Soul Scorched

by Donna Grant

  That drew her up short. Her head whipped around to look at him. “What? Are you telling me they could remain out there for days?”

  “Days. Weeks. Months. Aye, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

  She closed her eyes as her heart plummeted to her feet. This couldn’t be happening to her. All her life she knew she was more powerful than those around her.

  Not once did she fear anything, because she knew she had her magic to use as a defense and offense, if needed. She thought herself untouchable, if she were honest—pretty much what Warrick thought of his kind.

  The difference was, Dragon Kings were untouchable. Her Druid magic might help her against other humans, but it did nothing against the Dark or the Kings.

  “You’ll no’ go through this alone.”

  Warrick’s voice, deep and strong, came from beside her. His promise was freely given, and it did help ease her mind somewhat. But she wasn’t just thinking of herself. She was thinking of the mortals around her as well as the Kings.

  Darcy opened her eyes to look up at Warrick. “You don’t know me. I’ve helped one of your enemies, and yet you would put yourself in harm’s way to protect me. I don’t understand it, but I’m immensely grateful.”

  There was a flash of … was that regret in Warrick’s gaze? Darcy frowned and got to her feet even as the emotion she spotted faded away.

  “What was that?” she asked.

  Warrick didn’t look away, but he tensed. “What?”

  “That look,” she pressed. “As if you’re hiding something.”

  Warrick turned his head to the side and let out a long breath. After a moment, he faced her once more. “We’ve been honest with each other, aye?”

  “Yes. I’d like that to continue.”

  “You willna like what I have to say.”

  She shrugged. “You didn’t like hearing me talk of Ulrik, but you did it anyway. Just tell me.”

  “Con wants all the information you have on Ulrik. Thorn and I were to convince you to remain in Edinburgh so we could get it.”

  For a heartbeat, she could only stare at him, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. “Wow. And I made your job that much easier by refusing to return to Skye.”

  She clutched her stomach. And to think she’d almost made love to Warrick. He didn’t care for her. He was using her.

  “I would still be here protecting you even if you didna unbind Ulrik’s magic.”

  She laughed, the sound hollow even to her ears. “That makes everything better. I trusted you.”

  “And I’ve done nothing to make you doubt that trust.”

  “No?”

  His face hardened. “Nay. We agreed on sharing information, and I’ve helped keep the Dark from you.”

  “So I would be grateful and tell you everything about Ulrik as well as turning against him.”

  “He’s evil!” Warrick shouted.

  Darcy shook her emotions ran so high. She couldn’t decide if she was angry or disappointed or hurt. Each emotion tried to swallow her whole. “At least he was honest about why he came to me. He told me up front what he wanted me to do and what he would give me in exchange.”

  “He’s killed.”

  “And you haven’t?”

  A wall came down over Warrick, his eyes turning cool as he became aloof. “I didna lie to you.”

  “You played on my desires, which is worse. I want you to leave.”

  The shock of her words showed on his face for an instant before he hid them behind his mask of indifference. “You’ll face the Dark alone?”

  “I’ve been alone for seven years. If this is the end, then it’s the end. I’m a Druid from Skye. I won’t go down without taking a few of them with me.”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY

  West Coast of Ireland

  Light Fae Court

  Rhi remembered the first time she walked into the queen’s court. It was in the palace on the Fae realm, and she’d stood with her brother, Rolmir.

  Every Fae—Dark or Light—fell for her brother. He’d had the looks of a Fae, yes, but he had something else as well. It was a spark of something bright and omnipotent. It drew people to him continually.

  That might have given most Fae a superiority complex, but not Rolmir. He remained humble and genuine right up until the end. And by his side, always, was Balladyn.

  Those two swept through a city, leaving broken hearts in their wake. While Rolmir shone with allure, it was the secrets Balladyn kept that drew women to him. He was mysterious, steadfast, and stubborn.

  Remembering that day brought back more memories of Balladyn. Rhi tried to stop them, but the floodgates were open.

