Ezra also grunted. “Are you finished? We’ve done nothing illegal, so we can’t formally be charged with anything, and you can’t do anything other than question us.”
After an extended silence, Cahal stated, “Just a few more questions.” Oh, goodie. His gaze landed on his son. “Did anyone in this room other than you two know of this affair before today?”
Ezra shook his head. “No one in this room knew we were having sex.”
Cahal glanced at Merrick, who stated, “Truth.”
Dark eyes found mine, Cahal watching me intently. “Same question, Ms Ruckler.”
I shook my head. “No one in this room knew we were having sex.”
Again, Cahal glanced at Merrick.
But this time, Merrick lowered his head, choking, “Lie.”
I quickly pulled my eyes from him, in complete disbelief he would contradict me. I was saving his ass, goddamn it. I felt Ezra stiffen next to me, not knowing this. Both of Cahal’s eyebrows rose as he stared at Merrick.
And, oh, so damn slowly, his face turned to me. “Who?”
My lips pinched shut, not knowing what the hell to do.
“I did,” Elder Merrick stated gruffly, again earning Cahal’s attention. “I knew Ezra was the father of her twins. I originally had my suspicions about their relationship, but when he reacted almost like a Shifter when King Kincaid began using his power on her when she became ill, I knew for sure.” He snorted. “I thought I was going to have to save the King’s life there for a few moments, and Ms Ruckler saw this.”
Cahal’s gaze roamed Elder Merrick’s face. “We’ll discuss this later.”
Elder Merrick’s lips tilted in a small smile at the obvious irritation in Cahal’s brusque tone. “It should be no surprise to you I keep my mouth shut.”
A grunt ensued from Cahal, his eyes returning to me. “Was Elder Merrick the only one?”
“Yes.” Assumptions were different than fact, and I couldn’t one hundred percent be sure Antonio had known about us.
Before Cahal’s head even turned completely to Elder Merrick, he stated, “Truth.”
Dark eyes on me. “Why would you choose to protect him?”
I shrugged. “He meant no harm to Ezra and me, so no harm should fall on him.”
His thumbs began that ticking motion, but this time it was in cadence to Ezra’s heartbeat. “What if I said, because of the new information about hybrids, a new Law has been passed, which states if any two individuals from different Mys factions are found guilty of sexual relations, the punishment would be five years jail time followed by a permanent spelled separation?”
Both Ezra and I stilled completely, our heart rates instantly galloping, no longer able to play it cool. Cahal’s thumbs stopped their drumming as he cocked his head, watching us closely. I turned to Antonio, searching his expression. He wouldn’t lie to me about this.
Antonio was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching the proceeding carefully, but he met my gaze evenly. “Some of the Elders are considering this.”
My mouth was open, but I quickly snapped it shut, not knowing exactly what to say that was safe.
Ezra growled at Antonio, “To help with war negotiations? Or out of fear?”
“Both, I believe,” he said softly, eyeing Ezra.
Ezra’s chest rose and fell heavily, his gaze turning toward Cahal. “Are you one of the Elders trying to pass this Law?”
“That isn’t the issue here, although I will state, not touching on the fact you two are from different Mystical factions, a romantic relationship between two Rulers can have horrendous outcomes, which I don’t believe you two are even considering.” He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “Do you have any idea the disasters that could erupt if this continues and somewhere down the road one of you ends up hurting the other? The four Rulers have to keep the peace together for their subjects’ sake. Add in emotions, instead of rational thought, and you both could f**k up the balance.”
He snorted, like, as in an actual snort. “You two have already done that with your childish behavior.” He shook his head, his eyes closing. He fell back against the chair, actually showing emotion as he muttered a curse under his breath.
He ran a hand over his face, appearing worried as his eyes went to his Ezra. “Son, I wasn’t always mated to your mother. I understand true love without the magic. I’ve experienced profound jealousy. I know what it can do to a person when things don’t go your way.” Another shake of his head. “You need to listen to me when I say that sometimes you just need to walk away before you get in too deep.”
My head dropped to stare at my feet, when all I wanted to do was pounce on the damn man and beat the living shit out of him. Yes, he had a valid argument. All of those things could happen, but Lord help me if I was going to let my damn throne dictate who I did and did not want to be with privately. With someone worth the risk. It already took so much from me, I wasn’t about to let it take my soul, too.
Ezra cleared his throat. “We aren’t foolish enough to believe it would be easy if we chose to have a real relationship.” His voice was soft, and I could tell he was startled by his dad’s honest words, probably shocked that his dad had a life before his mom, but he didn’t give in. “And on the legal aspect, no Law has been passed yet to try to stop us. Ultimately, it’s still our choice. If we did choose to do this, I’m sure we would try to make better decisions in the future in regards to arguments or,” he cleared his throat, “other things.”
“God,” Cahal growled, rubbing his hands over his face in agitation, “I’ve taught you so much, but you’re still so f**king young.” He sighed heavily before turning a glare on me.
I went utterly still, my gaze glued to him. Along with all that anger on his face — and there was plenty — there was a deep hurt riding it. A profound one. That was a life experience staring me in the face.
His nostrils flared, and he muttered, “At least your damn mate’s dead.”
“Dad!” Ezra barked, taking a step in front of me, partially blocking my view. “What the f**k?”
My jaw was clenched at the callous remark, but I quickly placed a hand on Ezra’s bicep. “Don’t.” Cahal’s comment hadn’t been geared to hurt me. It had been his past talking. I could see that. “I’m not offended.” Ezra’s wide gaze met mine in disbelief. I shook my head, giving his arm a tug and placing him back where he was originally standing. “It’s okay. Really.”