“Riley, calm yourself.”

  “No, what happened to you and Toka is wrong. I won’t let this go. How can Khalon condone this?”

  Rayner stood and reached out to take hold of Riley’s arm, bringing his pacing to a halt. “It’s complicated, Riley. All I ask is that you try to understand. This decision has torn him up inside. Ezra is beside himself. Khalon hasn’t been sleeping, eating, or taking care of himself. You are the only one who can reach him. Riley, you are more than his prince. You are his heart. Without you, he will wither, and with him our world. I’m not asking you to forgive him, simply to see him. Speak with him. Please.”

  Riley let out a heavy sigh. He averted his gaze, his eyes filled with uncertainty and heartache.

  “Do you wish to leave him?” Rayner asked gently.

  Riley swallowed hard. He shook his head, his voice a near whisper when he spoke. “I want to hate him, but I love him so much. He’s a good man. I know he is. I… I don’t understand any of this. And I don’t want to try, because it’s wrong. I’m not only his prince. I’m his mate. Do I have any say in anything, or am I something pretty that hangs off his arm for people to gawk at, because that’s what it feels like.”

  “You are more than that, Riley. Go to him. Speak your heart. You are everything to him.”

  Riley threw his arms around Rayner and hugged him tight. “You’re too good, Rayner.”

  “He is my king and… my dearest friend.” There was nothing they hadn’t faced together, except this. It was why his heart ached beyond words, but he would fight as he always did, for Toka, and for his friendship with Khalon. Riley pulled back, and Rayner held out his arm. “Come. I’m going to speak with him. It would do him good to see you.”

  Riley nodded. He hooked his arm with Rayner’s and accompanied him inside. They were silent on their walk to Khalon’s study, where Khalon had been sleeping, unwilling to sleep in his bedchamber if Riley wasn’t there. When they entered, Khalon was at his desk, and he stood quickly when he saw Riley.

  The last two days had taken their toll on Khalon. There were dark circles under his reddened eyes. His black hair was a mess, where he’d clearly simply run his fingers through it rather than comb it. He hadn’t even dressed in full garb, simply his black trousers, boots, and black shirt, the long wide sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Rayner was taken aback by his friend’s appearance. He had never seen Khalon in such a state. How foolish Rayner had been, believing his dearest friend was unaffected by what had transpired. To make matters worse, neither Riley nor Rayner had been at his side to keep him from falling into despair.

  Rayner gave Riley a gentle prod on his lower back, and remained where he stood as Riley fidgeted from one foot to the other. Khalon’s expression was hopeful as he came around his desk. His fear came through in his voice when he spoke.

  “Riley…”

  The word was a broken whisper, and it must have reached something deep inside Riley to tug at his heart, because one moment he was standing beside Rayner, the next he was throwing himself into Khalon’s outstretched arms. Khalon held Riley tight to him, one arm around his waist, and his hand to the back of Riley’s head as he buried his face against Riley’s hair.

  “Forgive me. Please don’t leave me. I don’t know what I would do without you. It was not my intention to hurt you.”

  Riley nodded. “I know.” He pulled back and cupped Khalon’s face to meet his gaze. “I’m not going anywhere. I love you, Khalon.”

  “I love you too. You are the light in my soul, the other half of my heart.” He closed his eyes and let his head rest against Riley’s.

  “I’m still upset,” Riley murmured, “but maybe we can talk about it? Maybe you can tell me how you feel and help me understand?”

  Khalon nodded. “Yes, of course.” He took Riley’s hand in his, and brought it to his lips for a kiss before releasing him to take a seat behind his desk. He looked at Riley, who joined him in the seat beside him. The prince’s chair. “I know what I’ve done is unforgiveable. I haven’t slept since Toka was dragged away by Pavoni.” Tears filled Khalon’s eyes, and Rayner forced himself to remain silent as Khalon continued, his eyes now on Rayner. “When I close my eyes, I see his kind face, and I’m reminded of all the ways I have failed him.” He turned his attention back to Riley. “But how could I risk another war? I was there after the demons tore through the human world.” A tear rolled down Khalon’s cheek, and Riley reached out to tenderly wipe it away with his thumb.

