11. Diana
CHAPTER 11
Diana
I stared out the window of the moving carriage, watching as my breath thawed the frosted glass. When I'd awoken this morning, it had still been pitch dark out and the temperature had dropped nearly 40 degrees overnight. It had gone from a late summer day to one better spent by the fire with a steaming bowl of stew.
“I don't see how we're going to do it, Loch,” I said, turning to face my longtime friend who sat across from me. “With three more keys to find and things progressing so rapidly. I just don't see it, we are running out of time…”
He leaned forward and took my hands in his. I realized with a start that his skin was warmer than mine. But that was the reality of things now. Werewolves ran hot, vampires ran slightly cool, and I was a vampire.
I couldn't let myself forget it again.
“I beg to differ, Diana. If there was no chance for success, old Myrr would know it. The shards would know it…If the end of us is our destiny and it can't be changed, surely it would be just cruel of the fates to lead us on this way? Remember what you told me last night yourself. We must go in with confidence.”
Words I had parroted from Sienna. I let out a snort and leaned back, pulling my hands away. “You're my advisor, Lochlin. You're not supposed to throw what I say back in my face.”
He grinned and shot me a wink. “I don't get paid the big money to tell you lies, my queen.”
Speaking of lies…
“So tell me again exactly what Mary said to you when you went to the cottage to speak with her.”
Loch had gone to find Teeter last night to no avail. Although, unmarried and without children, I supposed it wasn't so unusual for his cabin to be empty. A quick search of the pub and tavern he frequented, followed by a visit to Mary—who claimed she hadn't seen him—led me to believe Teeter was on the run. Or maybe he was just keeping his head down until he heard word as to whether I was still alive or not. He'd surely know by now as we werewolves were a nosy lot and servants talked.
“Mary is a tricky one. Hard to read…” Loch said, squinting his eyes as he thought back on the conversation. “She's clearly still in the grips of grief, so I can’t be certain, but I did feel she wasn't being completely honest with me when I'd asked her if Teeter had reached out to her. She didn't meet my eyes when she spoke of it.”
Regardless, with our trip looming, we had no real recourse that wouldn’t stir things up even more. We'd added more guards to the keep to watch over those who remained, and I had to push it to the back of my mind until our return. Today was the most important day in my time as queen. And likely one of the last, with the way things were going.
“For what it's worth, I think it was smart to bring Raven along,” Lochlin said, shrugging his wide shoulders. “If they have a problem with it, I'm sure they won’t be shy about sharing it, so we might as well try. And between myself, him, Dominic, and those waiting in the wings, I feel marginally better than I did when we started planning this.”
I did too, at least when it came to today’s summit. I'd been irritated at my older brother for pressing in regard to Raven. I couldn't imagine he was even well enough to come on the journey, but when I'd seen him this morning before we left, his cheeks had been flushed with color, and he’d looked stronger than ever. Plus, I couldn't deny that a part of me wanted him there. Even if he couldn't speak, even if he couldn't hold my hand, I knew that I could reach out to him through our bond, and I would feel supported.
If that made me stupid? If that made me weak? So be it. I'd realized sometime in the middle of the night that there were precious few people in this world that I could truly trust, and Raven had risen to the top the list. We might not be fated mates, but we were connected in deep ways that went beyond superficial and settled somewhere around a choice I’d made, and maybe even that he’d made. Once we got through the next few days, I was determined to find out how or why and explore it.
But that didn't mean I needed him sitting across from me for the next four hours as we traveled.
Between Mav's hurt feelings because I'd chosen Raven over him and disregarded his feelings completely, and the fact that I couldn't think straight with Raven in close proximity, I'd wound up riding with Lochlin alone. Mav wouldn’t ride with Raven, Raven couldn’t be trusted to ride with Mav without killing him, and I didn’t want to sit with either one of them. So we’d decided on a small caravan of half-full carriages to accommodate, despite Sienna and Dom riding in ahead on her winged Hunter.
I thought of Mav now and frowned. There were still so many more questions to ask him. I didn't think he was behind the bloodworm attack, but at the same time I was questioning whether he could be trusted. Still, I’d needed to make nice in order to get him to come and hopefully influence the other kings and queens to join our cause. Witnessing the shattering of the Veil through Mav's memories and seeing the girls who’d become hosts of the shards was our biggest clue to finding the other keys. Without Maverick, we were offering only my word and Sienna’s to convince them.
For the rest of the ride, I practiced my speech, both in my head and for Lochlin.
I just finished what I hoped was the final practice round under my breath and was surprised as Loch began to clap slowly. “Unless they're all stupid or even crazier than we think, they're going to unite behind this cause. Behind you , Diana. Your words are as convincing as any I've ever heard, which is why I want to once again plead with you not to step down as queen.”
