CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“T ELL ME WHAT YOU SAW again. From the start,” I say again, not able to wrap my head around what went down at the trial.
Killian narrows his gaze at me, his lips pinched with annoyance. “Nothing has changed from the other ten times I explained it. Her familiar was attacked by your future mate, she used earth magick, and I left, not interfering,” he grunts, his crimson eyes twitching.
I’m positive he’s hiding something, but if he isn’t going to tell me, I’ll have to figure it out for myself. Cadet Solace has obviously been hiding another element if she’s been able to wield that magick as well as he said she did. It does explain how she’s been able to escape their notice in the tunnels under the castle, but it doesn’t bode well for her that she’s been hiding things.
I roll my neck, trying to get relief from the tension that’s building up between my shoulder blades. “I’m coming with you next time you follow her. If she’s using earth, I should be able to sense her using the magick if we’re close enough.”
Jesper grins, clasps his hands together and leans forward with a wide grin. “It’s about time you join us. I’ve been telling you: my Little Mouse is up to something.”
My rough, calloused hand runs down my face before I tilt my head and stare at him. “I thought I told you to stop calling her that?”
He shrugs, while Killian’s gaze volleys between us. “She’s small, hard to catch, disappears into walls right before you catch her, and she’s stunning,” he explains.
“So is she stunning? Or is she a traitor to Damorleia? You can’t be pining after the enemy, Jesper,” I snap, losing a small hold on my jealousy—no. That can’t be it. She’s an annoyance, nothing more. A small snag in the grand scheme of things.
He smirks, and a spider the size of my hand begins crawling up my leg, its pincers dripping with bright yellow venom. I swat it away, hissing in frustration as my heart pounds. The arachnid vanishes like wisps of smoke, which has Jesper laughing, and an amused glint in Killian’s eyes.
Him and his fates-damned illusions.
They can’t truly do you harm, but they’re so life-like they seem like they can.
“Some of the most beautiful creatures in the realm are the most poisonous. It doesn’t mean I can’t admire its beauty though,” he states.
There’s truth to his words, so I let it slide. There will be no changing his mind with this. He’s already lost on the female. I’ll just have to keep him protected the best I can.
I run my hand through my shortened hair—which is unlike most fae who prefer to keep theirs long. “My father sent his personal pixie to send me a letter this morning. He wants me to attend a dinner with him in two nights, so I’ll need to leave tonight,” I state, knowing their reactions.
Killian shakes his head, his numerous braids snapping with his head. “No. Your father is worse than both of ours combined. You won’t be going there alone,” he snarls, rising to his towering height.
“I figured you’d say as much. The inn near my father’s should have space for you. I’ve already sent word to have rooms ready for the night. Tisur and Voissor will have to stay out of town as usual. You know he’ll be watching, but I’d feel better knowing you two were close by.” It’s easier than trying to convince them to stay here, or come to my father’s home with me and possibly blow our cover. My father would see their company as my being weak, that his son can’t travel without company to keep him safe, and he won’t let anyone—especially him—think his heir pathetic. “Just make sure, Jesper, that you conceal your appearances.”
He nods, having been through the plan before. “Same names as usual?”
My chin dips. “Everything is as usual.”
There’s safety in numbers, and I’ve learned my lesson on going places alone. It almost cost me my life, and I’ve never heard the end of it, especially since it almost foiled everything we have in the works.
Jesper’s mismatched eyes widen. “We won’t be able to follow her tomorrow if we’re gone dealing with the Lord of Allonde.”
“We will deal with her next time. She hasn’t changed things up since she’s been here. I doubt she’s going to do it now. Now, get out of my chambers so I can pack. It’s going to be a long and fast flight. I’ll meet you in the wing room before heading to the dragon den,” I tell them as I rise out of my chair, stretching out my tightened limbs.
I just want to get this over with. Dealing with my father is always a crisis I try to avoid for as long as possible. I’ve put him off long enough—he won’t let me get away with canceling again.
THE COOL AIR brushes against my face as we begin our descent far outside the Allonde city borders, to a farm where I know Jesper and Killian’s dragons can rest and they can rent horses to get into the city. The owners of this establishment are on our side, and I don’t need to fear word getting back to my father.
Zaddro huffs. “ I still think we should just burn your seed donor’s castle to the ground. ”
I adjust myself in his saddle, my ass feeling a bit numb from being in the seat for nearly two days. “You can’t even breathe flames; you blow fog which just causes people to see shit,” I grumble as we land.
He back-flaps a little harder than necessary. “ No, but Voissor can, and I can make them live out some messed-up fantasy while they burn to death .”
“ It’s a stone castle, ” I state.
His wings fold in, and he turns his long, serpentine neck to stare at me with his giant, slitted green eyes. “ Semantics. ”
I shake my head and climb out of the saddle. Zaddro straightens his leg out, making a slight ramp for me to run down. My boots hit the grass with a solid thump as I watch Killian and Jesper dismount from their beasts.
“Are you two good from here?” I ask as they get closer.
“Awe, are you worried about us Tal?” Jesper teases.
My arms cross over my chest and I level him with a dry look. “You get yourself into trouble when you’re not even trying. Of course I worry. Killian.” I turn to face him. “Keep him out of trouble, your goal here is to lay low on the slight, very minuscule chance I need you.” I direct that at Jesp.
