CHAPTER EIGHT ISI
CHAPTER EIGHT
ISI
Pherin landed on my shoulder as we entered through the back door.
Discover anything? I asked.
Want to peck eyes out, but no eyes.
I understood the feeling.
“Thorne has a house,” I whispered to Trew as we walked back through the castle.
We waited for a trio of guards to pass and turn a corner at the end of the hall before continuing.
“It belonged to his mother,” I added. “It’s in the lower part of the village, past the merchant quarter.
He inherited it a few years ago, and as far as I know, he never sold it.
I don’t believe my father knows anything about it.
Thorne was a private person. He didn’t share with many. ” Just with me and my sister.
“If he fled with someone, he may have taken her there,” Trew said in an equally soft voice.
“We need to get to that house. They could be there.”
“I believe you should ask your father’s permission,” he said in a stern, bodyguard voice.
After a woman carrying a pile of linens had passed, I lifted my brows his way, but he was right. If I tried to do this without my father’s knowledge and he found out, he’d confine me to my room and never let me out again.
The irony tasted bitter on my tongue as I stood outside my father’s office later that day, Trew silent behind me. The old Amarissa had asked permission for everything. The new Isi chafed at the necessity but understood the game we were playing.
I knocked.
“Enter,” my father called out.
He sat at his desk, a pencil in hand, barely glancing my way as we entered.
Like the day before, I stopped in front of his desk and remained there, struggling not to fidget. Another game of making me wait, reminding me who controlled this castle, this court, and my very existence.
The scratch of his pencil on paper felt like nails raking across my bones.
“What did you truly learn at the cluster, daughter?” he asked suddenly, not looking up.
I swallowed. “Humility and reflection, Father.”
He set down the pencil and looked up. His gaze swept over me before settling on Trew, assessing him with the same cold calculation he used for everything. “What brings you here?”
“I would like permission to visit the village.” I kept my voice light, sweet rather than demanding. “I’ve been away, and I’d need to see how the people are faring.”
His eyes narrowed, and I rushed to continue.
“I thought it would be good to reconnect with the people of Caldrith.” I faked a simpering smile. “To remind myself of who I’m meant to serve.”
He studied me for a long moment, and I sensed he was searching for a lie. A hidden motive.
I gave him nothing.
When his lips twitched upward, cold slithered down my spine. “Of course, daughter. I’m pleased you asked permission.” He leaned back in his chair, linking his fingers over his chest. “You’ll need proper security. The village can be dangerous, especially for someone of your station.”
“Blain will accompany me—”
“Blain will be a part of the detail I’ll assign.” His voice held a note of finality. “Four additional guards, all men I trust.”
Trew went absolutely still.
I didn’t dare look at him, but I felt his presence like heat against my back.
More guards meant more witnesses. Less freedom. Every move we made would be watched and reported back to my father. There would be no hidden alcoves to escape into, no way to get to Thorne’s property without it being reported back to my father.
The risk had just increased exponentially.
“Thank you.” I kept my voice steady. “That’s very considerate of you.”
“I can’t have anything happening to you.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re far too precious to risk.”
I was a commodity to be protected, not a daughter to be loved.
“Tomorrow will be soon enough.” He waved a hand my way. “Be in the foyer immediately after lunch. Do not spend too long there. My security staff have better things to do than escort you on a stroll around the village.”
“Of course.”
His gaze shifted, landing on my shoulder where Pherin sat, her feathers fluffed with indignation on my behalf. “Do you have to bring that thing everywhere?”
Pherin bristled, and I sent her a wave of calm before she could do something foolish, like shift into a firecat and eat my father.
“She’s easily frightened,” I said, lifting my chin. “She feels safe with me. She’s not a bother though, is she?”
The subtle challenge hung in the air.
My father’s eyes narrowed. “For now.” He looked between me and Pherin, his expression cold. “Do not bring it to the dining room or formal functions. I won’t have a common bird disrupting important events.”
