I shrug and ask a final question. “What now?”
Dare’s tone is protective but the look in his eyes is deadly. “Now we wait.”
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
Waiting around has never been my strong suit. In fact, I’d say patience is my worst quality. Instead of sitting here and twiddling our thumbs, I snag Anarchy and Chaos and my crew, and we head to check out more of the grounds of the castle. This time, however, I’m staying with a group and not wandering off alone. I may be paranoid, but the last time I left my crew and walked back into a strange house by myself I got kidnapped by a psychotic elf. We watch a group of soldiers training in one of the fenced in areas in the courtyard, placing bets on who’ll win each match.
At my thought of Arradel, I ask, “Oy, anyone find out what it was that the bitch-maid used to drug me?”
The dropped jaws and wide eyes around me prompt my defensive shrug.
“What? I can admire the fact that she used something good. Even though she’s bat shit crazy, she’s good. I’ll give her that, even though I was the one getting drugged… I should probably shut up now.” I purse my lips, ignore their looks of outrage, and focus on the training happening in front of me instead.
“She used a combination of poppy and valerian, as well as a few other things from what we could tell,” came the answer from behind me.
I turn my head but keep my back to him with my arms still resting on top of the fence.
“Dagan,” I say, my less than enthusiastic tone giving away my unwillingness to thank him for giving me the answer I was looking for.
He approaches our group slowly and keeps an eye on the boys before resting his own forearms against the railing on the other side of Eryn. Leaning forward a bit, his lips flat rather than twisted in derision for once, he makes eye contact with me before talking.
“Her mixture is something we will work to get out of her, but she will stand trial soon for her crimes against the Goblin Kingdom as well as against you. I was coming to inform you that you can testify against her if you wish, but the evidence is pretty damning already.” He shrugs at the last part.
Part of me understands why she did it. She missed home, longed for it. She did everything she could to get back, but in the end it wasn’t enough.
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“You won’t be there, Ever. I won’t allow you to deal with her pleading for mercy and trying to make you feel bad for the fact that she kidnapped you.” The growly command comes from behind me.
My shoulders tense. Whipping around so fast I almost give myself whiplash, I square off with Dare.
“You won’t allow me?” My voice is low and clipped.
“No, she will only—”
“I know what she will try to do, Dare.” I cut him off this time, using his name to grab his attention. “A word?” I grit out, between clenched teeth. I grab a fistful of another one of his black shirts before dragging him a few feet from the others.
“Ever,” he starts, but stops when I hold up my hand.
“Don’t. Don’t ever tell me what I can and can’t do. You do not own me. We had sex. Last I checked that doesn’t suddenly mean you have any claim to me. In fact, it won’t be happening again, so you can forget about ever having a claim to me.” I’m seething. Beyond mad that he thinks he can control me because he gave me a few orgasms.
His expression turns dark, and he speaks low. “Yes, we had sex. That is not what this is about. What it’s about is me trying to protect you from yourself.”
“And what makes you think you know me so well that you can protect me from myself?” My chest heaves as frustration boils my blood. At the same time, wonder at his caring creeps in. No one has ever tried to protect me from myself outside of my crew. The feeling is strange but not unwelcome.
“I have watched you for the past two weeks. I have gotten to know you pretty well.” He rests his hand on my upper arm.
My flesh tingles at the contact. His touch momentarily distracts me with memories from this morning, and I don’t immediately shake him off. He invades my space, and his chest brushes mine with each breath we take.
The sudden screeching of an alarm snaps me out of my daze. The sound reminds me of a wailing creature—the wail of a banshee being the closest thing I can relate it too, but on a scale of a five alarm fire. The soldiers who were training run past me toward the front of the castle, and I move to follow. A blade is slapped into my waiting palm as Doyle calmly walks up to us. The cool steel brings me back to sanity and away from the cliff of desire I was teetering on.
