Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
F allon had just finished reading the suggested itinerary of the royal wedding plans when Mauricio came into his office.
“Have you seen this?” he asked, waving the booklet of papers before tossing it down in frustration. “The Royal Council wants an entire week of celebrations!” he complained. “No wonder they need me to marry the wealthiest woman in the entire kingdom.”
“Second-wealthiest, after your mother,” Mauricio replied. “And yes, I have seen it. If you’re concerned about the cost, why not negotiate a three-day celebratory period instead? It’s a joyous time for your kingdom, sire, even if you don’t feel the same.” He set a report on Fallon’s desk, then handed him Annika’s silver amulet.
Fallon let his thumb caress the two fish resting in his palm, feeling their power calling to him. A sense of longing swept over him, filling him with a sudden, primal desire to possess either the amulet, or its owner.
The pull was so strong, so visceral. It beckoned to him like sirens in the water…luring him.
Tempting him.
His eyes drifted over to Mauricio.
“Are you absolutely sure this thing is safe?”
His secretary nodded slowly.
“It’s so safe that the worst thing you could do is not wear it at all,” he said with a curious grin. “It was made by Druid magic, just as we suspected. Loric told me all about how powerful it is. Would you like to know what each stone does?”
“Enlighten me,” Fallon said, unable to look away from the pair of gleaming jeweled fish. They swam in infinite circles, forever chasing one another in the palm of his hand. It reminded him of how his demonborn soul must look as he infinitely chased his dream of returning to the sea.
“The sapphire protects against violent attacks, both psychic and physical,” Mauricio began, leaning in to admire the stone. “It will protect you from evil spells of your enemies, and even accidental death. The red fish is made of garnet, not ruby as we’d thought. It’s meant to protect you at all times…no matter if you’re sleeping or traveling. I was surprised to learn it will strengthen your psychic abilities and foster boldness in all that you do.”
He snickered to himself, then shook his head.
“I’m half tempted to advise you to keep it for yourself. It’s quite valuable. Especially given the Kaos magic that’s infiltrated the castle.”
“I appreciate your candor,” Fallon said, taking one last look at the amulet before slipping it into his pocket. “Mostly I’m relieved to know there’s nothing sinister about it.”
“Quite the contrary, sire. You’ll find the same goes for everything Annika told you during your interrogation.”
“And you’ve verified all her information?”
“In triplicate, sire. She might have unicorn magic buried deep within her, but she’s not from our world. She has absolutely no idea how to access her hidden magic or what to do with it. She’s about as dangerous as a sparrow.”
“Very well,” Fallon sighed as he rose from his desk. “I suppose I should let the little bird out of her cage before she realizes it is, indeed, a cage.”
Fallon headed to the East wing of the castle, frowning when he heard the sounds of lively chatter and giggles coming from Annika’s room. Even though the foreigner had been cleared of any ill-intent, that didn’t do anything to stifle the low growl forming in his chest. He pushed it down and stepped into the room to see Callie and Novi enjoying brunch with his prisoner.
“What in seven hells are you doing in here?” he demanded as he glared at Novi.
“I’m having breakfast,” she told him, and motioned to the plate of pastries that rested on her belly.
“You already had breakfast with me ,” he said, clenching his jaw until the muscles feathered.
“And now I’m hungry again, so I’m having breakfast with Annika,” Novi said, narrowing her eyes at him. “By the way...what kind of host locks their guests in their chambers? You haven’t even given her any books to read!”
“ I have a kingdom to run. I’ve been busy ,” Fallon said through his teeth. If only she knew about the murders and mutilations…or the rampant witchcraft happening under their roof. He glanced at Novi’s belly and took a deep breath.
No.
She could never know how bad things really were.
“Well I’ve been shoring up the continuation of your family dynasty ,” Novi said, and patted her round stomach. “And I still managed to show our guest a little hospitality.”
Fallon’s knuckles turned white along the spine of the folder he was holding in his hand. The limits of his self-control were nearly bursting at the seams.
“Of course you managed...your entire life has been spent in service and hospitality, whereas I have staff who do that for me,” he said with a restrained growl. “I had to verify some information provided by our guest.”
“You sound hungry. Would you like a lemon-blueberry scone? Callie made them.”
Before Fallon could reply, Callie had already handed him a small plate of fresh-baked pastries. He gestured for her to set it down, but his irritation immediately began to fade when he turned to face Annika.
“Would you like to hear what my report says?”
Two eyes met his gaze, two eyes as blue as the sea before a storm. Even though the siren wasn’t singing, she still called to the sailor to dive into her depths. The rare magic she possessed lay just beneath the surface of her naivety…swirling like a hidden undertow…a riptide that Fallon was determined to navigate and conquer if given the chance.
“I guess so. I mean, yes, sire.”
Fallon began to recite all the details Mauricio had put together for him, verifying what Annika had told him the day she first arrived. She was a modern human from America. She played guitar in a band with her brother and their friend, and had recently finished a tour across the globe. She’d told Fallon that he resembled a movie star, and Mauricio had been thoughtful enough to find a photo of the man. He wasn’t bad looking, for a human.