  “I watched millions die. Men, women, children. And there was nothing I could do. There was no one to save them. The thought of it happening again terrified me, and it made me sick to my stomach knowing you would be exposed to such destruction. Since Pavoni’s departure, I have been at war with my own heart, asking myself what I could have done to save Toka, to right the wrong I have allowed.” Khalon closed his eyes, clearly fighting to maintain a grip on his emotions.

  Rayner stepped forward, his heart breaking all over again, for his loss and for the pain in his friend’s heart. “Khalon…”

  Khalon sniffed, and wiped at his eyes. Rayner had never known Khalon to show such vulnerability in front of anyone. It only went to show how dire this all was.

  “Yes, Rayner.”

  “I’m here to ask a favor.”

  “Name it,” Khalon said.

  Rayner took a deep breath as the two men he admired most waited patiently for his request. “I ask that you strip me of my position and rank within the Soldati. That way the realm won’t be held accountable for my actions.”

  Khalon and Riley stared at him in disbelief. Khalon was the first to speak. “And what actions might those be?” There was no anger in his voice, merely curiosity.

  “I’m going to free Toka from that hellish beast and take him far from here. I will send word once we’re safe, but it may take some time. I’m not certain what we’ll do after that, but what I do know is that I will get Toka back.”

  Khalon seemed to be considering his words. “You plan to give up everything for him.”

  “I love him, and I would pay any price to have him in my arms again.” Rayner kneeled, his head lowered, and his right hand over his heart. “I relinquish my position as your second, and as a Soldati warrior.”

  “I cannot grant you your wish.”

  Rayner’s head shot up, and he rose slowly, his heart beating wildly in his ears. “I beg your pardon? Khalon—”

  “I cannot allow my second to give up his position. I need you at my side.”

  “Damnation, Khalon. How—”

  Khalon held up a hand to quiet him. “I haven’t finished,” he stated firmly, rising to his feet. “I need you at my side, as my brother, as my dearest friend, and as my second as we march into the Kingdom of Dell’Orso. Together.”

  Rayner was confused. “But… you would be declaring war.”

  “I have already declared it.”

  “What?” Rayner stared at his friend. “When?”

  “This morning. I sent word to neighboring realms asking for whatever aid they are willing to provide, whether it be warriors or at the very least protecting the human world in our absence. Until we hear from them, we will march in two waves. The first entering the Orso realm to fetch Toka, the second keeping vigil over the human world. If Pavoni refuses to release Toka, we will bring in the second wave. I signed off on Captain Airaldi’s battle plans just before you arrived. Adira informed me preparations are nearly complete.” Fire burned in Khalon’s eyes as he spoke.

  “I have allowed a dishonorable villain to come into my home and enforce his will on us. I have failed Toka. I have failed you. And for that I beg forgiveness. I pray it’s not too late and that my arrogance and cowardice has not robbed you of your love.” Khalon looked down at Riley, the adoration in Riley’s sparkling gold eyes bringing a sad smile to Khalon’s handsome face. “One would think I’d have learned that lesson the first time.”

  Riley stood, and took hold of Khalon’s hand. He stood on his toes and kissed Khalon’s cheek. “You’re a good man, Khalon King.”

  Khalon swallowed hard, nodding before he turned to Rayner. “Will you fight at my side as you always have?”

  “Of course I will,” Rayner said, his voice thick with emotion. Together they would bring Toka home.

  The doors to the study flew open, and Rayner was stunned when Princess Verity came rushing through in a flurry of skirts, her cloak billowing behind her. She dropped to her knees in the center of the room before Khalon’s desk. “Your Majesty, please forgive my impertinence, but I must speak with you, and it cannot wait.”