“I have no choice–they don’t trust me to lead, not any longer. You’ll come to see that in time too, my friend.” I set down my notes and regarded him for a long moment. “I would choose you to take my place, Loch. There's no finer male in the Territory.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgement of my words. “As much as I appreciate the vote of confidence, Diana, I can’t lead. I am…no better than you when it comes to bloodlines.”
I put my hand on his shoulder. “I know, Loch. I’ve known for a very long time.”
His face paled and he drew back. “Fuck. You do?”
I laughed. “My father knew you were part fae, and he trusted me with your secret. I think it’s why I always trusted you with mine.”
Loch’s head bowed. “Ah, lass…”
“There’s nothing else that needs to be said, old friend. Now, did you have a chance to put together a list of names for me? Others who might do us proud as king?”
“I did,” he said, reaching into his coat pocket and producing a small index card. He handed it to me, and I scanned the names, which didn't take long.
There was only one.
“Seriously?” I said, shooting him a puzzled glance.
“Their clan is loyal, and their hearts are true. That's my vote. Think on it until we return home and if you'd like me to give you a list of additional candidates, I'm happy to do it.”
I folded the note card and slipped it into my pocket, resolving to do just that–I was surprised by the name and the youth behind it. The carriage rolled to a stop and a moment later there was a rap on the door.
“We're at the river, my Queen.”
Loch and I stepped out onto the riverbank, and I shivered. Even colder than when we left, which was strange. Surely the sun should have warmed things some…
Footsteps sounded over my shoulders, and I turned to find the others coming to stand beside me at the river's edge. Mav stayed off to the side, his face twisted into a sulk, although at least his swollen jaw looked better. Will and Nicholas came toward us, followed by Raven…
Raven, who stood and stared at me like his world had been black and white before and he was seeing color for the first time. My hands itched to touch him, and I balled them into fists at my side.
“How did it go?” I asked Sienna as she and Dom walked toward us from the direction of the ruins. They’d arrived well before us, scouting and making sure no traps had been set for anyone.
“We’ve set up some seating around the table, and put out some food and drink,” Sienna said, gesturing to the wooded area a hundred yards away. “My hunter, Belona, is tucked away in the trees over there. Both Sal and the Kraken are waiting in the depths of the river, ready to respond to our call if need be.”
“And Xefia? Did you see her?” I asked, shooting her a questioning glance.
“A glimpse only, but you would know better than I if we should expect her to keep her word.” Sienna tucked her hands behind her back.
I nodded, already knowing the answer to my own question. “She will be here.” I looked to the river and nodded. “We should go inside and wait for the others.”
We made a short walk down the bank of the river toward the ruins and I couldn’t help but admire the ancient beauty of the massive alabaster columns with the cracked and teetering roof perched on top.
We'd barely taken a seat at the massive marble table in the center of the room when I heard voices outside.
“Someone's half a day early,” Dominic murmured, instinctively lifting his hand to his empty scabbard for the hilt of a sword that wasn't there.
The sound of boots striding up the stone steps were followed by a harsh laugh that sounded vaguely familiar.
“Why am I not surprised in the least?” Gabe drawled, his voice echoing as he stepped into the mausoleum-like room. His black wings were spread behind him, and I had to admit that they were impressive, now that he was showing them off. “Good morning,” he said, inclining his head in my direction as he tucked his wings away and crossed the floor to join us.
I spread a hand wide. “Gabe, I'm pretty sure you already know everyone here.”
“Oh, I know everyone, alright. The question is, why the fuck are you here hours before the meeting is supposed to start?”
Raven shrugged. “We could ask you the same.”
“Touché. Look, I don't mean to pick nits, but there are also only two territories represented here aside from mine. So why are there six of you?” He shook his head derisively. “Not that I care, but I’m not the one you have to worry about. Cleona is not going to like this.”
“We're each permitted to bring an advisor, and I have good reason for the others, which you’ll be apprised of once the meeting is in session, as they are witnesses to our cause,” I said, keeping my tone firm but polite.
“You're not going to try to pretend you came alone, are you, Gabriel?” Will asked as he pushed his chair away from the table and stood, a tight smile on his lips.
“I may have brought a couple of friends, just in case.”
The two men squared off, with Dom nearby on high alert, his eyes pinned on Gabe for even the slightest movement of aggression, no doubt.
“It’s too early for this.” I let out a weary sigh and slapped my hands on the table. “Can we all just sit down and put our dicks away, please? This is supposed to be the easy part. Surely, we’re of the same mind. Gabe, you've seen it yourself, what this evil goddess can do. And the continued and increasing destruction of the Territories since the Veil has fallen is only getting worse. We need to let any petty squabbles go and move forward with a common goal, if any of us want to live through this. Can I count on your support?”
Gabe raked a hand through his snowy white hair and blew out a heavy sigh. “It's hard to know who to trust after what we saw with our own king. It feels like that she-devil could be infiltrating anyone at any time. I’ll be honest, that makes me edgier than a desert cat watching a storm come across the sand.”