“How did you find this out so fast?” Annika asked him when he finally closed the folder. “How did you find this out at all ?”
“Mauricio is incredibly resourceful,” Fallon said with a relieved smile. “Do you see? Your information was completely true.”
“Naturally Your Highness must take such necessary precautions,” said Callie, and offered him a cup of tea. “It’s not every day that we host Estellians, let alone people from Earth. I’m sure our guest understands the reasons for such stringent measures to ensure the safety of your family.”
“Absolutely,” Annika agreed, which made Fallon start to relax. She might be a strange, silly modern girl, but she understood the need for a person of his rank and status to go to such lengths. He’d rather be accused of overbearing meticulousness than let a spy into his inner circle.
“Does this mean you’re going to stop locking Annika in her room?” Novi asked with a hopeful expression.
“It does,” Fallon said while giving her a soft smile. “And it also means you have another handmaid for now.” He looked past his lover and focused on his guest.
“This way you’re not as accessible as a typical musician at court. Callista will show you what’s expected. Try to avoid conversation with members of the court. If anyone should ask about your presence, tell them you’re here at my invitation to serenade the mother of my unborn child.”
“I can do that,” Annika nodded. “But what if someone asks where I’m from?”
Fallon frowned slightly.
“There’s no getting around a detail like that...not when I can’t compel you. You may as well be honest about being from Earth. We’ve had visitors from there before so it won’t be terribly novel. The one thing you mustn’t reveal is your connection to the Estellian Empire. If anyone asks how you arrived here in Sinaryos, all you need to say is that I brought you here. Perhaps you’ll consider giving the court a performance or two during your stay?”
“I’d be honored, sire.”
“Good.” Fallon reached into his pocket and brought out the silver chain holding the two jeweled fish. “You may have this back. I’ve had it inspected by my best mages, and they’ve all assured me that this is merely a protection amulet...nothing more.”
“Thank you,” Annika said, taking her necklace and slipping it over her head.
“I’m sure it will no doubt please you to learn that as Novi’s newest handmaiden, you may move freely about the castle and its grounds as long as you’re in her company.”
“Does that include all of the royal grounds?” Novi asked. She set aside her empty plate and wriggled on the edge of Annika’s bed until Fallon stood up and helped her onto her feet. “I want to bring Annika to the university to meet Loric.”
“Novi, we’ve spoken about this,” he replied, gazing down at her. “Our firstborn’s arrival draws closer and closer with every breath we take...with every waking moment. The crowds that gather every time you step foot outside the castle have gotten to be too much of a risk.”
“Oh, come on. The people of Sinarya love me!” Novi insisted. “It’s not like humans get turned into daiyanas every day. They just want to touch me for good luck.”
“You don’t belong to them,” Fallon said. “You belong to me , and I will not jeopardize the precious cargo you carry. It’s my duty and my will to protect you both. I’ve already instructed the guards to ensure that you don’t venture beyond the front gate.”
“What if I take a carriage?” Novi suggested with a hopeful grin. “Then I wouldn’t be stepping anywhere.”
Fallon’s dark lashes fell in slow motion as he let out an exasperated sigh of the most loving kind.
“The guards will not allow any part of your body to venture beyond the grounds of Blackwood Castle. If it’s any consolation, Callista and Annika must abide by those same rules.”
“So...I’m in total confinement until our daughter’s born?” Novi replied with a tired, crestfallen expression.
“I’d hardly consider the entirety of the castle grounds to be restrictive,” he said. “You still have access to the gardens, the library, the pools, the spa. Take comfort in knowing this phase won’t last much longer.”
Novi pressed her lips together and nodded as she accepted his ruling. Fallon’s hand ran down the top of her head, hesitating as he lovingly caressed her cheek. Then his arm fell to his side as he stood up straighter. “Annika, I’d like you to perform for the court after dinner this evening.”
“Th—thank you, Your Highness,” she replied.
“Do keep in mind,” he added on his way out the door. “The fewer who know the true reason for your visit, the better. If you breathe a word about your husband’s mission to bring back Dillon—if you so much as whisper my brother’s name to anyone beyond this room, I’ll send you to the Temple of the Chimera.”
“What about Cedric?” Novi asked. “He’s your personal valet, so I assume it’s fine to talk to him.”
“Yes, it’s fine to talk to Cedric,” Fallon said through his teeth.
“What about Mauricio? He’s not in this room either, and he knows all about the plan.”
Fallon threw up his hands in exasperation.
“Fine. I amend my earlier statement to include Cedric and Mauricio,” he said, trying his damndest to appear formidable.
“It sounded more like a threat than a statement,” Novi chided. “If you always threaten people with sending them to the Temple of the Chimera, it’s going to lose its effect.”
Fallon’s eyes flickered with a hint of red, smoldering like embers buried in black ashes.
“Would you rather I carry out my threats without any warning whatsoever?”
“It’s okay, Your Highness—” Annika piped up. “I promise I won’t say anything to anyone about Talvi’s mission.”
