“Yes, you gave birth to me. And then you gave me away. You sent me to live with MECA and forgot about me unless you needed me for some sort of political capital.” I shake my head. “That doesn’t get you my obedience or my loyalty, Mother. In fact, it should get you nothing, but because of me, you are still here and not thrown out in the cold like I was when I was a child.” The words hurt my chest as they leave my lips, but I can’t hold them back. I can’t deny the truth in them either. As much as I want her to love me back, I don’t think she’ll ever be capable of it. Not in the way that I want her to be.
“Now, Ever…” Callista steps toward me, her hand outstretched, and I step back, furthering the distance between us.
“No. Just no. You don’t get to tell me that you didn’t do all of that. You did. It’s fact, Mother.” I look around me at the curious faces sitting at the tables around the hall. There was a time when I would have cared what they think. Now I couldn’t care less.
Callista eyes me, her gaze shrewd. “What if I told you that I have vital information about the Order?”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Then I’d say you need to hand the information over. Now. Without playing any games or asking for anything in return. You don’t get favors from people, or even feelings of goodwill from people, without first offering something for free, Mother.”
Does she have information about the Order? How did she get it?
“I’m the sister to the Light Elven King, Ever. I can’t just give information for free.”
“Yes, you can. I don’t see you with Uncle Caddox, asking for Sanctuary from him and his kingdom. Instead you’re in the Goblin Kingdom, asking their king for it.” I step closer to her and tap a finger to my lips. “I wonder why that is, Mother. Why wouldn’t you go home?” There’s got to be a reason she’s here. It’s not for me. I know that much. “What did you do before you left?”
“I did nothing. But I know I could be blamed for Cashel’s imprisonment. And I refuse to be banished to a dungeon for the rest of my existence.”
I try hard not to roll my eyes. She’s always so self-serving. “Caddox wouldn’t leave you to rot in a dungeon, Mother. And you know it.” I look her up and down. Her hair isn’t perfectly coifed, her nails are bitten to the quick, and she hasn’t glamoured away the wrinkles on her face. Something must be bugging her. But it’s not Caddox and the threat of Cashel getting her in trouble. I narrow my eyes. “What is it you’re really afraid of? What secret are you keeping that could have you this distraught? I know it has nothing to do with my well-being, let’s just be honest there. So what is it? I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.” The moment of déjà vu hits me and I clench my hands. Apparently I’m turning into everyone’s therapist.
“You wouldn’t understand, Ever. We only wanted to help. And now… now it’s turned into so much more.”
“You only wanted to help with what, Mother?” I bite my tongue so I don’t snap at her to spit it out.
“With what my father did. With the hurt he caused.” Her voice softens and I scrutinize her for any falsehood.
“The Declaration? Is that what you’re talking about? What did you do to help?” I search my brain for any information that I’ve read in the previous months and nothing was mentioned about my mother or Uncle Caddox doing anything to help after the Declaration was made. It was only those Original Few who created MECA who did anything to stop the slaughter of the leath cine.
She opens her mouth to respond but quickly snaps it shut at the sound of alarms blaring throughout the castle.
“What’s happening?”
“An intruder. Go to your room and hide, Mother.” I take off running for the doors leading out of the main hall and skid to a stop when I see my uncle Caddox surrounded by royal Goblin guards, a ring of swords at his neck.
For the love of the gods. He’s got to stop popping in like this. It’s going to get his head taken off.
“Caddox, old friend. We can’t keep meeting like this. It’s going to result in a nasty accident.” King Teag’s words echo my thoughts and I look sharply at him.
“Where is she?” Caddox growls, looking around as much as he can with the sharp end of the swords inches from his neck.
“Who?” Teag asks.
“I’m right there, Uncle Caddox.” I step forward so he can see me clearly. “What’s wrong?”
“Hello, Ever. I’m not here for you this time, not primarily anyway. I’m here for your mother.” He narrows his eyes on me.