  There were so many recollections with Balladyn. He and Rolmir were so close that her parents considered Balladyn a son. Which is why she thought of him as a brother.

  How did she never know he loved her?

  It was the whispers around her that brought Rhi back to the present. She stared at the white and gold walls of the antechamber outside of Usaeil’s throne room. Rhi turned her head to the group of ladies-in-waiting who were staring at her, whispering behind their hands.

  Gah. She hoped she was never so … annoying.

  Of course, Rhi knew she was a magnet for gossip after being taken by the Dark and getting free. She used it as an excuse to stay away from the castle, but Rhi could only ignore Usaeil’s command so many times before the queen’s fury exploded.

  Rhi stood alone against the wall. As the only female in the Queen’s Guard, Rhi was regularly called on for missions Usaeil thought needed a feminine touch. Usually, Rhi looked forward to such assignments. This time all she could think about was Balladyn, her promise to Ulrik, and Darcy.

  The doors to the throne room opened and another of the Queen’s Guard walked out. His black hair hung to his shoulder, and his silver eyes searched the chamber until they came to rest on her.

  Rhi wasn’t surprised it was Inen. He was Usaeil’s favorite. At one time, Rhi thought the two of them might get together, even though it was forbidden for the queen to marry one of her guards. Which Rhi always thought was silly. Usaeil was queen. She could make the rules.

  “Stupid rule,” Rhi mumbled.

  Inen raised a straight black brow. “Did you say something?”

  “Nope. Is it my turn?”

  His eyes narrowed, making his face look even more hawkish. With his hand resting on the hilt of his sword strapped to his waist, he walked to Rhi.

  The fact he was coming close enough to keep their conversation between the two of them didn’t bode well. Inen normally didn’t care who heard what he had to say. He had one main objective—protecting Usaeil.

  “It took you long enough to get here,” he whispered in a callous tone.

  Rhi wasn’t bothered by his words. “I’ve duties as a special envoy, and I protect Usaeil in other ways.”

  “How did you protect her when you let Balladyn kidnap you?”

  She felt the spike of anger rumble within her. Rhi pushed away from the wall and moved until they were nose to nose. “I didn’t let him do anything, you imbecile.”

  “Didn’t you?” he asked haughtily, his lips pulled back in a sneer. “Everyone knew Balladyn was in love with you. Did you think remaining around the Kings would make him forget?”

  “Well. It seems like someone has been following me.” Which seriously pissed her off. Perhaps it was time she walked away from the Queen’s Guard. No one had ever done it before, but then again, no other Fae had been through what she had.

  Not to mention, she had some … issues … to deal with.

  Inen returned her stare. “I did what I was told.”

  “As any good dog will.”

  His nostrils flared and his grip tightened on the sword. She’d hit a nerve. Chalk one up for Rhi. Which wasn’t easy to do with Inen. Nothing bothered him unless it involved Usaeil.

  She mentally did a little happy dance at his reaction.

  “Next time, don’t keep her
waiting.”

  The threat wasn’t veiled, and it nearly set Rhi off again. “I answer to her. And only her,” she added as she shouldered past him.

  Rhi walked into the throne room and saw Usaeil sitting on the white throne. She rose, her deep blue dress hugging her curves and falling to her ankles.

  Usaeil was barefoot, her long black mane flowing free as she walked down the steps to Rhi. There was no smile on her queen’s face. “Where have you been?”

  “About.”

  “That’s not good enough, Rhi. You’re part of my Guard. I need you here.”

  Rhi cocked her head to the side. “Really? You’ve never needed me here before on a daily basis. What’s changed?”

  “You.”

  Ah. So her time to get her shit together had come and gone.

  “You’ve nothing to say?” Usaeil asked, a frown puckering her brow.

  Rhi shook her head. “I’m doing what I’ve always done.”

  “That was before you were taken by Balladyn. That was before you became different.”

  “Different? Hmm. I tell you what. Put any Light through what I went through and see if they could come out of it without turning Dark. How about Inen? Do you think your favorite Guard would survive? That would be a big fat no.”