A demand, not a request, and we both knew it.
I dipped my head, swallowing the retort that was clawing its way up my throat.
“Was there anything else?” my father asked.
“Actually, yes.” I made my voice sound casual. “I didn’t see Commander Thorne while giving Blain a tour of the castle. Is he unwell?”
My father’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. I spied calculation there. Suspicion. “Commander Thorne departed rather suddenly.”
He paused, studying my face with an intensity that made my skin crawl.
“Leaving was an unexpected decision on his part, and I am not…pleased.” He paused, still watching my every move and expression.
“Loyalty means everything in these uncertain times. Those who betray that loyalty learn the cost.” His gaze sharpened on my face.
“Why this interest? He was merely one of my guards.”
He knew how close I was to the Commander. Yet here he was, demeaning how much I’d cared.
I couldn’t reveal that I’d received a letter from Thorne. Couldn’t let Father know I suspected Addie was alive. Couldn’t show that I knew more than a sheltered princess should.
“I noticed his absence, that’s all.” I kept my tone mild. “You know we were friends.”
Thorne had been more of a father to me than the man sitting across this desk. He’d taught me to fight, to think strategically, and to be more than the decorative princess my father wanted.
But I couldn’t say any of that.
My father’s eyes bored into mine for another long moment before he grunted.
“Don’t concern yourself with the comings and goings of staff, daughter.
You have more important matters to attend to.
Speaking of which, be sure to dress well for dinner tonight.
I have special guests who are looking forward to meeting you. ”
My stomach clenched.
I forced a smile though it felt like it might crack my face. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“That’s my girl.” He turned back to his papers, already dismissing us. “You may go.”
I curtsied and left, feeling his gaze on my back until the door closed behind us.
Trew and I walked in silence through the corridors, but I could feel the strain radiating off him in waves, barely leashed fury that matched my own.
We reached my suite, and I unlocked the door with shaking hands. The moment we’d stepped inside and the panel had closed, Trew warded it, layers of magic snapping into place.
Pherin launched from my shoulder, flying to the window where Gavelle perched on a branch outside, partly masked by leaves. The two of them soared away, streaks of color against the gray sky.
I moved to the window, watching them disappear, envying their freedom.
“Fuck.” Trew’s voice came out low and vicious.
I turned to find him pacing like a caged animal, his hands flexing at his sides.
“Four guards,” he said. “Four witnesses to every move we make tomorrow.”
I paced along with him. “We can’t search Thorne’s house properly with them watching.”
Trew stopped, taking both of my hands and weaving our fingers together. “Your father suspects something. The way he looked at you when you asked about Thorne—”
“He may, but what choice do we have? We need to get to that house.”
“Do you have any idea how hard it was to stand there while your father treated you like property? While he planned fates know what for tonight’s dinner with ‘special guests’?”
The way he said it made my throat close off.
“Suitors,” I said quietly. “I’m sure that’s who the special guests are.”
His hands tightened on mine almost painfully. “No.”
“He’s been planning this for months.” I met his eyes. “He wants me married. Controlled. Locked into an alliance that benefits him.”
“Absolutely not.”
I cupped his face, feeling the tightness in his jaw. “If you react tonight, he’ll send you away.”
“I won’t.” But his eyes promised violence.
“I’ll stand there like a good little guard and watch men court my woman.
I’ll do nothing but stare at the wall while they touch you.
I’ll hate every fucking bit of it, but I’ll do it.
” He pulled me against him, his arms banding around me.
“Because keeping you safe is more important than my pride.”
I pressed my face into his chest, breathing him in. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Just survive tonight.” He stroked down my back. “We both will. And tomorrow we’ll find a way to search Thorne’s house.”
A knock on the outer door made us spring apart.
“Your Highness?” Mae called through the panel. “We’re here to help you dress for dinner.”
The performance I’d have to give while Trew watched.
I found my own dread reflected in his eyes.