The Crowned Captive
The Other Man

He was a fool. A stupid, love-blind, naive fool. He could not even begin to piece together how his logic had appeared sound. No, he had thought with the wrong organ and had his heart shattered for it. How idiotic, how imbecilic had he been to think that Morana would suddenly forget about Rowan and fall into his arms because he had climbed into bed with her. His face burned at the utter embarrassment of the night, how he had basically whored himself out again just to try and ruin Rowan’s relationship. He brushed the towel over himself, not wanting to stand in the room long enough to dry himself fully in case she emerged, then tugged on his trousers and departed.

Rowan smirked just outside the door as Cordan took his leave. That was not a look of pity or anger, but a look of pure smug satisfaction. His so-called brother looked as if he had planned the whole thing and was gleeful that it had worked. The anger at himself for acting so ridiculously swung at that moment, and all Cordan could manage was to fight the urge to punch his friend’s perfect teeth in. He had no right to do so, nor would it help the situation at all.

“Did somebody get kicked out?” Rowan mocked, pouting at him before grinning once more. At that moment, Cordan could feel his heart beating in his throat and utter rage flooded his veins. If Rowan realised how close to the edge of danger he walked, he did not care.

“I left of my own accord, Rowan. Do not push it,” he ground out as he tried to continue his exit.

“I didn’t know leaving of your own accord included not dressing or drying yourself.”

“Watch yourself, brother,” Cordan warned, his body tensing. If he did not leave now, he would not stop himself. He did not need to suffer the shame of harming both of those close to him in one night.

“Or what, Cordan? Are you going to run in and tell on me to Morana? From what I can piece together, she mustn’t have been all that impressed. I doubt she would care. She has had her fun with someone else now and will be all the more content to stay with me.”

Cordan’s anger exploded in that instant, and he let loose everything he usually kept pent up. Between one second and the next, he had Rowan against the wall with his own dagger at his throat. He snarled down at him, heart revelling in the sight of blood weeping from the thin line against his skin. He managed to leash himself enough not to cause permanent harm but hoped with all his heart that stars dance before his eyes. Rowan did not blink, did not move, did not give any inkling of his hurt.

“She may not be mine, but if you hurt her, I will make your life fucking misery Rowan. She is far too good for the likes of you to be toying with. Break her heart, and I will stop yours from beating.” Pure malice filled him as the words poured from his mouth, and he hoped that Rowan knew just how much he meant them. If anybody, brother or not, harmed her, he would bring down the wrath of the gods upon them. No matter what happened, between now and the end of time, he would protect her.

Rowan’s bland look turned to one of emotion, and Cordan curled a lip as he replied. “She is not yours, and I doubt ever will be. Make one more misstep like this and I will ensure you are removed from her guard entirely. We had our agreement when it came to her, and if you wish to break it, you will never see her again.”

Cordan struggled with himself for a long moment, fighting the overwhelming urge to break bones. Beneath him, Rowan stiffened, and Cordan couldn’t help but snigger. He would enjoy hurting him right now. The only thing stopping him was how much more it would upset Morana to see their bloodshed in front of her rooms. He looked down at the red-haired bastard for a second longer, letting as much malice and fury leach into his stare before he turned and walked off, throwing the dagger away halfway down the hall. As he left, he could hear the sobs of his should-be-lover behind him and the anger melted away. Guilt overcame him once more. But he would not turn back, he would not burden her further. The one she had chosen was there to comfort her.