Page 109 of Red Captive
“You knew the code to my bedroom.”
“Duh! Any asshole could guess.” I can’t believe he left it the same. Well, almost the same.
“Nope, I disagree. You figured it out because you know me so damned well. You knew I wouldn’t be able to change it. Not completely. Not with the meaning…the…” His eyes turn hazy, and his throat works. “Not with the significance attached. The importance. No one but you would have guessed that. You knew that I would adapt it instead. You knew how I would make the change.”
“Again, it isn’t rocket science.”
“No, but still. You had three attempts. I had no evidence against you, but I still struggled to believe you were innocent until that moment. Until right then. You could have killed me a hundred times in the last four years, and you didn’t. You know the layout of the entire royal apartment, about the secret walls.You know the palace like the back of your hand. You’ve had every opportunity, and you didn’t take it.”
“About that, you need to make some changes, Your Highness.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“You’re giving me whiplash here. Point is, you were almost fucking killed, and you didn’t change a thing.” I suck in a breath. “I’m sorry. This isn’t the time. You just found out about Ice.” I widen my eyes. “What about Frost? Surely he—?”
Arctic shakes his head. “No, he isn’t involved. Ice was planning to kill Frost, too. He’s planned a whole coup and was on the verge of carrying it out. He was working on gaining enough political support to be backed once Frost and I were out of the way.”
“The duke. The count. All of those fuckers,” I throw out.
“Some of them. I know who they are. I have those I trust en route to make the arrests as we speak. I’m sorry I had you locked up, but I needed you out of harm’s way while I put the final nails in that bastard’s coffin. There’s something else I have to tell you.”
Fuck! It’s bad.
“Jen. Is she—”
“Your female is safe. It’s concerning Lake.”
I swallow and nod once. “What of her? Do you know where she is?”
He shakes his head. “I wish I did. I know she’s alive. Lake contacted Ice a week ago on an untraceable burner cell phone. I recorded the conversation, but to save time, I will relay the most important details. She was growing anxious and was sick of being in hiding, of lying low. She wanted to know when it would be over. Ice assured her that it wouldn’t be long. He told her to hang in there. That all would be concluded soon, and she could take up her place at his side as the queen. I’m sure it was her. Iknow her voice. I know her. Besides, he called her by her name, too.”
I listen in abject horror.
“Where is that fucker?” I start walking to the open cell door, but two guards block me. “I want at him,” I snarl.
“Ice is under lock and key. He will be questioned. We’ll find out where she is. We’ll get all of the information that we need from him, and then he will be charged with treason. I don’t want you anywhere near him or anything to do with this. It’s too personal.”
“Once he talks, he needs to be convicted and put to death,” I growl.
“I have overwhelming evidence against him.” Arctic nods.
“I’ve never had the chance to say it to your face, but I’m so fucking sorry.” I choke up.
His eyes fill with tears, and his nostrils flare.
“It should never have happened,” I continue. “I should never have…done what I did. I put my trust in the wrong person. I fucked up.”
“Yes, you did.” I’ve always loved how Arctic is always so candid. “I wanted you dead. For a long time, I hated you with everything in me, but I’ve had time to think, to process. When Anya died, I felt like I lost both of you.”
Fuck! It hits me hard. I almost fall to my knees.
“I needed you. I was in the darkest time of my life, and I needed my best friend.”
“I know.” I nod. “I’m sorry. I know it isn’t enough. It’ll never be enough.”
“I forgive you.”
I choke out a sob. “You do?”