Chapter Sixteen
Mary’s heart pounded with more than a little anxiety as she followed Rykaur into the great hall.
The massive room was filled with Bracadytes of all ages, from babies to the elderly.
A long table sat in the center of the huge space, filled with more food than Mary had ever seen in one place, including any restaurant she’d ever been to.
“Most of the food was brought in from outside,” Rykaur informed her, flanking her right side. “The land walkers have the best foods I have ever tasted.”
Mary glanced up at him, once again struck by how handsome he was. “If something tastes good, it’s usually bad for you.”
Rykaur’s gaze became hooded. Mary opened her mouth to ask him if she’d said something wrong, but the room suddenly growing quiet, catching her attention.
She looked around her to find every gaze in the room aimed in her direction.
Swallowing around the anxious lump that had formed, Mary stepped closer to Rykaur’s side.
“Happy date of your birth, Rykaur,” a chorus of voices rang out.
Mary was so relieved that knives weren’t being thrown at her, that she found herself leaning against Rykaur’s side.
His arm came around her in a protective manner, his booming voice echoing throughout the room. “I thank you all for being a part of my birth date, and for putting together this wonderful feast in my honor.”
Cheers went up all around.
A daunting-looking Bracadyte sat at the head of the long table, his attention focused solely on Mary.
Mary tried to look away from who she assumed to be the king, but the intensity of his eyes held her prisoner.
“Come.” The elder Bracadyte beckoned her.
Mary wished a hole would open beneath her and swallow her up.
Rykaur gave her a little nudge. “Go ahead. I am right beside you.”
Gathering what little courage she could muster, Mary trailed over to the head of the table, stopping just short of the intimidating figure. She could feel Rykaur’s heat as he stayed by her side every step of the way.
“Mary? Rykaur spoke in a soft yet clear voice. “This is Klause, King of Aukrabah.”
Unsure whether to kneel, kiss his feet, or shake his hand, Mary decided on the latter. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Klause stared at her outstretched palm before accepting her gesture of greeting.
Clasping her hand in his, he tugged her closer. “I have been informed of your business in Aukrabah. And though I do not approve of Rykaur’s decision to bring you here without my consent, I am glad that he did.”
Mary’s eyebrows shot up. “You are?”
Klause released his grip on her hand and leaned back in his chair. “Indeed. You are the first lead we have had in locating the land walker Jefferies. You are also evidence that we need to tighten security around our food and water sites.”
Heat from mortification rushed to her face. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty. I—”
The king waved a hand through the air, silencing her attempt to apologize. “I am aware of the circumstances surrounding your trip to Aukrabah. Have you informed Rykaur of Jefferies’s whereabouts?”
Mary shook her head. “Rykaur doesn’t seem to think Jefferies will be where I left him.”
Klause glanced at Rykaur. “What is your plan?”
Mary inched back a few steps as Rykaur filled the king in on his plan to take out Jefferies.
“Bring him in alive if you can,” Klause responded after hearing Rykaur out. “I would prefer to know where the land walker Howell is as well. As long as he still lives, the threat to our race does not end with Jefferies.”
A tall, good-looking man suddenly appeared next to the king. Mary immediately recognized him as human, even though he was nearly as big and tall as the Bracadytes. He wore his dark hair short, and a pair of mirrored Ray-Bans covered his eyes.
Though she couldn’t see behind the sunglasses the man wore, she could feel his gaze on her.
“Klause is right,” Ray-Bans murmured, shifting his head slightly in Rykaur’s direction. “Howell is just as sadistic as Jefferies. If not more so. He’s just a little more cunning and better protected. But you can bet your ass that Doug knows where to find the ex-president.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, the newcomer nodded toward Mary. “I also think we should send her out as bait.”
“No,” Rykaur growled, taking a threatening step forward. “It is far too risky.”
Klause calmly interrupted. “It is too risky not to. The fiery-haired human is too short. There are no females here in Aukrabah who fit that description.”
“There’s one,” Fiona announced, sidling up next to Mary. “I’m a natural redhead. I’ll be the decoy.”
Gryke was instantly there, disapproval in his emerald-colored eyes. “I cannot allow you to put yourself in danger. We will find someone else.”
“You can’t allow me?” Fiona sarcastically shot back.
Klause held up a hand for silence. “We will discuss this after the celebration. For now, let us eat.”
Mary wasn’t sure she could eat, given the circumstances.
She glanced over at Rykaur to find him staring back at her with an unguarded look in his eyes.
If she didn’t know better, she might easily mistake it for lust.
Something passed between them. Something warm and tingly. Mary wasn’t sure what to make of the sensation. She only knew that she liked it. “Happy Birthday, Rykaur…”