I don’t bother to run toward the mass of people congregating around the front of the castle. Instead I hang back to scope out the situation and assess my next move. Dare’s hand on my arm stops my progress and ramps up my adrenaline further. The anger from earlier adds to the power pumping through my veins.
“We will finish this later.” He narrows eyes. “For now, stay close. I don’t know what has happened, but you’re glowing again.” He lets go of my arm. He takes a few steps ahead of me before he looks back.
I look down. I’m glowing like a gods damned glowworm. And the markings are back from the first time we had touched. I want to further examine them but I don’t have the time to do so at the moment. I huff out a breath and motion for my crew to stay close.
We make our way toward the large group now forming in front of the main steps into the castle. I keep an eye on my surroundings and take point since most of the goblins in front of me keep me hidden from view. I slowly make my way through them, moving through the crowd like a tendril of smoke. Silent and quickly disappearing from view. I keep back a few rows from the front while my crew fans out around me. I check Doyle’s reaction to the situation, and my stomach flip-flops when I see his dropped jaw. Rising up on my tip toes, I’m still unable to get a clear view of who’s suddenly in the Goblin Kingdom that isn’t supposed to be.
The back of my neck prickles as Dare shadows me through the crowd. I inch to the right and tendrils of annoyance progress through me. He’s about as inconspicuous as a bulldozer. Another step to the right, and I’m met with a clear view of the happenings in the courtyard.
I can’t stop the words that fall from my lips like bricks being thrown from the top of a building.
CHAPTER
NINETEEN
“Ho-ly-fucking-shit!”
The words echo through the courtyard, and judging by the sudden space left by those who had been standing next to me, I’ve said the wrong thing. Damnit. My mouth is going to get me into a situation I can’t get out of one day.
My uncle Caddox, King of the Light Elves, is standing in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by at least ten of his Elite Guard and another twenty of the Goblin’s Royal Guards. Having enough sense to look around and get a feel for the sudden appearance of the Light Elven King, I make my way through the final few rows of people. I feel like I’m walking on lily pads in a pond filled with piranhas as everyone’s eyes are on me and my stomach knots.
Some people’s mouths have fallen open, and others touch their chests as if checking to see if their hearts are still beating. Mostly, their jaws are tight and their eyes are narrowed in a harsh squint. I can’t say I blame the looks of hatred. Caddox’s father was the one who broke the bond between the Goblin and the Elven Kingdoms. His actions had cut so deep that the wound had yet to heal four hundred years later. Since taking the throne, Caddox has yet to get rid of the declaration that left many of these people without a home, their children no longer safe within the walls they were raised in. On the other hand, what can he do? There isn’t much that can be done to repair a rift like that. He could repeal it, but what about those who had willingly given up their children? Those who had sent their children to be raised in Goblin or left them to the human world before MECA was created? It’s one thing to say the declaration is no more. It’s another thing entirely to enforce it and change the thinking that was forced upon everyone under threat of
death.
It wasn’t just a knock on the door saying leave the kingdom. It had been a witch hunt. The guards knocked on doors, separating mother and child in the dead of night and removing them from their homes. The guards were ordered to kill children and mothers alike, for no other reason other than their bloodlines. All for actions from the past. In the case of the children, the actions were no fault of their own. Before the laws came into effect, harmony existed between Goblin and the Light Elven Kingdoms, but the King and Queen of Elven didn’t set foot in Goblin in over four hundred years. They leave the trading and other political dealings to other members of the royal family.
Taking that final step into the open circle left by the surrounding crowd, I meet my uncle head on.
“Uncle Caddox… I …” I shake my head and brush off my shock. “What in the hell are you doing here? Are you insane?” I whisper-shout the words at him with my eyes wide.
He strides forward. He doesn’t make it far before he’s blocked by the goblin guards. “Ever!” he gasps, looking momentarily at the arms extended before him before locking his gaze with mine. “You’re okay. Thank Dhia!”
