The Traitor by A. Lombardo (i can read with my eyes shut TXT) 📕

you had to want to come back on your own. Naturally, they both tried to get me to go with them back to Katori, but I insisted that when Benmar managed to bring you back, I would be waiting. Mostly I wanted to give you a piece of my mind, and then I just wanted you back safe.”

“Again, I am sorry for abandoning you. I was wrong about so many things, but mostly about not trusting you.”

Her eyes softened, and she continued. “The following day, I decided one way or another I would get to Diu, to stop you or save you—I did not care which. I knew you hoped to save your father, and I only wished to arrive early enough. It took me about four days: walking, running, and camping, but I finally reached Chenowith. It took me a day to find Albert since I knew him, I felt he was the one to trust. He escorted me to his father, and they offered to let me stay with them while I recovered from traveling.”

It felt like a fist crushed Kai’s heart. “I am sorry the Chenowiths misled you. They are good people, very loyal to Diu. I cannot blame them, but it does anger me. I hope they did not mistreat you.”

She shook her head. “Not really, not at first. I must admit when they would not let me leave, I was less than cordial. I might have broken a few glasses and a vase.” She winced in guilt. “They did not restrain me, but when Lord Oliver could not get me to settle down, he sent in Lady Clair. I only met her once two years ago before the Winter Festival, but she is a commanding woman for one so delicate.”

Kai nodded in agreement. Lady Clair’s statuesque frame and golden locks, matched with her elegant clothes, gave the impression she was a fragile porcelain doll. Instead, she was anything but. The woman had a way of setting you at ease while ensuring there was no doubt who was in charge. “What did she say?”

“Well, Lady Clair reminded me that a lady commanded more respect when keeping her head than when showing her anger. She was kind enough to explain that Queen Nola hoped that by bringing me to Diu, I could convince you to turn yourself into the authorities. Lady Clair was not convinced it was right to use me to lure you out, but she did agree that you would come to Diu if you found out I was there.”

“Do you remember when Lady Clair found us dancing in the gardens?” Kai laughed, hoping to lighten the mood.

Rayna blushed. “How could I forget? A second later and she would have found us kissing.”

It was true. Kai had meant to kiss her. Their lips were so close, but then he heard a woman clear her throat. “She must have known, but she only commented on the late hour and said something about a lady’s reputation is defined by many things, including the hours she keeps.”

Rayna pulled Kai’s hand, trying to continue their journey. “I cannot imagine what she would say of our current hour.”

He pulled her back into his arms. “Seems to me, she interrupted a moment.” He kissed her on the lips, then twirled her away before he lost himself in the moment.

♦ ♦ ♦

Dawn trickled across the snow-covered landscape as they neared the edge of the forest. Kai glanced down at his appearance and then to Rayna—neither of them were at their best, but Rayna never seemed more beautiful. Perhaps it was because this would be their last morning together, or perhaps because he wanted her to know how much he loved her, but either way he could not let the moment pass. “I love you, Rayna.” He took her hand in his and cupped her face with the other. “I loved you from the moment we met. I have no right to ask, now that I am sentenced to death, but I want to spend my life loving you.”

Rayna blushed. “And you will.” She rose on her toes and kissed him. “When this is all over, you will ask me properly, and we will live wherever you want.”

Her sincerity stirred his spirit. Time was a precious gift, and he did not intend to squander it, so he kissed her again.

Chapter 22

Convergence

The warmth of Rayna’s hand sliding into his stopped Kai at the edge of the forest, and her strength added to his. Today he would need every ounce he could get, even if it were not his own. Part of him was glad she was here; he did not want to stand alone, but he also wished she were safe in Katori. If they took him away in chains, how could he guarantee her safety?

His eyes drifted to the bridge, a hundred feet from where he stood. Over the past few days, they spent more time running and hiding than searching. It would be the hardest walk of his life, but this was the only way he could think to end a war.

I am so tired, he thought. Just a few steps left, and it will all be over. Words cluttered his mind; if only he knew the right combination to save himself and send Rayna to safety, but she was stubborn, and she loved him. “Are you sure you want . . .”

She squeezed his hand, and he let the rest of his question drop in the cold snow at his feet.

Before the moment passed, he swept her into his arms. “I love you, my dear Rayna. Never forget that.” He cupped her face with his hand and kissed her sweetly.

Then Kai noticed they were no longer alone. The Alpha and his pack approached. Deep