Stolen Heart - By Bennett, Sawyer Page 0,62
in the hospital for a week. And he did it while his mother watched and did nothing to stop it. She bailed him out of jail, hired the best attorney in New York City, and got the charges dropped. The woman is stinking filthy rich. The missing jewels probably weren’t even missed. And the money those jewels will fetch will help keep safe many women.”
Kieran didn’t say anything. His whole perception about Annika had been changed in just a matter of minutes.
“If it also helps, I can tell you that Annika has given up her stealing. Like I said, she knows it’s wrong. And besides, I actually think you may have helped her heal the guilt she had been carrying over Mason raping her.”
“That wasn’t her fault,” Kieran snarled.
“I know that. You know that. And now Annika knows that. She said you helped her see that she was the victim and she couldn’t help what happened.”
This was all a lot to process. He’d have to mull it over, but as he had just told Claire, he had some more pressing matters to handle.
CHAPTER 26
Kieran, Carrick and Ava arrived in Myridian at the House of Foss. They were expected as Ava requested a meeting with Renard. She specifically requested his stepson, Mason, be present as well. She didn’t give a reason for the meeting, but then again, she didn’t need to. As the most powerful sorceress in Vyronas, and the woman who was single handedly responsible for defeating Ralina, all ruling monarchs gave her deference.
They were currently waiting in Foss’ great receiving room. There were several people milling about. Most likely members of Renard’s Conclave and other royal lackeys.
It didn’t take long before Renard entered the room. Mason walked just a few paces behind him. When Renard saw Ava, he walked toward her with arms outstretched. “Ava, it’s so good to see you.”
“Hello, Renard.” Ava reached her hand out for him to shake, averting an awkward hug. Renard looked at Carrick and Kieran and nodded at both of them.
“Ava, you remember my stepson, Mason, right?” Renard swept his hand in Mason’s direction. He stepped forward and held out his hand to Ava to shake. Ava kept her hands clasped in front of her and just nodded at Mason. Her face was impassive.
Renard could clearly sense something was wrong and he chuckled nervously. “Yes, well. Mason, this is Ava’s husband, Carrick Dunne, and his brother Kieran.”
Mason inclined his head to Carrick and then turned to Kieran. His eyes grew wide and he hissed, “You!”
“Yes, me.” Kieran couldn’t help taking pleasure in seeing Mason’s face mottled red with anger.
“Renard, this man should be arrested. He assaulted me a few months ago. When I returned to the scene of the crime with troops, he had made his escape.”
Mason made this announcement so loud, everyone in the receiving hall turned to listen to the conversation. Kieran rolled his eyes. What a drama king.
Renard turned pale. “Mason! Surely you must be mistaken. Kieran is part of the Royal House of Clairmont.”
Kieran decided to interrupt. “He’s not wrong, King Renard. I knocked the shit out of him a few months ago.”
Kieran swore he heard Carrick snicker behind him. Or was it Ava? Regardless, he turned his gaze to Mason but he addressed the king. “King Renard, I am here to officially challenge your stepson, Mason…uh…Mason…” Kieran paused. What the hell was this guy’s last name? Whatever! “I don’t even know his last name, nor do I care. A dead man’s name is not important.”
Mason started sputtering. Renard looked at Ava. “Is this some kind of joke?”
Ava replied, “I’m afraid not, Renard.”
Renard looked to Kieran, his face grave. “Young man, a challenge to the death is a serious charge. Surely you have mistaken Mason for someone else.”
Kieran turned his gaze to Mason. His eyes were hot with rage. “I have not mistaken him. I am here on behalf of Annika Foss. Mason knows what this is about.” Kieran then turned his fiery gaze to Renard. “And so do you.”
Renard’s face went from pale to bright red. “How dare you levy such an accusation!”
“I’ve not levied a single accusation. I merely pointed out that you both know why I am here.”
Mason hissed. “The woman lies. She cannot be trusted.”
Kieran pulled his sword. It slid out smoothly from its scabbard, making a slight hissing noise. “There is nothing more to discuss. Draw your sword Mason and be prepared to die.”
Mason looked desperately to Renard, who looked desperately to Ava. Ava