  Rayner went to her side and helped her stand. “Princess Verity? What is it? Do you bring news of Toka?”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Rayner. I pray you will one day show mercy and forgiveness. I can no longer stand by and watch my king as he attempts to break Toka’s spirit. The light in his eyes dims with every touch.” She hurried over to Khalon and clasped his hand in hers. “You have been deceived, Your Majesty, and Rayner and Toka have paid the price for this trickery. My king was behind the ruse. He gave Merlo a potion to slip into Rayner’s drink and instructed Merlo on the part he was to play.

  “The potion Rayner was given would take several minutes to take effect. In that time, Merlo asked Rayner if he might assist him to his bedchamber. Once inside, he helped strip Rayner of his clothes and put him into his bed, and then tore his own clothing. Rayner was fast asleep by then. Merlo then alerted my king, who sounded the alarm.”

  “How did your brother know of my affections for Toka?” Rayner asked, still attempting to take in everything Verity had just revealed.

  “Merlo confessed to me your love for Toka. As the potion affected your senses, you thought it was Toka who had come to your side. Merlo exploited your confusion, making you believe he was Toka. It was how he discovered your love.”

  Khalon’s voice was low and dangerous as he pulled his hand from Verity’s hold. “You not only knew of this deceit but you played along? When I asked you if your brothers spoke the truth, you confirmed it.”

  “Please, I had no choice.”

  Verity backed away as Rayner rounded on her. “How could you? You allowed him to get away with this farce, to take Toka from me and subject him to the cruelty of that monster!”

  “He has my love!”

  Rayner stilled. “What?”

  Verity sank into one of the wingback chairs, her expression stricken. “Aurelio, my love, is an Orso soldier, but he is not like the others. He is gentle and kind. When my brother’s spies discovered us together, they informed my brother. He was outraged I would give myself to a creature who was beneath me, even if Aurelio was a noble warrior and an Orso. My brother imprisoned Aurelio, using him to keep me at his side to do his bidding. He threatened to kill my love if I didn’t agree to his plan. He despises you.” She shut her eyes tight. “He has such terrible plans for Toka. He is going to do his worst, then return Toka to you when there’s nothing left of the foxling you so cherish. He wishes to make you suffer.”

  “I will rip the bastard’s throat out!” Rayner spun and headed for the door, but Khalon ran to stop him.

  “Rayner, wait!” Khalon placed his hands on Rayner’s shoulders. “We will do this together. We will bring Toka back.”

  Rayner nodded.

  Khalon patted his arm. “Notify the others and fetch your armor. We leave for Dell’Orso immediately.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Your time is up, foxling.”

  Toka slowly retreated as Pavoni edged closer, stalking him, hunting him with fire and lust in his eyes. Despite his strength having returned a day ago, Toka had given his best performance, managing to delay Pavoni’s intentions for a whole day until Pavoni had lost his patience. He was intent on taking what he wanted, whether Toka was well enough or not.

  “I will have you.” Pavoni’s brown eyes were almost black, and he licked his bottom lip as he adjusted himself.

  Toka growled deep in his throat as he moved away. He had no intention of being taken without a fight.

  Pavoni’s lewd gaze raked over Toka. “The more you struggle, the sweeter my conquest of you will be.”

  “I will never stop fighting,” Toka spat out. “I will fight you until my last breath.”

  “Which may come sooner than you think if you don’t get your ass over here right now!”

  Toka sneered at him. “In the words of my beloved Soldati prince, fuck you.”

  Pavoni released a roar as he advanced, and Toka shifted, all but the collar around his neck falling off his limbs. Unless he used his paws, he wouldn’t be able to get the blasted thing past his ears. He shifted back, ignoring the annoying little bell around his neck as it rang while he ran, ducked, and avoided Pavoni’s attempts to capture him. Pavoni might be stronger, but his larger, bulkier frame did little for swift chases, at least in his human form. Toka was smaller, quicker, and lighter on his feet. He leaped over and ducked under furniture.

  “Get over here, you little pest!”

  Toka snatched hold of a heavy gilded candlestick and launched it at Pavoni. It struck him on the side of the head. The man roared and lunged for him. Toka dropped and rolled, then scrambled to his feet and ran behind the chaise lounge.

  “You’re going to regret that,” Pavoni bellowed. “I’m going to make you bleed!”

