler thrust out his hand and said, “Deal.”

My mouth dropped open in shock, and I looked at him. Did he just trade a twenty-five percent stake of the mines on me? “Only upon the condition that no one from any province enters Dormas without permission. I’d prefer these deals be made without the people I care about being dragged into it.” Cyler’s voice dripped with venom, and I flinched at the fierceness of it.

Emperor Lackley observed us again, and a long, pregnant pause filled the room. I shifted my feet in anticipation. “Yes, yes of course,” he finally replied.

With that, Cyler nodded and made his way out the same door he came in through. Maverick then ushered me behind him. I looked back to find Josiah, but he was deep in conversation with emperor Lackley. Just as the doors were about to shut Josiah caught my eye and sent me a smoldering glare that rocked me to my core. His millisecond glance held all the pain shared between us. It was the kind of look that broke you.

We made our way to the transport, and the moment the door shut, a series of cheers and concerned ramblings erupted. I looked around to see that the entire Dormas leadership council was piled into the small space. Despite my heartbreak, my face broke out into a full grin at the sight of them.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Are they following us?”

“I didn’t think we were going to make it in time.”

“That should hold them off a little longer.”

“Where the fuck did you get this bruise?” The last question came from Huxley as he openly examined me. His ran a finger across my cheek, and I winced in pain.

“It must have been from the guard that got me. I fought him, and he hit