I frown. “Yeah, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I received reports that you were seen leaving the Light Elven Kingdom limping and covered in blood, supporting another elf. Then I get this note that left out important things like your wellbeing.” He waves the note around dramatically and his eyes narrow on me like I’m the crazy one who didn’t remember something.
“Ooh…Yeah, about that. You see, that wasn’t my blood.”
“Who’s was it then?” he asks calmly with his hands clasped in front of him.
He keeps his cool despite the potential danger to him while within the walls of the Goblin Kingdom, I’ll give him that. I’d be shaking in my boots.
King Teag steps forward with Tore at his side. “I think this matter would be better addressed in private.” His tone leaves no doubt that his suggestion isn’t optional.
Dare waves us forward, and we all follow King Teag up the steps. My uncle follows closely behind us, still surrounded by menacing looking guards. Guards lead us down one of the hallways leading out from the main hall and into a sort of battle room. There are tables covered in maps, which are quickly covered with black cloths. The guards act efficiently and with practiced movements. The tables are shoved together with a loud bang and pushed into the corner. Two more are carried in and set facing each other, creating a wide table in the center. The chairs from the previous table are propelled toward the new one, and we’re directed to take a seat at the end of the table farthest from the door.
We’re all doing what we’re told, no questions asked. I, for one, would like to keep breathing. Even when I’m in awe of the show of force of the goblin guards, the thought that they can mobilize so quickly sends a frisson of fear skittering down my spine. The Light Elven King showing up in the Goblin King’s home, unannounced and uninvited, is something that’s never happened. As in never ever. Because I happen to be related to said Elven King and am a guest of the Goblin King at the moment, I don’t want to push my luck. They’d given me a safe place from Cashel and his demented plans, and I’m grateful for that.
We all get settled in our spots, and we don’t have to wait long until Caddox is escorted in by guards. He’s no longer sporting any of the weapons he brought with him, which doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is the smile on his face. I give him a what-the-hell look, and he only smiles wider before turning his attention to Teag.
Teag has lost most if not all of his weapons as well. Probably out of respect for the fact that my uncle is pretty much naked and defenseless here. I chuckle at my own thoughts, and Eryn swats at me. I have no sympathy for Caddox, should something happen though. He appeared without any warning. For all the Goblins know he could have been here to attack.
The tension in the room is palpable. Everyone is stiff and restless at the same time. Both Kings stare intently at each other as we watch. Dare, Dax, and Dagan all stand at the ready as well as the other guards in the room with us. Two of which are my uncle’s guards. They look bereft without all their armor and weapons on them. Kind of like when a sheep is shaved. It’s uncomfortable to watch the sheep adjust to being naked.
Unable to take the tension any longer, I decide I’ll be the biggest person in the room and get rid of the dick comparison contest happening in front of us.
I clap my hands together, startling both Kings. They turn their heads sharply toward me.
“Okay, then, let’s get this show on the road, yeah? Uncle Caddox, I think you have some explaining to do here to our Goblin hosts. You also owe me some answers as to why you decided to breach treaties and risk your own neck. All to make sure I was okay in Goblin instead of just responding to the note I sent you.” I end the last part in a higher pitch than I started. The sheer amount of crazy happening today is starting to make my head spin.
Ever the politician, Caddox turns to King Teag and addresses him first. “King Teag, I beg your forgiveness for my rash actions in suddenly appearing within your territory. My actions were pure of heart, and no harm will come to you at my hands. This I can promise you.”
Teag arches an eyebrow. “And I can assure you no harm will come to you at my hands.”
Both of my brows fly into my hairline, and I see Doyle raise one of his own out of the corner of my eye. We both shake our heads at the twisting of words. No harm will come to you at my hands. That doesn’t include the hands of anyone with them. Guards or anyone else in the vicinity are fair game. One thing the Fae does well is twist words to fit their needs.
