“I understand that, but you can’t go without a plan. How will you get back?”
“Same way I get in.”
“Not if that fountain is in the castle. You might get out of there, but there’s no way you’ll get back in.”
“Then…I’ll transform myself into Vesta. No one would dare stop me then.”
“How will you explain the lack of Overwatch protecting you? Especially with an old man in your company?” He shook his head. “It seems very risky to me.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I know it’s risky, Robin. But leaving him there is riskier. I can’t let her do something that will shorten what little time he has left.”
“No, you can’t.” He knew she was hurting. But losing her would destroy him. “Let’s go see Amelia first. Maybe, with this new information, there’s some help she can give us. Maybe she can give you some kind of protection spell. Or a charm that can make you invisible. Something. It’s worth a quick trip.”
Theo looked at him. “You think you can make it to her house?”
He raked his hand through his hair and swore again. “Probably not. I’ll call her and see if she can come here. In the meantime, you go get dressed. Be quiet, though. I don’t want to wake anyone else. We don’t need the interference.”
“I’ll be quick. And quiet.” She headed for the balcony, slipping out of his robe and leaving it behind on a chair.
He watched her go, the dim light from outside enough to silhouette her body through the nightgown’s thin fabric. It left him temporarily unable to do anything but stare.
His concerns rapidly returned, though. He couldn’t let her go to Limbo alone, but he was helpless to move beyond Vesta’s boundaries. And how would that work with the portal? Was it some kind of safe zone that he could slip through? Vesta would think he would continue being clueless about it even being there. Could that mean she’d left it unblocked? Or had she included a barrier of some kind on the off-chance he discovered it? What would that be? Would he be caught halfway, stuck in some magical prison between two worlds?
That wasn’t a happy thought. But maybe Amelia could venture a guess. Amelia. He got off the bed, remembering what he was supposed to be doing.
Outside on the balcony, Theo was at the railing. She disappeared suddenly. Then a streak of red light zipped away from his quarters and disappeared into the night. Smart to travel as a lightning bug. No one would ever suspect.
He pulled on track pants and a sweatshirt, then went to his nightstand for his phone. He rarely used it except to call Amelia. She and Deacon were the only numbers in his contact list, actually. He dialed her, hoping by some chance she was still awake.
“Robin?” Her clear voice filled his ear. Almost like she’d expected his call.
“Oh good. You’re awake.”
“Something’s happened.”
“Yes. Vesta was here, and we believe Theo’s father is in danger. Can you—”
“I’ll meet you under the pavilion in ten minutes.”
She must be using magic to get here as he was pretty sure she lived farther away than that. “Thank you. Will you please tell me whatever you wouldn’t tell me at dinner? It might help.”
A moment of silence passed. “I hesitate to share this, because it could go wrong very easily. But considering what’s happened, I will tell you what I’ve learned. Like with most magic, the one thing that can often counteract a powerful spell is real, true emotion. Usually one contrary to whatever emotion was strongest when the spell was cast. What do you think Vesta was feeling when she put that curse on you?”
He thought for a second. “Hatred. Of me. Of my people.”
“And what would counteract hatred?”
There was no hesitation this time. “Love.” He took a breath. “Are you saying that because I’ve learned to love again, the boundaries are lifting?”
“No, child. I’m saying that because someone else has begun to love you, Vesta’s magic is losing its grip. A castle of sand has no defense against a wave. Love is weakening Vesta’s hate.”
“Theo,” he whispered.
“Yes,” Amelia agreed. “But you cannot tell her, because knowing such a thing will only make her try to love you harder, and that could have disastrous results. Do you understand?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Ten minutes.” She hung up.
He sat on the bed, looking at his phone. It went dark in his hand, and still he stared at it. His shifting boundaries were proof of Theo’s love for him, even if she wasn’t ready to acknowledge those feelings. What an amazing woman she was. With his entire being, he wanted to shout her name and run to her, but she’d want to know what had brought that on, and he couldn’t tell her.
So instead, he sat there a moment longer, taking in the incredible gift he’d been given. Theo. If only she knew.
Then another thought came to him, pouring over him like an ice-cold rain shower.
If she went to Limbo through the portal, would that mean his boundaries would return? Moving through the portal wouldn’t change her feelings, but she’d no longer be in this realm. He had no idea what effect that might have. But as much as the thought of being trapped again without her rattled him, he knew she had to do something. She couldn’t let her father fall into Vesta’s clutches.
Vesta would never let the man go willingly. And Theo would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least try. Just like she’d never forgive Robin if he asked her not to go. He hung his head. But her going alone felt like a suicide mission.
He couldn’t have that either. Then he’d never forgive himself.
So whatever it meant to his own personal safety, he would be at her side. He put his phone back on the nightstand and went to his closet, flipping on the light. Set in the center of the back wall was his armory. He opened the floor-to-ceiling cabinet, revealing an array of weapons, most bladed. Whatever happened this evening, there was a good chance that being heavily armed was the right way to go.
That also meant track pants and a T-shirt weren’t going to cut it.
