Chapter 62

GABRIEL

I can’t help but stare at her. She’s the spitting image of her mother.

My gaze drifts down to her weakening body. I can’t help but smirk.

“Father?” Eros interrupts, but I silence him. The game has changed, and so has my strategy.

“Bring her in. Be gentle,” I command, turning away. She’s still reeling from my unexpected revelation.

“LET ME GO!” she screams, but I pay her no mind.

“My king, your face,” my queen rushes over, concern etched on her face. Seeing her now, I can’t help but wonder why she didn’t bring this child home when she supposedly found Zar. “Your face needs attention, my king.”

“Don’t touch me,” I snap. “We need to talk, Helen.” Her eyes widen in surprise. I only use her name when she’s in trouble.

The day she returned with Zar and that letter, I found it odd. She knew my love for her could never match the love I had for Kalliste.

The more I ponder, the more I’m convinced she lied to me.

“Gabriel?” she stammers, clearly nervous.

“Go to your chambers, Helen,” I command, not even bothering to look at her. She stomps off, and my attention is drawn to the field. The silver dragon Eros captured is attacking our men.

“What?” I exclaim, taken aback. The men are shouting orders, Eros is trying to control the dragon, but something’s not right.

My eyes land on Valkyrie, and I gasp. She’s transformed. She looks different.

More commotion draws my attention to the side. Two more dragons are approaching. I try to get a better look, but my guards hold me back.

“Let Prince Eros handle it, my king,” one of my men advises.

“What’s going on?” I demand, my temper flaring. A scream pulls my attention back to Eros. He’s bleeding from a chest wound. Valkyrie is closing in on him, fast.

“Move,” I command, pushing past everyone. But before I can reach him, Seth steps in and engages Valkyrie. She blocks his sword with her own, spins, and lands a hit on Seth’s arm.

“Fuck!” Seth swears.

“Eros, what’s happening with the dragons?” I ask as he struggles to his feet.

“I don’t know. They started acting weird,” Eros grunts, wincing. He’s losing a lot of blood.

“Go, I’ll handle this,” I tell him. Eros tries to argue, but I cut him off.

Another scream draws my attention. Valkyrie is on the ground, her leg bleeding profusely. Seth has sliced her thigh open from one side to the other.

“Enough, Seth,” I say, approaching him. Valkyrie glares at me, fury in her eyes.

“I will kill you!” Valkyrie snarls.

“I can’t wait to see you try!” I laugh. The dragons start humming, as if they’re fighting some internal battle.

“Put those beasts to sleep,” I order, and my men aim their arrows at the dragons. I grab Valkyrie by the hair and yank her to her feet.

“You and I need to have a chat, dear daughter,” I say, dragging her along. She fights me every step of the way until we reach a set of chambers.

“Summon Devika. I want her here immediately,” I tell one of the guards.

“Now,” I say, tugging on Valkyrie’s hair, “where is your fucking mother? She vanished while we were still married.”

“Mother?” Valkyrie scratches at my arms. “My mother is fucking dead!”

“What are you talking about?” I laugh. “Dead? Impossible.”

Valkyrie stares at me, her eyes telling me she’s not lying. “If she was alive, why would I have been a slave?” Valkyrie spits. “I never met my mother, you bastard!”

Tears stream down Valkyrie’s face as she says this. I frown, considering her words. Half of it makes sense. With a groan, I chain her up and leave her alone.

***

“Father, why?” Eros asks for the fifth time. I drum my fingers on the armrest of my throne.

“Shut up, Eros!” I snap, “Touch her, and I’ll lock you up.”

“But she’s mine!” Eros retorts.

“She’s your sister! You don’t touch her!” I order him. Eros angrily hurls a chair at the window.

“She. Is. Mine!” Eros insists. “If I have to marry someone, it’s her.”

“Eros, enough!” Seth steps in. “Father, you said she’s our sister? How sure are you?”

“She simply is,” I sigh. “Now leave, I have work to do.” Seth drags a protesting Eros out. Eros is obsessed with Valkyrie. But she’s mine.

“Any orders, Your Majesty?” my servant asks.

“Yes, send a letter to Zar. According to our spy, he’s in the dragon’s horde. Tell him we have Valkyrie, but if he talks, she dies. I want him back here. Go,” I dismiss him with a wave of my hand.

As the doors close, I gaze out the window. A war is brewing, and I plan to use Valkyrie. Dimitri better give me what I want if he wants his so-called mate to stay alive.

I’m lost in thought when someone enters the throne room.

“Devika?” I say, surprised. Devika is a witch who resides in my castle. “Is there a problem?”

“Give me the jewel,” Devika demands, her tone reproachful. I regard her with amusement.

“And why should I?” I ask, smirking. She just presses her thin lips together.

“None of your business,” Devika snaps back. I roll my eyes and signal a servant over.

“I’ll give you the gem, but I need something in return,” I tell her, my tone firm.

“What’s that?” Devika asks, her hands folded behind her back.

“I need you to delve into Helen’s memories,” I explain. “I have a feeling she’s keeping something from me.”

“The queen?” Devika’s frown deepens. “You’re asking me to do something that’s not allowed.”

“Am I?” I chuckle. “Your hands are stained with guilt and your heart is heavy with sins. What’s one more to the list?”

“And if I say no?” Devika retorts.

“Then I’ll find someone else,” I reply. “Maybe Zar?”

“Gabriel!” Devika exclaims. She’s the only one outside of my family who can call me by my first name. So, I can’t lay a hand on her. I glare back at her, my brows furrowed.

“Make up your mind, witch. I need an answer now,” I demand, rising from my seat. “And no funny business.” After a moment of contemplation, she sighs.

“Alright, but this is the last time,” Devika concedes. I can’t help but smile. I take the small chest from the servant and start to descend the stairs. Devika’s gaze follows the box in my hands.

“Don’t forget to return it when you’re done,” I instruct her.

“I’m the reason you have this,” Devika retorts, snatching the box from me. “I’ll do as I please.” I grab her arm and pull her close.

“Maybe, but remember you’re in my territory, not yours,” I growl through clenched teeth. She yanks her arm free, shooting me a glare before scoffing.

“I’ll let you know when I’m ready. Will you be there?” Devika asks, pausing at the doors.

“No need,” I reply, turning away, “just bring me any useful information.”

“And what exactly am I looking for?” Devika inquires.

“Kalliste,” I murmur, settling back onto my throne, “Find the answers I’m looking for, witch.” She nods and exits the room. As the doors close behind her, I can’t help but smile.