“Who told you she was here?” I ask, curious if he’ll say.
“Don’t worry about who. I know she’s here. Bring her to me,” Caddox demands.
I look to Teag and shrug. Might as well bring her out. No use in playing games.
Teag raises a brow. “You’re not going to hurt her, are you, Caddox? I can’t allow that in my kingdom. She’s a guest here for now.”
“Of course I’m not going to hurt her. She’s my sister. I just want to talk with her.”
Teag nods and one of his guards heads back into the castle, almost getting bowled over by Dare as he comes flying out of the doors, his eyes frantic. He finds me and visibly calms, his shoulders softening and the lines of worry on his face disappearing.
He quickly approaches me and looks me up and down. “Are you all right, mo grá?”
I run my hand down his arm, then intertwine our fingers. “I’m okay.”
He nods and takes in the scene outside of our little bubble. “Caddox, good to see you again.”
Caddox laughs. “Aye, good to see you too. Taking care of my girl?”
Dare smirks. “When she lets me.”
I grumble under my breath and step in front of Dare, his warmth behind me providing a feeling of safety and comfort. “Think we can move this inside and back to the subject at hand?”
“Ah, yes.” Teag waves an arm. “You can let him through.”
Caddox ascends the steps quickly, slapping a hand on Teag’s shoulder as they head inside the castle, talking like they’re old pals.
“What is he here for now?” Dare asks once his father and Caddox are out of earshot.
“My mother. He wants to talk to her. I’m assuming he wants her to go home, but she doesn’t seem to want to go.” I rub my forehead before pressing it into Dare’s firm chest. “Earlier when I was talking to her she said that they only wanted to help.”
“Who’s they?”
I shake my head. “Your guess is as good as mine. She was talking about the Declaration, but before that she mentioned having information about the Order, but that she can’t just give information for free.”
“What does she want for it?” Dare cups the back of my head, the pressure from his hand easing some of the tension behind my eyes.
“She wants Sanctuary from the Goblin King. I told her that I can’t recommend he give it until we know what her motives are.”
“She’s clever, I’ll give her that. But you’re right. He won’t give it unless he knows what she’s really after.” He grips my shoulders and we lock eyes. “Her willingness to withhold information that could keep you safe does not please me.” He frowns.
“I know. It’s pissing me off too. But if there’s one thing that she’s good at, it’s keeping secrets and getting her way.”
CHAPTER
TWELVE
Dare and I walk into the main hall to shouts echoing off of the stone walls. I’m torn between wincing and smiling in amusement because at least I know it’s not only me my mother screams at.
“Do not be an idiot, Callista. You must come home with me,” Caddox roars.
“I cannot. And you know it. Not until certain things are taken care of.”
“Certain things like what? Explain it to me!” Caddox holds a hand out, inviting her to clarify.
“Not here, Caddox.” Callista narrows her eyes at him before her gaze darts about the room.
“Callista, now is not the time for games. We have a very important event happening in just
a few weeks. We need for you to take care of it.”
Callista huffs. “Anyone can handle an event, Caddox.”
“This isn’t just any event, Callista. I’ll be announcing the dissolution of the Declaration our father put into place and announcing my heir. My sister must be there.” Caddox looks over his shoulder at me. “And Ever should be there as well.”
I open my mouth to respond but Callista cuts me off. Dread coils in my stomach at the mention of an heir. He can’t name me his heir. This prophecy can’t happen. No matter what. I won’t put those I love in danger.
“Ever should not be there. I will not put her in danger.” Callista shakes her head. “This is not the place to discuss these things, Caddox.”
“Come home with me then so we may discuss them there. Ever is safe here, as you can see.”
I step forward and hold up a finger. “If I may?”
Caddox and my mother both turn to face me. Caddox has his hands on his hips and my mother’s arms are crossed over her chest. Defensive much?
“Uncle Caddox, I still haven’t decided on going to your party yet. And before you cut me off, let me explain.”
