“Sounds like a plan to me. Although, you know it’s just about lunch time right? There’s no way I’m going to sleep through the night if I take a nap this early in the day.”
“Ugh. I forgot. I tend to lose track of how much or how little time passes when I’m on a hunt.”
Kapriel grins down at me and hugs me into his side, resting his arm over my shoulders. “Yes, I’m aware of how your internal clock goes wonky when you’re on the trail of someone.”
I gasp in outrage. “Are you saying I have a flaw?” I punch Kapriel in his side. “How rude.”
“I said no such thing, you deranged harpy.”
I turn my head away from him, sticking my nose up in the air. “It was implied, you brainless oaf.”
“You’re lucky that we’re on your home turf, or I’d toss you through that wall over there.” He nods his head toward the brick wall with a giant fireplace in the middle of it.
I narrow my eyes at him, enjoying our usual banter of veiled threats of bodily harm. “Try it. I dare you.”
Just as Kapriel opens his mouth to respond, I notice the entire room is silent. I turn to look and make sure I’m not just imagining the feeling of a dozen pairs of eyes on me.
Nope. Everyone is staring at us.
Gods damnit.
I glance over at Draven who’s got his arms crossed over his chest and a mulish look on his face. Bartol, who’s standing next to him, is trying hard to keep his composure, but the slight up tilt of the corners of his lips gives him away.
I hold Draven’s glare, unwilling to apologize for taking a few moments to blow off some steam with a verbal sparring match. I’m also unwilling to kowtow to his glower.
“I’m sorry, did you ask me a question and I missed it?” I glance between him and Maxen, who’s resting his hand over his mouth, clearly trying not to die laughing as I go head-to-head with his brother.
“As I was saying…” Draven pauses as though waiting for me to interrupt him again, and I bow low, sweeping out a hand for him like the finest of courtiers allowing him to proceed before me.
A muffled laugh coming from Maxen’s direction turns my condescending smile into one of pure bliss as I catch Draven’s right eye twitching.
Honestly, if he wasn’t wound so tight, it wouldn’t be so easy to get under his skin. I learned early on with two older brothers that if I wanted to survive and keep up with them, without crying in my pillow every night, I had to let things roll off my shoulders. As one of my nannies told me, if I wanted to talk the talk, I had to walk the walk and give as good as I got.
I tune Draven out as he continues to give out assignments to everyone. A team for provisions, a team for extra weapons. A team for supplies like blankets should we need to camp out overnight. A few minutes later, he dismisses everyone and pulls Bartol aside. I was sure that he would turn his attention to me to scold me like an errant child, but apparently my luck hasn’t run out just yet.
“Quick, before he remembers we interrupted his monologue, let’s get out of here.”
“And just where are we going that he can’t find us?”
I chuckle. “I didn’t say he wouldn’t be able to find us, just that I didn’t want to make it easy for him. Keep up, Kap. I’m playing the long game, not the short one.” I practically skip out of the common area with glee that I haven’t had to talk to Draven again.
My brain is spinning in circles about not only him and the reaction my body has to him every time he’s too close to me, but what he’d said earlier about our schedules not meshing. My father is missing, my one brother is about to be a father, my other one is being odd, and my sister has been avoiding me for the past few days. Add in that my mother has barely said two words to me, and honestly, it was just another normal week at Castle Tor.
“Where exactly are we headed, Jin?” Kap asks, easily keeping pace with my quick stride.
“Well, I’m covered in mud, so I’d like to change and clean up, and then I need some food. So my rooms first, main hall second.”
“Right-o, lead the way.”
We head up the stairs, not pausing to talk to anyone as they wave at us and say hello, ignoring the frowns they direct our way. Who even wants to stand and talk to someone who’s covered in forest floor muck and probably has twigs in her hair?
The answer: not me.
“Gods, I thought for sure one of them would follow us up here and I’d have to shower with an audience.” I kick open my door, startling Grave and Ambush who are sprawled out in front of the fireplace, napping. They grumble at me before laying their heads back down on their paws, but keep me in their line of sight as I move about the room.
