Chapter 185: Scum
The room was quiet now, save for the soft ticking of an ornate wall clock and the faint rustling of sheets beneath Riven’s fingers. The door had clicked shut behind Leon a few minutes ago, leaving Riven alone with his thoughts for the first time since the chaos of the kidnapping.
He let out a long breath, the air escaping him like the release of a tightly wound spring. Sprawled across the bed, arms flung to his sides, he stared up at the ceiling.
The silk canopy above was embroidered with the royal crest of Leon’s family—an ever-present reminder of where he was. He did not think the Dowager Queen was on his side. Why would she? She would obviously take her son’s side. But for now, she was playing diplomat.
Leon would learn a lesson, and Riven would forgive them and not create trouble by tattling to Ronan.
He had been taken—stolen—from Soren’s territory. That fact alone could start a war.
Soren would be furious. Riven could almost picture it: the sharp flicker of anger in his obsidian eyes before crafting the most sinister plan to destroy Leon’s kingdom.
The thought gave him a strange shiver—not entirely of fear. No, it was reassuring to know someone would go so far for him. But that was a disadvantage to him now!
He knew he should send word to Soren, let him know he was alive, safe, and not entirely against his current predicament. But if he did... Soren would come. And Riven would be put in a cage, knowing Soren, he was just sure of it.
He wanted more time.