  Usaeil’s lips were tight, a sign of her displeasure. “That’s not the point, Rhi. We’re all glad you made it out.”

  “Are you? I’m not so sure. You want to confine me after having me followed.”

  “I think I’ve been too lax with you through the years. I’m your queen. You need to treat me like one.”

  “Then act like one,” Rhi retorted. The outburst was loud, echoing around the spacious throne room. “Stop gallivanting around as a human movie star and start paying attention to your people.”

  Usaeil slashed her hand through the air between them. “I have my people in my thoughts at all times.”

  Rhi was tired of ignoring the larger issues and bowing down to Usaeil. She made a sound at the back of her throat. “Really? That’s rather hard to do when you’re off for months at a time making some stupid movie. How can you be here to tend to daily business and grievances while off doing your own thing? You want to stop me from doing my thing while you continue doing yours? Not going to happen.”

  The queen was momentarily stunned into silence. When she drew in a deep breath, her wrath was visible. “I’ll not have you question me.”

  “And I’ll not have you question my loyalty. If I wanted to go Dark, I’d have taken Balladyn up on his offer the other day.” The worry that flashed over Usaeil’s face made Rhi chuckle. “Guess your little dog, Inen, wasn’t able to keep up while trailing me.”

  “Enough, Rhi.”

  She shook her head. “No. It’s not nearly enough. Tell me, my queen, did you know the Dark are amassing? Did you know that they’re moving all over the world? I can see by your expression filling with concern that you didn’t. It’s something you might want to think about the next time you leave our people for a photo shoot. I’m not so sure they’ll follow a queen who’s never around into battle with the Dark again.”

  Rhi turned on her heel and walked toward the door. She reached it and paused. Then she looked over her shoulder at Usaeil. “If I’m to be followed or confined to this castle, then I quit the Queen’s Guard.”

  She didn’t wait on Usaeil’s response. Rhi shoved open the doors, and as soon as she stepped into the antechamber, she teleported away.

  Usaeil snapped her fingers, shutting the throne room doors at once. She walked back to her throne and slumped in the high-backed chair. “Well? What do you think?”

  Constantine opened the door to her private chamber and leaned against the jamb. “I think you just lost your most valued warrior.”

  “I know,” she said dejectedly. “I was right to worry though. I knew Balladyn wasn’t done with her.”

  Con crossed his arms over his chest. “You should’ve waited to see what she would do. Following her was a smart move, but Inen should’ve kept his mouth shut. Rhi would never have known otherwise.”

  “Inen has an issue with Rhi. He wants to be the best, and he knows as long as she’s around, he’s not.”

  “He’s no’ even close,” Con said with a chuckle.

  Usaeil shot him an annoyed look. “Don’t let Inen hear you say that. He’s devoted to me, and I don’t want that to change.”

  “By having Rhi followed, you’ve caused a wedge to come between two of your Guards. If you’re no’ careful, Usaeil, your entire group of Guards will fracture.”

  “And you would know that better than anyone,” she retorted angrily, because she knew he was right. And she hated the fact he was correct and that she’d made a grave mistake.

  Con lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Aye. I would know. It took everything I had to bring the Kings all back together.”

  “All but one.” Usaeil sighed loudly. “Is Rhi going to be my Ulrik?”

  “Quite possibly.”

  She rose and glared at him as she began to pace. “That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

  “I thought we agreed on truth.”

  “By the stars,” she exclaimed and threw up her hands in defeat. “You take everything so literally.”

  Con merely looked at her, showing no emotion. But she knew how to bring those emotions out in him easily enough.

  He tracked her with his eyes. “Rhi has changed. She’s gotten stronger both mentally and through her magic.”

  “I know.” It was the first thing Usaeil had noticed. She only hoped Rhi and the rest of the Light hadn’t.

  “Are you worried?”

  Definitely. “Not in the least. I’ve been ruling my people for many millennia. Just as you have.”

