Page 106 of Red Captive
“Good luck.” He winks at me. “We are here if you need us.”
I walk with the guards. It takes ten minutes to reach the royal offices. The PA isn’t at her desk when we get there, which worries me.
“This way.” The guard starts toward Ice’s office.
“I asked to speak with the king,” I say, trying hard to keep the tremor from my voice.
“The king is not available right now,” the guard says, his voice hard and emotionless.
“What about Frost?” I take a step back.
“I’m afraid not.”
“I’ll wait until one of them can see me.”
“The general is insisting on talking with you.”
I turn and start to run, even though I know that I can’t get away. I have to try. I barely make it three strides when I am grabbed from behind. “Calm down, female. You need to come with us. I have my orders.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” I snarl. “Let me go!” I yell.
He puts a hand over my mouth, muffling my cries. Then he carries me to Ice’s office. The other guard opens the door.
Ice is sitting behind his desk, looking smug. He smiles broadly when he sees me. I stop struggling. There is no point.
The guard puts me down and lets me go.
“Miss Harris, how good of you to join us. I almost couldn’t believe my luck when you arrived at the reception. I thought I was going to have a hunt on my hands. The two of you can leave us,” he tells the guards. “You should take a seat.” He points at the chair in front of me.
My legs suddenly feel shaky, so I do as he says. “What are you going to do with me?”
I know whatever he has planned, that it isn’t good. I know that I’ve walked right into a trap.
“Do with you? Whatever do you mean?”
“Cut the crap,” I snarl.
His eyes darken and narrow. His face turns a little red. “Watch your tone with me, Miss Harris. Do you know who you’re talking to?”
“Watch my tone or what? You’ve already decided my fate, probably Steel’s fate, as well. You’ve already devised your evil plans, and I doubt there is anything I can say or do to change them. I would appreciate it if you had the decency to be straight with me. To tell me, already.”
He settles back in his chair. “You have a point there. Why not just tell you?” He clasps his hands on his lap like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Then he checks his watch. “I have a few minutes to spare, but only a few, mind you; I have a beheading to attend. Actually, I’m the executioner.” He chuckles. “Soon, there will be one less Draiger on this planet. If I have my say, they will all be exterminated before long.”
I feel sorry for the poor Draig shifter. If our situation is anything to go by, he probably didn’t do anything other than cross paths with the general.
“What are you going to do with me? I’m sure you aren’t going to send me home or honor our contract in any way.”
“No, no, I can’t possibly send you home.” He smiles. “I would be happy to fill you in. It’s not like you’re going to be able to tellanyone. You’re destined for the duke. You were always meant for him; to think the idiot almost ruined everything.”
I gasp. I’m not sure why I’m so shocked. That asshole told me himself; I just didn’t believe him. He was already treating me like I belonged to him. Like I was one of his possessions. “You can’t do that. He’s out of the running.”
Ice laughs like I just told him the biggest joke. “I can and I will. In fact, it’s already done.”
“Arctic won’t stand for it. Neither will Frost. I was told I could choose. That I could go home if I wanted.”
“Nope, that’s not going to happen. Arctic started to meddle in my business, so I had to find a way to ensure that my plans were carried out. I organized for you to be abducted. It was supposed to be a clean getaway, but this is so much better.” He laughs. “So much more fun. I had always planned for Steel to take the fall if needed. That’s why I wanted him for this assignment. With his history, I knew that no one would trust him, and they don’t. Things could not have gone better than they have. I almost can’t believe it. Everything is playing into my hand nicely.”
“People saw me arrive. They know I’m here. You’ll never get away with it.”