Finally, a fear I could assuage. “What if I told you that's not the case anymore? What if I told you that she's been neutralized for now? Her own brother, Nefir, came and told me himself. We've got a little bit of time before she comes back into full power. Time to find a way to beat her at her own game.”
“Well, that's a relief,” Gabe said, strolling over to a side table laden with fruit and drinks. “Makes me a little less twitchy if that’s the case.” He popped a grape into his mouth and chewed.
“Yeah, well, don’t get too excited,” I added, figuring I might as well take the bull by the horns and break the news now, so he didn't think I’d tried to deceive him. “Nefir also admitted that he'd gone to visit his sister to try to convince her to cease this madness. Turns out she’s been in captivity, which is why she used others to do her deeds. But he ‘accidentally’ freed her. Once she gets back her strength, she won't be taking over anyone else's bodies to do her dirty work. She'll be even more powerful and will be able to do it all by herself.”
“Fucking hell,” Gabe said, leaning a hip against the side table. “Well, I might as well put my cards on the table too then. My people are not happy. Half of them saw Malach as he was–a shell of his former self, withering away under her control. They knew their king was gone before he met his end and that was in itself, a mercy. But there are still many who blame you and your people for his death. I've got them on a tight leash right now, but it's going to be an ongoing problem until I can provide someone's head on a platter for his murder.”
It wasn't a surprise at all, but I had to admit I wasn't thrilled with the news.
“They're going to have to get in line, because my own people are looking for their pound of flesh right now as well.”
“Yummy…Did someone say pound of flesh?” A female voice called. We all turned to watch as Cleona, the Fae Queen, sauntered into the room. I hadn't seen her in decades, but she hadn't aged in the least. Her waist-length, blonde hair had flowers woven throughout, and she was dressed in emerald green from head to toe, giving the illusion of a very tall, very lean, wood sprite. It was only those glowing amber eyes that took away from her puckish charm.
Those amber eyes were trained on me now, and it was all I could do not to squirm.
“Good to see you again, Queen Cleona,” Will said, his wide smile seeming genuine as he moved towards her, hand extended.
“William, you're looking well,” she said, eyeing him from head to toe and then licking her lips.
Interesting .
Apparently, when Will said she liked him, he meant she really liked him. He bowed over her outstretched hand and kissed the tip of her fingers, which sent her off into a peel of giggles like a young girl. Something that she certainly was not.
“I didn't expect you all to be here waiting on me,” she asked, as Will released her hand and stepped back. “Am I late?” she inquired, her white-blonde brows rising high on her forehead. She damn well knew the time frame and had arrived early too.
“We get it,” Mav muttered, “Everyone's early. Can we just skip all the political gamesmanship and get this started, please? I already have a headache, and once the bloodsucker starts poking around in my brain, it's only going to get worse.”
If I could have reached him, I would have slapped him right in the mouth as Cleona's head whipped towards him.
“And who is this?” she asked, the lilt in her voice disappearing, leaving behind nothing but biting derision.
I pasted on my most diplomatic smile. “This is Maverick. He was a witness to the event that tore down the Veil.”
She cocked her head and studied him like he was an organism under a microscope. “Well, tell the human to mind his tongue, unless he wants me to remove it for him.”
Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she saw the tray of fruit on the other side of the room.
“Kiwi, my favorite!” she said, clapping her hands as she skipped over to the display as if she hadn’t just threatened to dismember someone.
“I spoke to Rabia last night and she’s agreed to attend via hologram,” Loch said, tugging a small, black box from his coat pocket and setting it on the table. “I can see if she’s able to start early as well, if all are in agreement?”
“Fine by me,” Cleona chirped, piling a crystal plate with fresh kiwi.
Okay, so it was really happening. My hands went clammy as Loch made initial contact with Rabia and got her permission to create the connection early.
“You’re going to be just fine,” Raven murmured, leaning into me until our shoulders brushed. Just that simple touch sent a wave of calm flowing through me.
I’d put the time in. I’d practiced my speech, and all I had to do was be honest in my delivery. Surely, they’d see that there was no other way…
“Queen Rabia? Can you see us?” Loch asked as the angel queen’s image spilled from the top of the black box.
Unlike the vainer Fae, most Angels couldn’t be bothered with trying to attain the illusion of eternal youth and beauty. They tended to age with grace. Rabia was still a stunner by any standard but wasn’t fussed about the fine lines around her eyes or the fact that she wasn’t as slim as she had once been.
“Yes, I can see you all,” Rabia said with a tight smile as she glanced around the table. “Can you see me?”
“See you?” Cleona gasped, holding a dramatic hand to her heart. “Fucking hells, how could we miss you? What are your servants feeding you over there, Rabia…Lard straight from the can?”
The angel queen's eyes went wide for just an instant before they narrowed. “You blithering cock-gobbler, Cleona.” She leaned forward, head down, then slapped her hand on the matching black box we’d sent her.
Gabe spoke for all of us as her image flickered and then disappeared, the connection gone.
“Well, shit.”