They continue to talk about why my uncle came. Eventually, after a lot of pomp and circumstance, it boils down to his concern for my wellbeing. He was worried that I was forced into Goblin and held for ransom or something just as preposterous.
I take a minute to collect my thoughts before I jump right into the conversation.
“As you can see, I’m fine. I’m not being held prisoner. The reason I’m here, however, you might want to brace yourself for.” I press my lips into a thin line. “Cashel Finarben. Yes, that Cashel—your nephew—”
He opens his mouth but I hold up a hand.
“—bought off an exiled elf who was working for the Fitzpatrick’s in Indiana. He promised her forgiveness for all of her past indiscretions. I don’t know what they were, so don’t ask me. But the real kicker is that he also promised she would be his official máistreás.”
I finish with a firm nod of my head, and the clump of nerves resting in my throat clears now that I’ve said my piece. A cough sounds, and I twist to look at Dare. His lips are pressed into a firm line, and his stare is pointed.
“Add some detail, Ever, or I will.”
I cut him a glare. “My mother was also pushing me on Cashel for a while, as well. She said it was an approved match by you. I told her I’d have to check with you first, but she somehow got the letter I sent you and responded.”
“What letter?” Caddox asks.
“The letter you” I put air quotes around the word you—“sent me telling me that you agree with the match and that you encourage me to marry Cashel. Who’s my cousin.” I shudder in disgust.
“I’ve received one letter pertaining to you this past month. That letter is the one that had me appearing out of thin air here.” Caddox taps his finger on the table and scowls.
I sigh and sit back in my seat hard. I look around. Two Kings, a few leath cine, a couple of guards, and an advisor from a previous reign. My shoulders shake, and I avoid everyone’s gaze for a few moments while I try to collect myself. I lose the battle when Doyle’s shoulders brush mine. We lock eyes, and we both burst into hysterical laughter. We lean on each other, and I struggle to breathe.
“Sorry, we—” I break off into giggles again for a few seconds before I can continue. “I just looked around and realized that this little round table we have going right here is insane. This meeting could chang
e lives. But instead, we’re all here because my demented cousin is somehow blackmailing my mother and wants to marry me. All so he can try to over throw the Light Elven King.” Wincing, I meet my uncle’s kind eyes. “Sorry, uncle Caddox. I forgot about that part until now. Lots going on and all. He’s planning to kill everyone in his way to take the throne from you. He let it slip while he thought I was drugged and still sleeping.”
“I figured as much.” Caddox nods. “I’ve had my suspicions for quite some time now.”
Caddox and Teag exchange sidelong glances. Ruling a kingdom is difficult. I, for one, would be a horrible ruler. Oh, you have complaints? Tell it to someone who has time to care about holding your hand rather than keeping you safe. Seriously, I have enough shit to worry about with my crew, let alone an entire kingdom of people.
“What now?” I ask.
“Now, Ever, we deal with the situation.” Caddox sighs and pushes back from the table.
I stand. “What are your plans for Cashel? How will you find him? What will be done?”
He motions for me to slow down. “I will deal with Cashel and let you know when you are safe again. Rest assured he won’t be bothering you again, my little elfling.”
I fight the urge to tell him that if he delivers Cashel to me, I’ll be more than happy to take care of him. I nod and try to trust that my uncle knows what he’s doing.
“We’ll discuss it more when I have more details.” He turns and starts talking politics and how he’ll be leaving the Goblin Kingdom with Teag and Tore.
Dismissed, I turn to my crew and make a circular motion with my finger. It’s our signal for “we needed to circle up somewhere we won’t be disturbed by distractions or listening ears.” Axel tilts his head to the left, indicating he has a spot in mind.
We all nod.
“Well, if I have no further use here in this room of Kings, I’m gonna go find food. And my gargoyles.” I ignore the wide-eyed look aimed my way from my uncle and walk out.
Mark of Truth (Wicked Kingdoms Book 1) Page 17