Chapter 18 #2
“Forgive our boldness, but we would also accept just getting Briar back and the legalities taking time.” Velessa raised her one good arm as if in surrender. “We could guard her ourselves. The evidence will prove her innocent. I assure you. Kind people don't just turn into assassins.”
Kaylen scoffed louder this time and rolled her eyes.
“Why are we so worried that she won’t be exonerated if she’s innocent?
Do we truly have so little faith in the councils and our prince to determine who is truly guilty of the crime?
” She lifted her chin and stared down at them as if the black-and-gold-spiked crown already sat on her head and she upon the throne.
“Although she was found holding the dagger over the king’s broken body.
Hard to imagine what innocent explanation there is for that. ”
“Because she was framed, you moon-faced trumpet,” Quen growled, crossing her arms tighter.
Yuki scoffed at Kaylen as well, her porcelain features sneering. “Idle winded banshee,” she muttered.
This was accomplishing nothing and wasting my time and energy. “Enough,” I said, sharper and deeper this time. My shadows rose along the walls. “Unless you would like to see the inside of the Shadow dungeons yourselves, do not press me further.”
“Would my going to prison help Briar get out faster?” Quen demanded.
I held back a sudden laugh. I admired her spirit, though it was uncalled for. “Not at all.”
Thalira whispered something in Quen’s ear, and Quen folded her arms. But if looks could have killed, I would have been a smoldering pile of ash on the floor.
These ladies actually scared me a little, though I’d never admit that to anyone.
Yuki huffed and turned away. Myantha bit her lower lip and gripped her hand into a fist as she edged out farther from the door. Her pink and lavender striped dress snagged on the wooden door frame, and she paused to untangle herself.
Something jostled my right elbow. I turned.
Thalen stood behind me, his hands clasped behind his back and that crooked smile on his face. His shaggy silver white curls half covered his amber eyes, but that didn’t keep me from imagining all the jokes and quips spinning in his head. “Everything all right here?”
“Yes.” I glanced at my guards.
“Never had a doubt.” Thalen nodded and looped his thumbs in his belt.
He leaned forward to scan my little assembly.
“Tensions may be running high, but the truth has a way of coming out in time. And if we’re watching someone, I think we keep an eye on that one.
She’s obviously trouble, yeah?” He pointed at Myantha and winked.
Myantha’s eyes widened until they were completely white-rimmed, and her cheeks reddened. She stepped toward him, one hand lingering on the door frame.
“We’re just worried about our friend, Th-Thalen.
” Her voice caught on his name, and she ducked her head before peeking back up at him and coming a little closer.
“Briar is innocent. Please. We have to get her home and safe. I know you’re a good, intelligent man.
You'd never let an innocent suffer.” She tugged one golden brown lock around her finger, the coil tightening with each of her nervous breaths.
“Can we count on you to bring her back safely? She’s a good person, and we all love her so much. ”
Thalen hesitated, his posture stiffening. All the women except Myantha were now glaring at him as they awaited his response.
Kaylen groaned under her breath. “These women are so annoying.”
I crossed my arms, torn between amusement and annoyance.
This was what he got for trying to crack jokes all the time.
Yes . See how miserable it feels to be caught in this position, you silver-tongued fiend.
I could tell he hadn’t expected Myantha to ask him this.
Either way, I had to fight the smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth.
But it was a step too far to include Briar’s friends in our plan.
Even if none of them were involved, how likely was it that all of them would remain silent?
It had been risky enough to bring Rhielle into my confidence, and I hadn’t told her everything.
Something would have to be done, or these five might go off on their own rescue and get themselves killed because Briar wouldn’t be there to rein them in.
Myantha stared at Thalen like he was the only one there and stopped directly in front of him. Reaching out with her palms up, she stared up at him. “Please. It can be all I ever ask of you. Help us help Briar. Convince your prince of her innocence and bring her back.”
“It wouldn’t have to be the only thing you ever ask of me.” His words hitched.
“So you promise?” Her face lit up.
He laughed breathlessly and took her hand, then kissed the back. His lips lingered a moment longer than necessary. “Honey Clover, I will make sure to satisfy you in every way I can.”