In another cabinet in the closet, he found his battle leathers. Thanks to Elswood’s attentions, they’d been kept oiled and in excellent shape.
A few minutes later, he walked out of the closet, dressed and armed and more ready than ever to take on Vesta. Many years had passed since he’d fought for his life against the orc king, but tonight was different.
Tonight he was fighting for the life of the woman he loved. The woman who loved him. And the life that lay ahead of them.
He smiled, nodding slowly. That was exactly what he’d prepared himself for. The defense of the woman who, without even knowing it, was setting him free. That and a future with her.
When this was over, and she and her father were safe and Vesta was no longer a threat, Robin was going to shower Theo with so many wonderful things that those starstone earrings would look like a carnival prize.
With his hand on the dagger tucked into his belt, he went out onto the balcony to wait for Theo.
Very little time passed before a lightning bug flitted into view. He stepped back as it flew over the railing. Just in case it wasn’t Theo. But then the air shimmered, and Theo appeared.
She was in jeans and a T-shirt, a dagger strapped to her thigh. He suspected there might be another one or two hidden somewhere on her person. Probably in her boot. She looked him up and down. “You look…”
“Please don’t say ridiculous. It’s been a while since I’ve worn these.”
“I was going to say intimidating. And the kind of handsome that gives me blush-worthy thoughts.”
He smirked. “Well, then. Good to know. I can put these back on anytime you like. But right now, we need to get down to the pavilion to meet Amelia. She should be here any minute.”
“Okay. Stairs?”
“Yep.” With her at his side, he started down toward the garden. “You know…we should get you some battle leathers made.”
Sh
e snorted. “I don’t think they’d be ready in time for what’s about to happen.”
“I mean for future purposes.”
She cut her eyes at him. “You think there’s going to be more fighting in my future?”
“I meant for…recreational reasons.”
She squinted at him. He winked back. Her eyes rounded. “Oh. Robin.”
“What?” He laughed softly as they reached the patio. “I am a man, you know. With needs. Simple needs. I believe Vesta mentioned that. And you’re supposed to be taking advantage of that, so you really ought to get on it.”
She snorted again. “You’re terrible.” She shook her head. “I’m glad you can laugh at a time like this. Actually, I’m glad you can make me laugh.”
They walked into the pavilion, and Amelia came toward them from the other side. They met at the fountain, which seemed fitting. “Good evening. Tell me what’s going on.”
“First,” Theo said, “I want to give you this.” She reached back, unclasped the necklace, and held it out to Amelia.
“Theo,” Robin started.
She glanced at him and shook her head.
The witch took the necklace. “You’re sure? You know the starstone will be gone forever.”
Theo nodded. “It’s okay. Assuming the compensation is about what Robin told me he’s getting for the mines. I’ll need that to provide a way for my father and myself in our new life here.”
“It will be the same compensation,” Amelia answered. She tucked the necklace into the pocket of her caftan. “Now, tell me what’s happened.”
Theo gave her the short version. “So you can see, I need to get my father out of there immediately. And I need to be able to take care of him here.”
Amelia nodded. “Indeed.”
Robin straightened. “It’s not safe for her to go back to Limbo alone, but I’m not sure I can get through the portal with Vesta’s boundaries in place. What do you think?”
Amelia walked to the edge of the fountain and stared into it. After a moment, she looked at Theo. “If you open the portal, will it be open on the other side? Will it be obvious that someone’s activated it?”
Theo bit her lip for a second. “My best guess is no, it won’t be, because Vesta wouldn’t want anyone else aware of what she was doing.”
Amelia pointed at the water. “Open it.”
Theo spoke the words she’d heard Vesta use. “Peri peri nixie ta.” The water glowed blue. “It’s open.”
Amelia stepped closer. “Robin, put your arm in as far as it’ll go. Tell me what you feel.”
He stripped off his leather jacket, going down to just his vest, then knelt at the edge and put his hand in. “Water mostly.” He leaned in, sinking his arm past the elbow. “No, wait.” He smiled. “Air. I feel air.”
Amelia’s smug expression was completely understandable. “I’d say she didn’t bother including the portal when she set your boundaries.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
Wild energy coursed through Theo as she and Robin stood before Amelia to accept a quick spell of protection and obscurity. The last part wouldn’t make them invisible, just less likely to be noticed.
Theo was happy for any extra help they could get. Returning to Limbo held all kinds of dangers, mostly from Vesta, but if Robin was recognized…that was going to open up a whole new crock of eels. “Wait.”
Amelia’s hands were out in front of her, and she looked like she’d been about to cast the spell. “What is it?”
“Can you do something about Robin’s looks?”
He frowned at her. “I thought you liked the way I—”
“I think you’re very handsome, but this isn’t about that. This is about someone recognizing you. If that happens, the Overwatch is going to be on us like spots on a griddle bug.”
He grimaced. “Good point.” He looked at Amelia. “What do you think?”
“There is something I can do, but it might not feel so good while I’m doing it.”
He shrugged. “Get it over with, then.”
