Chapter 69: SAVAGE JAXSON - An Act of Trust

SAVAGE JAXSON

That traitorous bastard! How’d he know what I was doing with the goods? Savage felt his upper lip jerking and his fists tightening.

It wasn’t hard to figure out that while delivering goods with Sebastian the people had admitted they’d already received stores. I didn’t need them. They had better use for the supplies. It was Sebastian doing it every year that gave me the idea.

Now Nauvree uses the information to incite Dimurah against me? But he slowed his temper and tuned out her frustrated accusations long enough to puzzle it out.

No. Unlikely. He’d have no reason.

Though Savage considered Dimurah the most beautiful woman breathing he was aware Nauvree was deeply enmeshed with the Nightway Princess. He’s confessed as much to me.

So why upset Dimurah? His eyes flitted side to side as he stared at the floor. Working it out. He was curious. And I didn’t answer.

Savage lifted his head to look at the beautiful redhead. Astonished by her ravening looks in the blue satin. My favorite color on her.

And this gown had clearly been fitted to her. Her face beautifully framed in a way he’d never seen before.

Infinitely gorgeous. But soft. Which was one of the reasons he cherished her.

It’s why Nauvree thought he could get an answer from her.

He didn’t tell her. He asked her about it…Savage realized. Sucking in his cheeks. Deciding that was the most likely.

And this reaction…This is from her being blindsided by a question and exploding.Which explained Nauvree’s shocked expression when I walked in.

He didn’t anticipate infuriating her. It wasn’t intentional. He surmised. He wasn’t trying to interfere. It was the most logical conclusion.

Now to the problem at hand. This one is much more complicated.

“I’ve told you, Murah.” He softened his tone. “I can’t tell you without endangering you.”

If Cimmerii know you know, they’ll torture you to find out. I can’t let that happen.

Not to you. Not ever.

“What is your goal? What are you doing in Ardae? You have hands in everything. And your reach is expanding. I’ve seen it. Why? What do you really want?”

She’s not going to stop without an answer. Not this time. He quickly assessed out what he could tell her with minimal information.

“I want to rip apart the queens and kings of Ardae. Until there are only people. Good people. I’m going to weed out the evil in this country. Piece by piece. Is that what you wanted to know Dimurah?”

Too much.

I had no choice.

“That’s impossible!” She declared. Tossing her arms in aggravation.

“Not for me.”

“How could you possibly think that?” She stomped. Small hands fisting.

I don’t think. I know.

“Because I’ve seen the inner workings of it. Watched it unfold before my eyes. I’ve seen how people are turned. And I want to shred the heart of its power.”

“How?”

“By killing him.”

“Him?” She queried.

Radix Malorum.

“Yes.”

“You’re implying it stems from one person?”

“What contaminates Ardae is all ruled by one master.”

“One person couldn’t possibly command all evil in Ardae!”

Radix does.

“He can if he has the most feared warlord ever born. Backed by the most powerful force in Ardae.”

“Is that true?” She peered at him curiously.

“Yes.”

“Who’s the warlord?”

His lips whitened and he shook his head slightly. “Don’t press me further then I can go, Murah.”

I’m not ready to speak of him to you yet. You already know too much.

“Fine.” She put her fists on her hips. After studying him a long while, her hands dropped and her expression eased. Cheeks flushing in pleasure as she took in how much he’d just confided. “Thank you, Jax.”

He lowered his head toward her. “You’re welcome, Murah.”