the people she cared for, acts that only her brother knew of. “I’d like to speak with them if they’re still available.”
“Do you doubt my word?”
“More like your ability. People aren’t always willing to divulge what they know and sometimes require persuasion.”
His lips ghosted into a smile. “I assure you I have no problems in that department.”
“Because you’re a mind ravager.” She tested a term she’d heard in passing.
His jaw snapped shut and tightened. “That’s a rather aggressive term.”
“But it is what you do. You don’t wait for permission. You just dive into people’s heads and dig for what you want, shredding apart their memories, looking for what you need.”
“It’s quicker than listening to lies.” He didn’t apologize.
“Justifying the use of your mind control powers?”
“I don’t need to justify a damned thing I do to keep this kingdom safe,” he hissed. “Remember that before you push me too far.”
For a second, there was a tremor against her shields, a dark terrible presence pressing on her. It caused a momentary pause, and they shared a long stare. So she let one thought leak out. Just a single image of what she was capable of.
The presence pushing on her shields paused then withdrew but not before he whispered, “If you try to kill me, better do it fast, because I will retaliate.”
Roark was wearing a smile by the time his daughter emerged wearing breeches and a thick sweater. He made her put on boots before they left, Casey trailing discreetly behind. The father held the child’s hand, his massive grip engulfing hers. Casey couldn’t help but notice the breadth of his shoulders given how much room he took up in the hallway of an honest-to-fuck castle.
Who would have ever thought she’d walk in one? Castles existed in stories and in the fabled cities a Wastelander never dared to visit. The biggest place she’d ever known was the Incubaii dome they filched. It didn’t compare. The interior of the dome was built to be functional, the buildings solid and boring. The interior as plain as the exterior.
But not the castle. Or even the whole city for that matter.
She’d been utterly amazed on the way in, and only her target kept her from giving in to curiosity and checking it out. Later, she’d explore—and maybe apologize to Titan because she could see why Haven might seem too small and dull. There was a big world out there waiting to be explored. After she’d done her duty.
She took stock of her current location. Daylight meant she could more properly examine the castle with its odd mixture of old stone and smooth composite. The walls even transitioned in spots to wood and plaster. She shouldn’t have been surprised. From the glimpses she’d managed on her way in, it appeared the entire city was a mishmash of building materials ranging from ancient crumbling relics to sleek and modern buildings she itched to explore. It put the outpost Haven called home to shame with size. She would almost even admit it daunted her, but that would be a weakness she couldn’t allow.
Some might have questioned why she followed the royal pair rather than lead, but Casey had her reasons. For one, if the princess or king were surprised, it would give her time to react. Not to mention, she wanted to see if Roark was all talk. Could the man defend himself? For that matter, what about Charlotte? Best to know sooner than later what she needed to work on.
The only thing to address their passage were the many—and she meant too many—people on the stairs, going about their business. On the main level there appeared to be a steady bustle.
“Who are all these people?” More than she was used to seeing on a regular basis, making her twitchy.
“Do you really expect me to name them?” he said, glancing back over his shoulder.
“Could you?” she riposted.
“Papa knows everyone,” Charlotte said, beaming up at him.
“Not everyone,” he replied with a pointed look at Casey.
A less mature woman would have stuck out her tongue and taunted him. Instead, she addressed the princess. “I’ll bet your papa knows the names of all the pretty ladies.”
The girl scrunched her features. “They are always smiling at him and asking if he’d like to go for a walk.”
“Perhaps they want to ensure he gets his exercise.”
“More than I need,” was his rumbled reply.
“Complaining?” Casey said pertly.
“Papa sometimes hides with me so they can’t find him,” Charlotte confided.
“Whoa, stinkweed, you’re giving away all my secrets.”
“It’s