Myantha burst into giggles and covered her mouth. Her eyes sparkled, and the rosy glow spread over her golden brown skin.
My heart twisted all over again. What I wouldn't give to have Briar here. I’d set my own kingdom ablaze to have her back at my side.
Kaylen opened her mouth, but Velessa raised her hand.
Her fingers curled in a sharp pulling motion, and then she winced.
The lack of words escaping Kaylen’s lips and the indignant expression that followed transformed into a rictus of silent but impotent fury when Quen stepped in front of Kaylen with a confident stance that clearly dared her to try something.
Thalira placed a hand on Myantha’s shoulder as Yuki scowled, leaned in, and whispered something to Myantha that I didn’t catch.
But Myantha blushed and then cut her eyes back to Thalen.
“I-I look forward to that and…to our mutual … satisfaction.” She lifted her fingers in a small gesture.
“I’m counting on you fulfilling that first promise you just gave me so I’ll owe you that favor. ”
Fecking void, was he about to tell her? I adjusted my stance, and one of my shadows swirled up, hooked on the back of his right wing, and yanked him away from her.
He stiffened, shook his head, and gave her a big smile.
“Gotta be careful with promises, you know, but what I can definitively promise you is…I’m on it, Honey Clover.
There won’t be any injustice happening here if I have anything to do with it, and I certainly plan to.
Briar will get exactly what she deserves, as will everyone else involved, good or bad. ”
“Thank you…Silver Smirk.” She clasped her hands and hunched her shoulders, then ducked back.
Yuki shook her head, but there was no venom in her gaze.
Thalen straightened and stared after her like a lynx watching a rabbit, his chest rising and falling with tense breaths. Fate save him, he was already gone.
The problem was that I now understood that feeling and desire. And I’d be getting my beloved back.
I cleared my throat and gestured to Kaylen.
“All right. I need a word with you, Kaylen. Ladies, I recommend the rest of you return to your rooms. If you have any information that can assist in resolving the king’s assassination, please report it to Captain Finbar as soon as possible.
One of my guards will escort you to him.
Do not go alone. We cannot speak more fully on this subject.
” I gave Thalen a meaningful look and used my shadow to nudge him again.
He shot me an annoyed glance and folded his arms.
I continued, “Rest assured that I have heard your statements, and I will not permit injustice to flourish in my kingdom. But even justice takes time.”
“All well and good when you aren’t the one falsely accused and rotting in prison,” Quen muttered under her breath.
I pretended not to hear her as I gestured toward Kaylen. “I need a word with you, Kaylen. In private.”
Kaylen’s eyes brightened at my words, and my stomach churned. She stepped forward with practiced grace. "Of course, Your Highness," she purred, her voice oozing with eagerness. "I would be honored."
Eyebrows rising, Thalen shot me a look that was equal parts pity and amusement.
I ignored him and gestured toward a small alcove farther down the hall, where we could speak without being easily overheard but where we would not be closed off either.
My shadows curled around my ankles, itching and prickling along my flesh to ensure I knew they weren’t happy about this arrangement either.
The other women retreated slowly, Quen practically having to be dragged off by Thalira.
Myantha lingered longest, her gaze fixed on Thalen until Yuki pulled her away.
Thalen must have winked at her again or mouthed something at her, because her blush intensified yet again.
Her foot caught on the door jamb, and she tripped, pitching forward in a flurry of pink and lavender striped skirts.
Thalen surged forward to catch her, stooping down to grasp her hands with one and wrapping his other arm around her waist as he lifted her easily. He whispered something to her, and she shook her head, her eyes averted.
Kaylen cleared her throat. “I am at your service, Your Highness,” she said from behind me in the alcove. “What can I do for you? We can return to my room if that would be helpful.”
A biting retort rose to my lips, but I swallowed it down and fought back a gag. “You have stood out in many respects, Kaylen, and you have caught a great deal of attention. This final challenge will assuredly be difficult, and I wondered if I might have a lock of your hair.”
Kaylen's eyes widened with delight, her lips parting in a smile that made my skin crawl. She pressed her hands together. "My hair?" She reached up to touch her white-blonde tresses. "You wish for a lock of my hair?"
I forced false warmth into my voice. "It would be... meaningful to me."