“It’s freaky the way they watch you, you know,” Kapriel states from his perch on the bed.
“They probably think you’re odd too, dimwit.” I laugh, gathering up a change of clothes and tossing them on the bed in a rumpled pile. I remove my weapons and drop them next to Kapriel. “Make yourself useful and clean these for me, will ya?”
His face pinched, he replies, “What am I, your bitch? Clean them yourself, you lazy sow.”
“Please, Kap? Just really quick?” I spin around as I head toward the shower, holding both hands together in mock pleading.
“You know, if I asked you to polish my sword, it could be considered sexual harassment if we were in the workplace.”
I choke out a laugh and peek my head out from behind the screen separating the shower. “Ew, gross. Also, I didn’t ask you to polish anything, I asked you to clean. See what I did there with word usage?”
“It’s the same thing! Hey, Jin, clean my sword, would ya?” Kap harrumphs. “I’d get labeled the skeevy guy if anyone heard it.”
I step under the spray of water. “Nah, it’s not. Don’t worry, I’ll get you trained up, and you’ll be fluent in splitting meanings and word choice in no time.”
Something thumps against the outer wall of the shower, and I look over at him to see him mumbling to himself as he glares down at my weapons now in his lap. The leather holster for my knife is missing.
“Did you just throw my holster at me?” I ask, unable to keep the laugh out of my question.
“You’re lucky it wasn’t my sword!” he shouts, and I clutch my stomach while I laugh hysterically under the warm spray of water, watching suds flow down the drain.
“Knock knock! I thought I heard you two up here.” Isa’s airy voice chimes through my room, and I smile, excited to see her.
“One sec, and I’ll be out of the shower. Kap, get her a chair or something.”
“Of course I got her a chair. I’m not a barbarian.”
“Eeeh, it’s a close call most days.” I wring the water out of my hair, dry off, toss on some clothes, and walk around the partition separating the bathroom from my bedroom and sitting room.
Kapriel hovers around Isa’s very pregnant form sitting in one of the chairs by the small table near the fire and ignores me. “Don’t pay her any attention, she was raised by wolves.”
Isa rests a hand on her swollen belly and laughs delightedly. “I swear, you two are just like my brother and me. I miss him dearly while he’s out commanding our army, and this is just what I need to bolster my spirits when I miss him.”
I rub the long strands of my hair between the towel as I come around her side. “Well, I’m happy we can provide some hilarity for you.” I smile down at the sister-in-law the rest of my family hadn’t wanted at first.
“Do you need anything, Isa?” Kapriel asks, his tone doting.
She sits up straighter in her chair, like a queen adjusting herself on her throne, and clears her throat. “Yes, I came here for a reason, actually.”
Both eyebrows rise to my hairline, unsure if I’m going to like this or not.
“And what exactly did you come here for?” I ask at the same time Kapriel says, “Do you mean here like the Wild Hunt or here like this room?”
I flip my hand back, connecting it with his side, the motion automatic at his
silly question.
“Ow, Jin. It’s a reasonable question, damnit.”
“Shut the hell up so she can speak, you baboon!”
Isa snorts at our side commentary but stays focused in whatever it is she’s come here to discuss with us. She takes a sip from the cup of water Kapriel had placed at her elbow and then claps her hands together.
“Right, I’m a bit more nervous than I thought I’d be.”
“Feel free to just shout it at us if that helps. You’re making us nervous now.” I watch the future Queen of the Redcaps, unsure if this is something that I’d need to take to my father once he’s back or if it’s something of a more personal nature. Either way, I’m on the edge of my seat, my knee bouncing in anticipation.
“I wanted to formally offer you both a place within the Redcap Kingdom.”
14
“Well, shit.” Kapriel looks down at me, his expression looking exactly as I feel.
Shocked.
Not a bad shocked, like an “I’m appalled she’d dare to offer us a place to call home in her kingdom” way…but a pleasantly surprised “not sure how I feel about it, my stomach is doing flips like the court jester, but I think it could be a good thing” way.