“I got him,” he grumbles, his gaze snapping to something behind me, but since the dragons aren’t acting up and trying to roast anything, it’s most likely just the owner of the farm.
“Lord Talyn Craven,” Evane Shrillmen huffs as he nears, keeping a watchful eye on the dragons standing fifty feet to my left. “I have word from the others. Those black shadow creatures are being spotted more often. No one knows where they’re coming from. They appear like spirits in the night, cause mass destruction and vanish like nothing was even there. No footprints or anything. They seem to be hitting small villages near the Wraithwater Channel. Fae are getting scared, and it’s causing even more unease with Vathia.” He pauses. “You know, because the Skuggi deal in shadows.”
“We can guess why they would be worried about that, Evane. Thank you for the update.” I pass him a pouch of gold coins. “These two need a place to keep Tisur and Voissor for the night, and they’ll need two steeds. The fastest ones you have available.”
He dips his head low. “Of course. This way. I have my stable hand tacking them up for you since I heard your dragons arrive.”
When they’re a few steps away, I remind them. “Stick with the plan, Jesper.”
He waves me off as he prances after Evane, and Killian’s burly frame follows closely behind. A couple of times when he’s gotten bored, Kill has found Jesper terrorizing—well scamming—patrons of the local taverns with games. He’s a good male, but sometimes I just want to throttle him.
I watch them head into the barn before running back towards Zaddro, using my air to propel me up into his saddle. “ Alright, let’s go get this over with ,” I murmur.
He takes off into the sky, his midnight-black scales glinting with the lowering sun. Let’s just hope that tonight doesn’t go to shit.
“LORD TALYN, LORD Craven is waiting for you in the dining room,” Milly murmurs quietly.
“Thank you Mil. What kind of mood is he in?” I ask as her two-foot-tall frame scampers around me to lead me to my father.
She tilts her head up, her oversized eyes meeting mine with worry. “A surprisingly good mood, Lord Talyn,” she whispers.
I nod in understanding. “Go back to your duties, Mil. I can see myself to the dining room.”
She tips her head gratefully before scurrying off. Milly is just one of the brownies my father has here. Unfortunately only the Lord Craven of Allonde can free them. They’re basically kept as slaves in this castle. They have meager shelter and food, clothing and essentials, but all they do is work and deal with my father’s temper. Freeing them will be the first thing I do when I take over; it never sat right with me, seeing how he treats them. I made that known as a young fae male, and he would beat me alongside them as punishment for having a heart for the lessers. I do my best to protect them any chance I get, any way I can.
I make my way down the white-washed stone. Golden frames of our ancestors line the halls, with a pretentious red carpet running the entire length of the castle, down every hall, corridor and room. Priceless vases and sculptures are scattered in alcoves and display cases. It screams uptight prick with too much coin and an ego problem.
Taking a deep, centering breath in, I place my hand on the door latch and push, entering a well-lit room. A long table with a red table cloth and enough food to feed a couple squads is spread out on top of it. And just my father sits there, waiting.
“Lord Craven. Thank you for your gracious invitation to join you for dinner,” I murmur as I bend at the waist, staying put until he addresses me.
The silence stretches on until he says, “Come join me. The food is getting cold.”
Straightening, I stride carefully over to my spot, on the opposite side of the long table, taking my seat and carefully placing my arms on the armrests. I don’t eat or move until he gives the go ahead. He watches me carefully, his beady black eyes raking over me as if searching for any sign of deception. Any sign that I’m a traitor to Damorleia. He picks up his utensils and takes the first bite, signaling to me that I may eat as well.
“Tell me, son, why have I received reports of your mate-to-be being disfigured by a null? Where were you? I thought she was in the squad you’re training,” he seethes.
Confusion racks me. Why would this conversation need to be had in person? This could have waited. “We are not to interfere with the trials. Another was on watch while it happened. Lady Gannon has been moved out of the squad because she tried to kill another cadet’s familiar,” I tell him, knowing he’s already heard the report that we carefully crafted to leave out Killian’s name.
His eyes narrow on me. “Her father wants revenge for what was done to his daughter, and I’m obliged to give it to him. Major General Rune is a weak man for not killing the bitch that mutilated Lady Gannon. Maybe it’s time I have him replaced.” He pauses to cut into the slab of pink, seared meat on his plate before continuing. “You will also have your nuptials completed at the end of fourth year, hopefully with an heir on the way before you head to the front lines for your mandatory two years,” he states casually, like we’re speaking about the weather.
My stomach churns at the thought of being forced to mate with Cadet Gannon because of a deal my father made with hers. A deal that I’m still not sure of. I don’t respond, knowing that if I do, the situation will be even worse.
He slams the butt of his carving knife on the table before pointing it at me. “You will put an heir in her womb before the end of term. Do I make myself clear? Or I will throw your sister to any elite that will have her until she’s plump with an heir,” he threatens, and when he sees my facial expression flicker, a slow, slimy smile grows across his sharp features.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Fucking fates. Panic builds in my chest. I’m not getting Evera pregnant, but I can’t let him do that to Cynder. She’s only eighteen for crying out loud. I need to get her out of here, hide her somewhere, but there’s only one place I can think of where father doesn’t have reach. I’ll need to contact Zorn.
I nod my head stiffly. “Of course, father. Your word is mine to obey.”