“Please do.”
“I was given a vision from a friend of a friend. In that vision I was in the throne room of the Light Elven Kingdom. Or what I think was the throne room. You were sitting there with a crown.” I take a deep breath for sanity’s sake and continue. “You announced that you were repealing the Declaration. After that upset, you then tried to name me your heir. Which, by the way, would never work. After that, someone from the Order of Íonachta attacked me and my crew. It was ugly.”
Caddox rocks back on his heels. “Are you sure this was a true vision and not just an illusion?”
“I’m as sure as I can be.” I chuckle. “The source is pretty reliable.” Plus, I have no desire to rule a kingdom.
Dare scoffs behind me.
“Something to add, Dare?” Caddox asks.
“Only that I was with her when she received the vision. And I know the source is credible.”
“You’re not going to tell me who it is?” Caddox asks.
“No. It’s probably better if you don’t know.” I step closer to Caddox and my mother and lower my voice so every listening ear in the hall can’t hear what I say next.
“What I also know is that Cashel is working with the Order and there are still plots against you, Uncle. I think you need to beef up security as well as be very selective on your invite list. We just discredited Head Guard Frederick at MECA for framing me and working with the Order. So I wouldn’t count on them to come.”
Caddox snorts. “That little bastard can’t touch me.”
“Not that I don’t trust your ability, King Caddox, but we didn’t think he could touch us either. We were wrong,” Dare adds, stepping closer to me and rubbing a hand down my back.
“Very wrong. We just don’t know how far the Order’s reach extends, Uncle. I’m sorry but until I know that Cashel won’t be an issue, or the Order won’t try to kidnap me, I’m staying put and helping keep those I love safe.” I shrug. “If there’s anything we can do to help from here, let us know, and we’re happy to help.”
Caddox sighs. “So what now? Callista won’t come with me or answer any of my questions. My niece won’t attend the party I’m throwing in her honor as I dissolve the Declaration that ruined lives for generations. Remind me why I came here again?”
“I think you came to talk to Callista…” Dare states the obvious and I swat at his arm.
“That was rhetorical.”
“Oh.” Dare shrugs his broad shoulders. “Well, in the meantime, is anyone hungry?”
*
Despite my protests, Caddox decided to spend the night in the Goblin Kingdom, which, up until now, is completely unheard of without festivals, parades, and a whole lot of pomp and circumstance.
After hours of he and I speaking in circles around each other, I left the main hall with a splintering headache from grinding my molars together. Ever since Arela was brought back to us safely, I’ve made it a habit to stop by her room to check on her every night before I head to bed. Tonight is no different, but this time, when I knock there’s no answer.
I turn the knob on the door, still knocking on it. “Arela? You here?” I pause. “I’m coming in.”
Still no response. I open her door fully and find her room completely empty. Trying not to panic, I take a few deep breaths and leave her door partially open behind me as I head toward the library. I barely restrain myself from running toward the entrance, instead walking at a fast clip. She’s okay. She’s only in the library. She’s safe. I repeat the words like a mantra until I skid to a halt in the library.
“Arela!” I walk toward where her baby gargoyles hang out. “Arela, are you in here?” Alarm raises my voice a few octaves and I run my hands through my hair, pushing it back from my face. I turn around in a circle, trying to think through my fear. Where else would she be? This can’t be happening again. It can’t.
Chitters sound behind me and I peek over the ledge to multicolored eyes peering up at me. “Where is she, babies?”
“Ever? Ever, is that you?” Arela’s voice sounds behind me and the pressure in my chest eases.
I whip around to find where her shout came from and watch as she comes around the corner from Amren’s apothecary.
“Arela! Thank the gods. I thought you were missing.”
She frowns. “No. I’m just hanging out with Brodie and Amren.” She reaches me and looks me over. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
I force a smile. “Yeah, I’m good. I couldn’t find you and I was worried.”