I lean back in my chair hard and stare straight ahead. “Huh. I didn’t see that coming.”
Isa reaches a hand over and grips my fingers in hers. “Oh, thank goodness. I was worried I’d offended you and you’d start shouting at me to get out or something.”
I shift in my chair so I’m looking at her head on. “While I really would like to do that to someone at some point, because it sounds wonderfully ridiculous and over the top, you are family. I would never.”
“Ha! Well, it’s not as though I am the wife your parents would have chosen for Gerant.” I open my mouth to disagree with her, but she stops me with a raised palm. “I’m not searching for false platitudes, Jinx. We both know it, and that’s okay. I’ve made my peace with it.”
“Okay, then I won’t sugarcoat that then. You’re right. You’re not who they picked out for him. Not even close. But you are perfect for each other. Even the best laid plans don’t have a chance when fate steps in.”
“Thank you for that, Jinx.” Isa wipes a tear from her eye and shakes her head. “These hormones are turning me into a weeping mess lately.” She laughs softly and takes a moment to compose herself. “Now, tell me that you’ll consider my offer. If anything, you must visit so I can show you my home as you’ve shown me yours.”
“Sold!” Kapriel shouts, clapping his hands together, right in my ear.
“I’d very much like to see the infamous Breakneck Keep, so at the very least, we will visit. I’m not sure what else I can personally commit to at this time, but I will definitely consider it.”
As much as I’d enjoyed my five years in the human realm, I’m not sure that I’d be able to leave Faerie for as long this time. It had been a sort of heartbreak the first time, and I’d pieced myself back together with some superglue, duct tape, and crooked stitches.
I’m not sure slapping a bandage of coming back once a year or so would hold it all together again now that I’m back. There’s a certain unexplainable feeling that washes over you the moment you step into this realm that is unlike any other.
It’s a mix between the warmest of bear hugs, serenity, and an overwhelming sense of belonging right where you are, no matter where you’re standing; so long as you’re in Faerie, you are home.
Isa pushes herself up from her sitting position, drawing my attention and concern. “Right, well it’s settled then. I will make sure everyone knows you are welcome whenever you’d like.” She grins at both of us and then nods. “Now, let’s go get some food. Me and this baby are starving.”
“Mmm food. Let’s do it.” The shift of boots outside my door pulls my focus, and immediately, Kapriel and I jump into action. Me to the door, blade drawn, and him in front of Isa.
I squat low and peer into the hallway, only to see my sister’s retreating form. I heave a sigh of relief. “It’s only Wren, Kap. False alarm.” I stand and shout after her, “Wren! Wait up!”
She tosses a sneer at me over her shoulder and quickens her pace.
What in the underworld was that for?
“Has she already eaten?” Isa asks as Kapriel leads her out of my rooms, her hand on his elbow as she sort of waddles toward the stairs.
“I have no idea. I called for her, and she tossed a look that could kill you where you stand over her shoulder at me.”
Isa frowns. “You don’t think she overheard my offer and took it the wrong way, do you?”
Realization dawns, and I sigh again, this time in resignation that I’m going to have to deal with my sister and whatever thoughts or feelings she’s got about me visiting Breakneck Keep. “Honestly, I would say that’s probably why, but she’s a bit moodier than I remember, so for all I know, she’s got her panties in a twist about the day of the week.”
“I’m sure as soon as you explain, and of course tell her she is welcome at any time as well, I just caught up to you two first, then everything will be sorted.” Isa gingerly takes the last step down into the main hall.
“Ah, there is my beautiful wife and my unborn child.” Gerant glides over to us, taking Isa away from Kapriel when he hugs her tight to his side and rests his hand over her swollen tummy.
Isa rolls her eyes. “I told you where I was going and that I’d be right back. It hasn’t been that long since I saw you last.”
Gerant kisses the top of her head and winks at us. “Do you mean to say that I can’t miss the two of you any time I please?”