“What about Loric?” Novi butted in. “I’m sure he knows all about the plan, too.”
“He does,” Fallon said, rolling his eyes in adoring exasperation. “If Loric comes to visit you here, you may speak to him about the subject in private. But please...for the good of the kingdom and my personal sanity, do not speak of this to anyone else. Not anyone at court, nor any member of staff. Don’t even think about it around my mother or father!”
“Wh—what about Prince Tristan, sire?” Callie asked. There was a cold, frightened expression in her eyes, haunted by cruelties that Annika could only imagine. Fallon shook his head, his gaze having abruptly gone somber.
“Tristan knows nothing. Avoid him at all costs.”
“Are you alright, sire?” Mauricio asked when Fallon stepped into his secretary’s office.
“I’m fine.”
“How did your little songbird react to being set free?”
“Novi beat me to it,” Fallon said with an exasperated frown. “I walked in and there she was with Callista and Annika, the three of them laughing like a pack of hyenas. She is the most disobedient woman I’ve ever known.”
“A disobedient barmaid?” Mauricio said without looking up from the paper he was signing. “Why, I never would’ve guessed.”
Fallon ignored the sarcastic remark.
“And now she’s so far along in her pregnancy that I can’t even take her over my knee and remind her who’s in charge around here!”
“I do sometimes wonder that myself,” Mauricio said under his breath.
“What are you suggesting?” Fallon snapped as the smile on his face disappeared.
“I’m suggesting that Queen Laena’s return to the Royal Council meetings hasn’t exactly gone unnoticed.” Mauricio set down his pen and focused all of his attention on the prince standing in front of him. “I distinctly recall that your father banished her from meddling in his affairs. It was the most sensible thing Balerin has done in a hundred years.”
“That was during his brief moment of lucidity,” Fallon explained. “You know Worlic worships my mother.”
“He worships proximity to power,” Mauricio countered. “So does your mother. I don’t know that they actually like each other.”
“True,” Fallon agreed. “I’m sure the moment my father fell into his latest coma, they fell back into their old ways like a bad habit.”
“I agree…but the two of them are too powerful. You’ll never have the kingdom you want when those two are constantly standing in your way,” Mauricio mused out loud. “You can’t even have the wife you want because of them.”
“None of that will matter as soon as Dillon returns.”
“There’s so much riding on this plan. Have you heard any news from Halen or Aisha?”
Fallon snickered.
“Only to tell me what a useless cunt Marinossian is on a ship.”
“Perhaps that’s a good thing?” Mauricio suggested. “I’d be suspicious if Talvi were perfectly suited for the unexpected mission we sent him on.”
“You make a fair point,” Fallon agreed. He walked around Mauricio’s desk, examining the stacks of papers that would soon be organized and brought to his own desk. “I should probably tell you that I’ve decided to make his wife one of Novi’s handmaidens. It seemed like the perfect way to make sure Annika is never left alone…especially since Novi tells me everything. We couldn’t have planned it better to have the three of them getting along so well.”
Trying not to scowl from his chair, Mauricio bristled at Fallon’s plan.
“Have you forgotten that I need Callista to watch your mother? You said I could do whatever I liked with her.”
“I need her with Novi and Annika more than anything else. I know you said Annika’s harmless, but if she does anything suspicious, Callista will be the first to tell us about it. I trust her more than any of my other concubines.”
“I don’t understand you, sire. You tell me to track down the murderer using Kaos magic under our roof, and then you deliberately sabotage my plans to do so.”
“I’m not sabotaging anything,” Fallon argued. “Compel another girl from my harem if you must, but if you want Callista, you’ll have to wait until Annika leaves. No one can know the real reason why she’s here. Callista and Novi are the only ones I trust to keep an eye on her, but Novi’s carrying my firstborn. I’d prefer it that she wasn’t constantly alone with Annika any more than necessary, so Callista must stay put for now. I’m sure you understand my reasons.”
Mauricio was silent for a few moments as he recalibrated his plan. Waiting to act wasn’t an option. No, he needed reliable eyes on Laena as soon as possible. There were thirteen women in Fallon’s harem—eleven now that Novi and Callie weren’t available. Who was left who’d be appealing to Her Majesty?
Serafina was too stuck-up and full of herself. The Queen would hate her. Lydia was too loud and boisterous, always telling jokes and laughing. The Queen wouldn’t care for her at all. Tamira was level-headed and reliable, but her sense of self-worth and confidence would be unappealing to Her Majesty. No…he had to find someone more docile. Someone quiet and sweet and observant. Someone who didn’t care to gossip.
Someone more like Callie.
“What about Elka?” he finally asked. “If I can’t have Callista, I’d like to try placing Elka among Her Majesty’s attendants.”
“Is she the one with the freckles?” Fallon asked.
“And the dark auburn hair,” Mauricio nodded. “She tends to hum, although I can compel her to stop long enough for your mother to see her value.”
“Then I suppose you have some work to do.” Fallon said as he turned to leave. “That wasn’t very difficult, now, was it?”
“Not at all, sire,” Mauricio replied through his teeth. “Not at all.”