  “So you think she might challenge you for the right to be queen?”

  Damn, but he was perceptive. “She’s too angry right now.”

  “She met Balladyn. How many more meetings between them before she turns Dark or challenges you? Either outcome willna be good. You doona want Rhi to turn Dark and join forces with Balladyn.”

  “I know Balladyn.”

  “Nay, Usaeil. You knew him. He’s Dark now, and he’s much worse than Taraeth. It willna be long before he kills Taraeth and takes over ruling the Dark. If you think you have your hands full now, wait until then.”

  She hated when others tried to tell her how to think or rule. “Don’t you have enemies you need to keep an eye on?” she snapped.

  Constantine pushed away from the doorjamb and walked to her. “You’re the one that asked me here. Remember?”

  Did she ever. She put her hands on his chest and tore open his shirt. “Remind me again.”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-ONE

  Warrick was furious, his emotions in a jumbled heap after his conversation with Darcy. He threw open the door to Darcy’s shop and walked out into the rain. Just as he had expected, the Dark didn’t stop him. They didn’t even show themselves. They knew he knew they were there.

  There was a pounding in his mind from Thorn. Warrick briefly thought about refusing to open the link, but he wasn’t at all sure Thorn wouldn’t make a scene to get his attention.

  “What?” he asked calmly once the link was open.

  “What? What! Is that all you have to say?” Thorn shouted. “What the devil are you thinking?”

  “She’s in a temper, and she needs food.”

  There was a brief pause before Thorn asked, “You think she’s in a temper because she needs food?”

  “Aye.” At least he hoped that was the case. Warrick shook the water from his face. “I’ve seen it before. Humans get … testy when they’re hungry.”

  “So do I, but I’m no’ going to go flying over Edinburgh Castle and grab me a snack from the hundreds of tourists there.”

  Warrick kept walking and ignored the rain, making mental notes of where he spotted Dark Fae hiding on his route.

  “Well?” Thorn urged. “Are you going to t
ell me what Darcy is in a snit about?”

  “She thought I was foolish to want to leave with the Dark waiting.”

  Thorn chuckled. “Ah. A lovers’ spat, aye?”

  “We’re no’ lovers.” But did he ever wish they were.

  “She’ll understand when you bring her back food. Then she’ll thank you.”

  “I’ll no’ be talking to her.”

  “Come again?”

  Warrick sighed as he entered a co-op and grabbed a basket. He walked through the narrow aisles and began tossing food into the basket in his hand. “I told her what Con wanted.”

  “For the love of…” Thorn trailed off. “You’re no’ right in the head, War. No wonder you stay to yourself. Lasses have to be handled delicately, and certainly lasses like Darcy. Her world has gone sideways. Now she isna going to trust you.”

  “She’s already said as much. She ordered me out of the shop.”

  “Shite. What a mess. Why did you tell her?”

  Warrick reached the last row and put in several types of bottled drinks and ale, then went to the cashier to pay. He tossed down some money, not bothering to count it as he walked out with the basket and all. “I felt she deserved to know the truth.”

  “While we’re trying to tell her what a bad guy Ulrik is? That doesna work to our benefit.”

  “It’s better to tell her now rather than later.”

  “Later you could let Con deal with her. Now, she’s our problem.”

  Warrick didn’t see her as a problem, and he certainly didn’t want Con to “deal” with her at all. “You’re keeping your distance, remember? I’m the one who will be fixing this muck up.”

  “Good luck with that, War. You’re going to need it. By the way, how much longer are you going to be?”

  “I’m headed to her flat for some clothes. Why?”

  “You might want to get back here. The Dark are beginning to close in. You’ll have a hell of a time getting back inside the shop if you wait much longer.”

  Warrick let out a curse and turned toward Darcy’s shop. He began jogging down the street, splashing in puddles in his hurry to return to Darcy. It was difficult not to let the dragon loose and take to the skies. He knew he could reach her quickly then, and douse the Dark with some dragon fire in the process.