her eyes but she adamantly shook her head no. Taking her hand in his, Kieran patiently talked to her. “Mary, we ran into Mason not far from here and that is too much of a coincidence for me. Please tell me the truth. I can protect both you and Annika.”
Mary’s eyes widened. “Is Annika okay?”
“Yes. But she was fearful of him. Just as I see you are. Tell me what is going on and let me help.”
Mary looked to the door. Tears misted in her eyes. “Promise me you can help protect Annika.”
Kieran didn’t hesitate. “You have it.”
“Mason didn’t make me sick, but he is making sure I don’t get any better. He has taken all of my medicines and the sickness is getting worse. He was just here a few minutes before you came.”
“Why is he holding your medicines?”
“He wants to find Annika. He wants me to tell him where she lives. But I refuse.”
Kieran cursed under his breath. What kind of monster was this guy? “So if you don’t cooperate, he slowly kills you by ensuring you don’t get your medicine?”
Mary nodded. “But I will never give Annika up to him. I’d rather die.”
A small sob sounded from the doorway and both Mary and Kieran turned to look. Annika was standing there with a cup of tea in one hand, the other covering her mouth as if trying to stifle her cry. Annika walked in and handed the cup to Kieran, who stood from the bed. Annika dropped to her knees and grabbed Mary’s hand.
“Oh, Aunt Mary. No. You can’t die for me. You should have told him. I can handle Mason.”
“My dear sweet, Annika. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, including leaving this life behind for your protection.”
Annika bowed her head down, laying her forehead on their hands as they were clasped on the bed.
“Annika,” Kieran said softly. “We’re leaving.”
“What? I can’t leave her…” Annika nearly screeched but Kieran held up his hand to stop her.
“All of us our leaving. We are going to Kestevayne now. Mary needs help and Ava is one of the best healers in Vyronas. Plus, I am betting Mason will be headed back here soon for you.”
Kieran saw hope and gratitude flash in Annika’s eyes. She blinked back tears and nodded her head. “Yes. We’ll go with you.”
CHAPTER 12
Annika, Mary and Kieran all transferred to the main hall of the Clairmont Palace. Annika and Mary had been on many occasions over the years as the Royal families often socialized. Mary was weak and Annika was grateful when Kieran immediately scooped her in his arms and headed toward his apartments. Once there, Kieran laid Mary in one of his guest bedrooms and then left to get Ava.
Annika got Mary settled who immediately drifted off to sleep. Waiting for Kieran, Annika walked around Kieran’s apartment, trying to make sense of how crazy things had just become. Kieran had a balcony that opened out to overlook the lovely palace gardens. Annika walked out there, placing her hands upon the rail as she gazed out. It was mid-day and the delicately pink Vyronas sun was high in the sky, casting a lovely shimmer over the trees and flowers.
But the beautiful view wasn’t enough to distract Annika. She shuddered thinking about her run in with Mason. She had not seen him since she left Myridian eight years ago. The fear of running into him is what made her trips to Myridian few and far between. She only came to check on Mary, always trying to convince her to move to New York. But Mary didn’t like city life and was content in Myridian. When Annika saw Mason, her whole body froze with fear. A fact that now embarrassed Annika. You can’t let him terrify you anymore Annika. He has no power over you.
Annika had been so thankful to have Kieran there. She was still angry with him for manipulating her to come on this trip, but some of it vanished when he punched Mason and soothed her afterwards, and a lot more vanished when he carried Mary through the palace to his apartment. He was a good man and he didn’t need to help her aunt, but he was doing so none the less.
“Annika?
She turned and saw Kieran walking out on the balcony. Before she could ask, Kieran said, “Ava is with her now. She should be fine.”
Annika exhaled loudly. “I really can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.”
“It’s nothing. I’m just glad she’s