Arela wraps her arm around me, pulling me into her side in a hug. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m safe.”
I don’t point out that we thought she was safe last time too. Or that we don’t know who our enemies are. Or where they are. Instead I wrinkle my nose at her and give her a shove toward the bookcase she appeared near. “I know. Let’s go see what Amren is up to.”
“He’s grinding herbs and making Brodie and me label things for him.” Happiness colors her tone and her ponytail swings behind her with each bouncing step she takes.
“Oh. Sounds like fun.” Not. Either way, I’ve got to speak with Amren about what I asked him to look into anyway. No babies happening around here for a while. Not if I can help it. Prophecy be damned.
“Look who I found wandering around in the library.” Arela’s cheery tone brings a real smile to my lips and I wave at Brodie and Amren.
“Hey, guys.”
Brodie barely gives me a second glance, instead focusing his attention on Arela.
Amren looks up from his mortar and pestle and waves me over toward him. “Ah, lass. Just who I was hoping to see.”
I try not to let dread sink to the pit of my stomach but my gut tells me I’m not going to like what he has to tell me. I look over my shoulder at the two lovebirds, so wrapped up in each other they seem to have forgotten that anyone else is in the room with them.
“Is this what we talked about a few days ago?”
“Yes. I finally heard back from a friend of mine.” Amren tilts his head and looks me over.
“What did this friend have to say?” I glance over my shoulder again, hoping that neither Arela or Brodie can hear us.
“Not to worry, lass. I’ve cloaked us in silence. They can’t hear what we’re saying.” Amren smiles and pulls out a stool, beckoning me forward to sit on it. “Tea?”
“No, that’s okay. Just tell me what your friend said so I can figure out what I’m doing next.”
“Right then. In regards to stopping pregnancy, I’ve got a few incantations; however, they must be said right before the deed is completed.” Amren winces, and I try not to visibly react in case Arela or Brodie is watching us.
“Well, I don’t think that’s going to work. Anything else?”
“I stumbled upon a tea that is supposed to stop pregnancy. I’m not su
re of its effectiveness yet though. You must drink it every day in order for it to work.”
“It wouldn’t hurt a baby though, right? Like if I get pregnant by some chance?” I sit on my hands so I don’t get up and start pacing along with my racing thoughts.
“Not as far as I can tell. It’s just an herbal tea, lass.”
“Okay. What do I need to get to make it?”
“I thought you might want that. So I went ahead and gathered the ingredients this morning.” Amren turns and grabs a bottle off of the shelf behind him. “Here you are.”
I take the bottle from him and hold it in front of my face, trying to identify what exactly is in it.
“One thing, lass. Make sure you don’t eat the herbs. Only drink the liquid steeped from them.”
“Got it. What’s in it exactly?” I eye the bottle again before placing it on the table next to my knee.
“I’m not sure you really want to know.”
“Ah. Okay. Never mind then.” I heave a sigh of relief knowing that I won’t have to worry about a baby during this shit storm of not knowing who’s out to get me and who’s not. “What about the mates thing?”
Amren smiles and pulls his stool closer to me. “I’ve got good news and bad news.”
Story of my life. “Bad news first, I guess. Might as well get it over with.”
“My friend only knew of mates who are two different kinds of leath cine rather than two leath cine who are the exact same species.” He pauses to take a sip of tea and I bite my tongue hard enough to leave permanent marks to keep myself from reaching over and shaking the rest of the information out of him. “He said that two leath cine take longer to show that they are truly mates, as we suspected.”
“Okay. What else?”
“He also said that it’s possible that you will never show the usual signs of a mating, but that you could still be mates.”
I refrain from rolling my eyes. Of course not. Of fucking course not. Because that would make things easier on both of us. “Okay, anything else?”
“Yes. He knows of a pair of leath cine that are both the same. He’s contacted them for me and they will be heading this way so you may speak to them.”
Throne of Secrets (Wicked Kingdoms Book 3) Page 10