  The door to the room burst open, but Pavoni didn’t take his gaze off Toka as he tried to gauge which direction Toka would go.

  “Your Majesty!”

  “Goddess above, can I not get a moment’s peace around here? What is it?”

  The guard looked stricken. “Khalon King and his Soldati army are outside the gates, Your Majesty.”

  “What?” Pavoni stiffened, turning to gape at the terrified guard.

  Toka’s heart swelled in his chest, his happiness overflowing at the thought of Rayner. “He’s come for me.”

  Pavoni spun to face him, lips curled back against sharp fangs. “I would sooner see you dead than in his arms again!”

  Toka swiftly shifted and sped toward the panel Verity had used to enter the room several times. He threw his weight against it and wedged it open just enough to fit through. He had no idea where it led, but as he heard the feral roar from Pavoni’s room, he knew it was better than where he’d been. He had to find a way out to Rayner.

  Rayner stood beside his king, his sword in hand as Pavoni’s Orso warriors flooded out from every crevice of the mountainside like insects. A low growl rose from Rayner’s chest, and Khalon addressed him quietly.

  “Steady, my friend.”

  Patience. Rayner had never struggled with it until this very moment. Knowing Toka was somewhere in that monstrosity of rock and steel, at the mercy of Pavoni, caused Rayner’s blood to boil and his skin to itch. He didn’t wish to kill any Orso warrior, but if they dared stand between him and Toka, he would send every last soul to Thalna, Goddess of the Dead.

  Khalon stepped forward, his booming voice carrying across the narrow expanse of greenery to the Orso who took position before the castle gates. “I wish to speak to General Segreti.”

  A huge Orso warrior stepped forward. His armor appeared as if carved from gray stone, his helmet in the shape of a bear’s head. He had many scars on his face, one going through his left brow and disappearing behind a brown leather patch to appear once again on his cheek. The breadth of his shoulders was impressive, even without the armor. Rayner had heard stories of General Segreti. The man was a legend and until Pavoni’s reign, had been full of vigor and mirth. The years had not been good to Segreti. Or perhaps it was Pavoni. Segreti looked weary.

  “Your Majesty,” Segreti replied, his deep baritone capturing everyone’s attention. He placed a fist to his heart and bowed his head. It was good to see Segreti had not lost his civility. The fact he had not commanded his army to attack the moment the Soldati arrived held great promise. Segreti had once feasted with the Soldati, been honored by Khalon’s father. “May I inquire as to the presence of your army in our kingdom?”

  “I fear we have been left with little choice. The actions of your king have brought disgrace to the Orso. King Pavoni used trickery and deceit to bring false punishment upon my second and ensnare my prince’s courtier. I will not allow this injustice.”

  Segreti nodded. “May I approach, Your Majesty?”

  “You may.”

  Segreti marched over and stopped in front of Khalon. He nodded a greeting to Rayner, then Adira, but paused when he reached Ezra. “Why is he here?”

  Rayner felt Ezra stiffen beside him before Ezra spoke up. “He is here to assist his king.”

  Well, now, that was new. Rayner held back a smile. Ezra was the gentlest soul anyone could ever know. The man rarely bristled. Serenity was like breathing to him. Apparently, serenity made itself scarce when faced with Segreti.

  Segreti narrowed his near-black eye. “You don’t belong on the field of battle.”

  “How dare you?” Ezra replied through his teeth, blue eyes ablaze. “You know nothing of my character or skills.”

  “I know enough,” Segreti muttered, turning his attention back to Khalon. “Your Majesty, may I speak boldly?”

  Khalon motioned for them to step away from the rest of the Soldati warriors. “Rayner, join us.”

  Rayner did as asked, standing beside Khalon as Segreti spoke quietly.

  “I do not condone the actions of my king, but he is my king. As much as I have come to regret being under his command, I have sworn my fealty and sword to him.” Segreti’s smile was wistful. “I am no longer the young spritely Orso I once was. My body has endured much, and I fear my heart is weary of the fight, but make no mistake, I will fight until my dying breath.”