Warrior King New Worlds (Crystal Kingdom #6) - Milly Taiden Page 0,31

to admit she wasn’t all that worried about their safety anymore. She really needed to learn how to work the sling. Seemed easy, but so did writing a book.

She hoped that Ferrus was the one to come and negotiate. But it would probably be the prince, not a warrior trained to fight. She sighed, thinking of Ferrus. She would’ve chosen him over the asshole prince any day. If she ever saw him again, she’d take the time to get to know him. Would he be interested in her? How could he?

She still had the same problems she had in school when it came to boys. If that was the case, he wouldn’t even give her a chance. Or if he did, it was because rumors said she was easy. She was quick to let the boys know she wasn’t. And that was that.

She’d end up alone again.

Chapter Fifteen

Ferrus rolled and turned all night, unable to sleep. He wanted his mate, but he couldn’t have her. He could not even talk to her without his father becoming more suspicious. She was so beautiful, so perfect. Even when arguing, she turned him on. Her face tinted red when she was angry, making her stunning.

He couldn’t think straight when she was close. She smelled so good—like water from the snow caps, fresh and clean.

The way she had come to the aid of the woman Silvo struck at the midday meal was amazing. She was brave, confident, strong. She challenged Silvo with only her eyes, making the warrior back down. She was a perfect alpha mate, the ideal queen for him when the time came.

The sun had been up for a time. The early meal should be ready soon. He got up and dressed in long pants he wore when not training. He seldom wore shirts as they restricted his movements when it came to using his sword. A good warrior was always battle-ready.

Despite what the king had commanded, their two strange females had not been set up in their own rooms. He made the order to the female elder. He hadn’t wanted to kill one of his men for thinking they could touch his mate, but if he claimed her, then his father would know for certain she was his mate. With the two staying in the holding room, all of that was avoided. But he still wanted to be beside her.

Maybe if he wandered straight to the cells, he could at least see her for a moment. Her friends would be with her, but he’d be in the same room as she was. He bolted from his room to the tunnel that led to the rod cell then eventually to the hidden escape.

When he approached, he wondered why the guard wasn’t at his post. Entering the room, he saw his sentry tied up and on the inside of the cell. And no Lilah.

In a panic, he ripped the bars apart to get to the male.

“Where are the females?” he asked as he pulled the gag from the soldier’s mouth.

“They left. Said they were going on strike, whatever that means.”

Ferrus sat back on his ass. “They are gone?” He would never see her again. His animal cried out in his head. If he were to leave now, he could catch up to her, and they could go together to her destination. He would keep her safe and with him.

“How long ago did she leave?” he asked.

“My prince, I don’t think you understand. They all left. The females and children went to the tree lovers in the forest. The one with the loud mouth said you needed to go talk to her when you were ready to make changes.”

“Changes? What changes?”

The warrior’s cheeks turned redder than the rest of his face. “I overheard them talking about how we treated the women. They want equality. They are basically useless to us, and they are mad about that. I can’t see how it’s our fault they aren’t worth much in protecting our home.”

Mother of the Mountain! His mate was beautiful, smart, and sneaky. But if the king didn’t like her to begin with, this would push him to the edge. He helped his man with the binds and then paced for a moment.

She’d said to go to her when the males were ready for change. Demon’s hell! If that were the case, he’d never see her again. It was too late to smooth this over. Even if he got all the women back, the king would