She came closer and put her hands on his face, then she closed her eyes and whispered a string of words Theo didn’t understand. Robin grunted twice in discomfort. In the shadows, it was a little hard to make out what was happening, but when Amelia took her hands away, Robin had a full beard and moustache. Not the attractive kind either.
He looked like he’d been living in the forest for a couple of years with a broken twig as his only grooming device.
Theo did her best not to laugh. “No one is ever going to look at you and think you were once king.”
He hissed out a breath. “Great, but for the record, ouch.”
Theo patted his arm. “It was for an excellent cause.” She smiled at Amelia. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” The witch raised her hands again. “Now for the rest.”
A minute later, after more words Theo didn’t understand and a sprinkling of dust taken from a red leather pouch, Amelia brought her hands down. “Listen now. My magic is strong, but not impenetrable. I don’t know how long it will last when carried to another realm.”
Robin adjusted one of the daggers tucked into a sheath at his thigh. “Vesta’s magic has lasted just fine here.”
“Yes, but I’m sure she was on this plane when she put the curse on you. That’s very different than taking magic between worlds. If I’d cast my spells in Limbo, I’d have no doubts about how long they’d last.”
“Understood,” he said. “We don’t plan on being there any longer than we have to.”
“That’s for sure,” Theo said.
“Get going, then.” Amelia took a seat on the bench nearest the fountain. “I’ll be here waiting.”
“Really? That’s kind of you.” Theo tipped her head. “Or are you worried about something you haven’t mentioned?”
Amelia crossed her legs at the ankle. “Just that wretched woman coming back here.” She smiled. “But if that happens, I’ll take care of her.”
Theo would love to see that.
Robin snickered. “Thank you, but you don’t have to—”
“You still owe me nightberry cuttings.” Amelia waved her hand at them. “Now go.”
Robin grabbed Theo’s hand. “Ready?”
She stepped up onto the fountain’s ledge. “Ready.”
He joined her. And then they jumped into the water.
A wash of blue filled Theo’s vision, then it went dark, then deep blue, and they were standing in the middle of the Fangmore Castle fountain.
Thankfully, it was about the same time in Limbo as it was in Shadowvale, which meant it was late enough in the evening that most people were in bed.
Not the Overwatch assigned to castle duty, however.
Robin pointed to the walkaway on the far side of the courtyard where a soldier was on patrol. Then he tugged on her hand as if to say they needed to move.
She agreed with a squeeze and let him lead. After all, he’d been in the castle courtyard before. She hadn’t. When they’d ducked into an alcove, he spoke, his voice a whisper. “Which way to your house?”
“Two streets back from Bakery Row at the end closest to Blight Swamp.” It wasn’t the nicest of neighborhoods, but after tonight, it would just be a memory. Hopefully. “If we take the long way around Center Street, we’re less likely to run into anyone.”
He nodded. “Treasure Lane still stays open late, I take it.”
“It does.” Treasure Lane, on the other side of Center, was the quickest way to her house, but it was also home to most of the bars and gambling dens in Limbo. Because of that, Treasure Lane would be full of anyone with a little coin and a desire for fun. There were too many people there to risk traveling it.
“The long way it is, then.”
“Do you know a way out of the castle that’s not obvious?”
“I do.” He smiled. “Servants’ gate.”
No doubt the same one her mother had used all those years ago. “Go on. I’ll foll
ow.”
Carefully, they made their way out of the castle. There was only one guard at the gate, and he was half asleep, chin on his chest. He didn’t bother to look up as they passed.
Even so, she held her breath on the bridge over the moat. Beneath them, the slide and slither of the eels rippled the water, catching the moonlight. She wondered if they missed the bread she’d once thrown to them.
Once in town, Theo took over. They kept to the shadows and made quick work of the empty streets.
The delicious aromas from Bakery Row reached them before the lights of the bakeries came into view, but they had nothing to worry about from those folks. All the workers cared about was getting their dough made and set to proof so that their customers could have fresh breads and pastries for breakfast.
Had Theo still been living here, she would have been one of those workers. She glanced at the shop that had employed her up until last week. Pickett’s Bread Box. They were decent people. Understanding, too. They didn’t deserve to live under Vesta’s rule.
Robin gave her a little nudge. “You okay?”
“Lost in thought. This way.”
He grabbed her hand before she could move. “Whatever you and your father need when we get back to Shadowvale, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you, but since I gave Amelia my mother’s necklace to create the starstone operation, we should be fine.”
“That could still take a few months. I just don’t want you to worry about anything.”
She nodded and gave him a little smile. “I appreciate that.”
“I know you do. Now, let’s get your father out of here.”
She cut through the same alley she’d taken for work, stopping at the cross street to make sure it was empty. A rat scurried past, but otherwise, not a soul. Their little house was three doors down. The windows were dark. “We’ll go around the back.”
“Lead on.”
She did, taking them behind the houses, past lines of drying laundry, and up the rickety steps to her back door. It was surreal being here with Robin. She hoped her father didn’t freak out.
“Door, open,” she whispered. It didn’t budge, which meant it was locked. She reached under the middle step to a hidden ledge on the riser and found the spare key.
Moody and the Beast Page 21