Read Online Ferris Braden [Beyond the Marius Brothers 6] by Joyee Flynn - Free Book Online Page B

King our people have seen. And yet, you’re still alive and you provide nothing of value. Go pack and get out of my sight before I shoot you where you stand. You’re lucky I’m not bringing you up on charges of treason for not protecting your King.”
“Your highness, I have a quick question,” Bevin said gently as he placed his hand on my arm. I nodded, knowing full well what he was doing. I walked across the ballroom with him, giving Cynthia a nod to go ahead. Once she left to pack, the others started as well.
“Everyone pair up with one of the margays and make sure they stay safe while they get what they need,” Onah ordered. They all nodded and broke up for the task.
“Benjio is a sniveling weasel and I can’t say I wouldn’t agree with your assessment of how the fight went down. He would throw his own mother in front of him to stay safe.” Bevin winced and then wiped his eyes. “He didn’t but she actually didn’t survive so that was crass.”
“No it’s not,” I whispered as I hugged him. “We’re reeling and haven’t found our footing. Just give yourself a moment to breathe.”
“Thank you. I just wanted to let you know that there were many who threw themselves in the line of fire for your parents.” He pointed to the bodies of our dead that were near where my parents lay. “I tried, Rylan. I really did. But it was my fault. He shoved me out of the way and they got him. I failed you.”
“No, we failed ourselves as a people. We should have been smarter than this. I would never blame you, Bevin. You’re a good man and a loyal friend. We both know how stubborn Father was and for all his faults he would have died a thousand times over to protect his people.”
“That he would,” he chuckled. “Thank god he didn’t pass that stubbornness down to you.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m such a pain in the assets.” I knew I was one of the most stubborn men on the planet. That didn’t mean I wasn’t willing to meet someone halfway. As long as what they were saying made sense, I was flexible. But I wouldn’t bend on my values for anyone.
“Your highness, more warriors have showed up,” one of the fae informed Queen Magdalena.
“Would they be willing to help us seal up the palace temporarily?” I asked her as I pulled away from Bevin. “I think it safest to get everything locked up as best as we can and get out of here. I know it’s not the best thing since we have many dead, but I won’t risk the rest of my people.”
“Don’t hit me but I think we can make time to make sure their bodies are preserved before we go,” Bevin said quietly.
“Yes, um, can you, well, yeah, I can’t,” I stuttered as I stared at my friend with tears in my eyes.
“I’ll handle it, Ry. You get us to safety and I’ll take care of this until we can have a service for them.”
“Thank you.” I turned back to the Queen.
“My warriors are yours to command as you need tonight, King Rylan,” she said gently. “But if someone escorts me to all the entrances, I can fortify the palace with magic so it’s safe for now.”
“Thank you.” I gave her a half bow, letting everyone see how much her help meant to me and my people.
“Bevin, this is Queen Magdalena. Give her whatever she needs and then go pack.”
“Yes, my King.” He gave a full bow to the Queen of the fae and extended his arm to her like the charmer he was. I headed back to the portal to see how many more we had coming through to the palace.
“I’m proud of you,” Ferris said quietly as he fell into step with me.
“Why?” I asked, staring at him as if he’d grown another head.
“You were fierce in battle, saw the task that needed to be done, and kept your head. I’ve seen warriors who have been trained not be that good in a fight. And now? The way you immediately thought of your brother and your people first and getting them to safety before anything else is amazing, Ry. You will make a wonderful King and I know your parents will be