“I mean to say that you’re hovering over me like a nursemaid, husband.” Isa pokes him in his side and laughs under her breath, softening the blow.
“I only wish to make sure you’re safe, my love.”
“I know, but if you could also make sure I’m fed, the baby and I would appreciate that more in this particular moment.” She looks pointedly at the array of food set up off to one side of the hall, and Gerant chuckles.
“As you wish, my love.” Gerant glances at me. “Jinx, could you help Isa to a table while I grab her a plate?”
I snort. “Uh, I’ll walk with her to one, but I don’t want her to stab me in the side if I try to help her like she’s an invalid.”
“See, Gerant? Your sister clearly understands the way of things.” She grabs my hand in hers and yanks me along with her. “This way, sister, we shall sit where we had breakfast, I think.”
A few feet away, I drop my voice so only Isa can hear. “I must say, I’m thankful you’re not letting him wrap you in wool and put you in a corner.”
“Ha! I think he would like to do so at times, but the women in my family have been having babies and fighting in bloody battles at the same time for centuries. I’m not about to sit idly all day, waiting for this little one to make an appearance.” She pats her belly and takes a seat at the table, her back to the room. “I’ve got things to do, and even when not pregnant, I don’t think I could sit around that much without losing my mind.”
“I take it you weren’t one of those girls that sat around doing needlepoint for hours, gossiping about who was seen with who, then?” I ask rhetorically.
Isa grunts. “Gods no. I was one of those girls who was usually covered in mud with callouses on my hands from practicing for hours with my brother’s old weapons.”
Before I can respond, Gerant and Kapriel appear, both carrying two plates. Gerant places Isa’s gently in front of her with a “Here you are, my love, your favorite,” whereas Kapriel lets mine clatter on the wooden table top with a “Here you go, cow.”
I flip him the bird and dig in to my late lunch, enjoying the company.
“Oh, Gerant, I did ask them. They said they will definitely visit! So we must make arrangements for them to be welcome at any time, no matter what.” She takes a dainty bite of her side salad and rests her other hand on my brother’s arm.
Geran
t smiles widely at me, happiness shining in his eyes. “I will see to it as soon as we are done eating.”
Between bites of food, I grumble, “You also might want to tell our sister that I’m not some sort of traitor for wanting to see Breakneck Keep.”
“What do you mean?” Gerant asks, looking from Isa to me.
“I mean she was outside my rooms when Isa was talking to Kapriel and me about it, and when I tried to get her to wait up, she tossed a glare at me that would have split a lesser person in two.” I chew on a piece of sweet bread, my actions jerky and agitated. I frown at Kapriel. “You heard her say she missed me, right? I wasn’t imagining that in a tired delusion?”
He chuckles. “No, I heard her say it.”
“So she’s just mad at me then.” I sigh. “She said she forgave me when we first arrived, but I think she’s struggling with everything going on.”
“If you’d like, I can speak to our little sister.” A smirk dances on the corner of Gerant’s lips, and I scrunch up my face at him.
“You smug bastard, you know she’ll listen to you over me.” I point a finger between him and Isa. “Did you two cook up this scheme?”
“Of course not!” They both laugh, shaking their heads, and I nod my own.
“Sure, sure, I’ll get to the bottom of this, don’t you think I won’t.” I wink at Isa to let her know I’m only joking.
The doors into the main hall open, and a group of haggard looking hunters file through, each of them caked in days old mud, leaves stuck in their hair, and dirt smeared on their faces.
“They look as though they’ve been gone for a few days,” Gerant remarks.
“Yeah, they do.” I stand up at our table but don’t move from it. “Oy, you lot. Where are you coming back from?” From the looks of it, it could be the outreaches of the underworlds.
One of them turns toward me and shrugs. “We were at the borders, looking for any trace of the king.”
“And? Did you not find anything?”
“And we were called back by Edern’s orders almost as soon as we got to the outer edges of the border between us and the Redcaps. We didn’t have any time to search for him.”
A Reluctant Huntress: Tales of the Wild Hunt | Book One Page 10