“It’s okay, Blossom.” River’s voice was soft as she patted the girl’s arm, sliding over it in slow strokes. “They’re friends, don’t worry. We just startled them.” River stood and wrapped an arm around the girl’s waist, squeezing softly.
I was distracted from the couple as I looked around the room, studying the flowers, birds, balloons, and mini-unicorns that had turned the living area into a small, jewel-toned zoo. Opal chirped happily, fluttering from my arm to spin madly above a white and grey unicorn that was nibbling on the carpet. I kept my gaze on her, unwilling to look away in case Opal decided that the little thing was prey -- that wasn’t exactly something I wanted to try and deal with at the moment, or ever really.
“Did you make all of this?” I asked in awe, unable to believe the little fantasy that she had turned this room into. This was what I had expected in a Fae Realm, the truly magical around every corner, surprises popping from the floors, the beautiful and the mysterious. “It’s gorgeous.”
River blushed, inclining her head in acknowledgment. “I’ve been practicing.” She glanced nervously at Onyx, Terran, and Reed, who had shut the door to keep anything from escaping. The three studied her with quiet, serious eyes, though they had yet to speak. I hoped they didn’t plan to chew her out. I was proud of her for doing all of this, especially being as new to it as she was.
“I can see that. You’re really getting good at it. And who’s this?” I offered a smile to the other girl, and she nodded her response, her grip tight on River.
“This is Blossom.” A blush mantled both their cheeks, and it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together and guess their relationship. I was fairly surprised, though I couldn’t place why. I had assumed that same-sex relationships were taboo here considering how many pockets of the human world still considered them potentially offensive. “I needed some moral support.” She shrugged a little, the blush still mantling her cheeks.
“I apologize for invading your rooms.” Blossom offered a low bow to the Guardians, though her wary eyes seemed to remain on me. I glanced behind me to see if anyone else had noticed her odd behavior, noting that Terran and Reed were both wearing little smirks.
“No need to apologize.” I tried another friendly smile hoping that I could thaw whatever ice Blossom was putting up. “Any friend of River’s is a friend of ours. Thank you for helping her while we were occupied.”
“Of course. All I want to do is help her.” The look she sent to River was soft and warm, and she rose a few steps in my estimation. At least her coldness was for me, not a general personality trait. I hadn’t known River long, but I still felt protective of her, and I wanted her in a relationship where she would be taken care.
“I thought we had discussed keeping your powers under wraps until we had a better grasp on them?” Reed’s voice had a touch of censure in it, though I could hear his curiosity as well, and I was sure he itched to explore the room.
River ducked her head at the critique and I glared at Reed. “You suggested it, but it’s her power. It’s not like she did it in front of everyone in the practice courts. She’s doing exactly what she should have done, taking the time she needs to learn.” I arched a brow at him, daring him to challenge me in this. He pressed his lips together, inclining his head to me, though I could see the humor that danced in his eyes at my confrontation of him.
“May I?” I asked softly, indicating the creations that she had made.
She nodded eagerly. I stroked fingers over silky flower petals, over the cool surface of balloons, and studied the small animals. I wanted to touch and cuddle them, but Opal hissed whenever I got too close, so I kept my distance, no matter how much I wanted to see if a unicorn’s mane was silky and what the texture of its horn was.
“This is so incredible, River, really.” I glanced at Blossom, studying her. “Do you have art powers too?”
She shook her head. “I wish. This is all beautiful.”
“Not useful though,” Onyx muttered. “Pretty little pictures, not a damn thing they can do for anyone.”
Opal screeched, arching her wings in a sharp dive as she alighted on his arm, her sharp talons and teeth scratching and tearing before she took off in a blink. Before he had a chance to react to the shock she was perched back on my shoulder, lazily licking the blood from her talons as her bright orange eyes glared menacingly at Onyx.
“Little pest,” he growled, returning her glare and dabbing at the skin.
“Good girl,” I retorted, stroking a hand across the curve of her head. “She knew she was being insulted and didn’t want to stand for it, exactly as she should. That’ll teach you.”
Onyx grimaced, continuing to dab at the wounds. Reed had yet to step forward to offer his healing powers, his attention instead on the room itself. Oh well, served him right for doubting my little dragon, it wasn’t as if the scratches were more than superficial.
“Where do your talents lie?” I asked Blossom, turning my attention back to her and away from the surly fae.
“Most of my talents lie amongst food. Though I can do a little with plants as well, especially the edible ones,” Blossom murmured, her voice low. “Nothing along to this extent.”
“Are you one of the ones who makes all of that incredible food in the dining hall?” My mouth watered at the idea. “Those cakes and things?”
River’s laugh was tinkling. “Blossom usually does all of the fancy food — special planned meals, cakes and sweets for celebrations, things along those lines. She can create icing that’s thin as silk, and chocolates that will dissolve instantly at the touch of your tongue. You haven’t eaten until you’ve eaten what she makes.” My stomach let out a loud grumble at the idea of what she was describing.
“Maybe we can head down to the dining hall and get some of that incredible food together while we asked you some questions?” I knew my eyes were pleading, but Opal had eaten most of my dinner and I really didn’t like missing meals — it brought back too many bad memories. I had had too many fights with my mother when I had found out she had used the money I had been hoarding for food or shampoo on herbs or gems for her spellwork. She had insisted it was for my safety, that she was sorry I was hungry or dirty, but they were too close, and we would usually move in the following days.
“I don’t have anything prepared.” Blossom nearly stumbled over her words, glancing wide-eyed at River. “I can make whatever you want though.”
“It’s fine, Blossom.” River brushed a kiss over her cheek with such a deep sweetness it nearly made my chest ache to watch. “There will be plenty for her to eat there.” Her eyes were soft as they met mine and she glanced back and forth between us. “She’s nice, really. She isn’t against fae, just Birch and their group.” Her voice was pitched low enough I doubted I was supposed to hear it. That must have been what the other two were smirking about. Apparently, Blossom was afraid I would go after her the way I had gone after Birch.
“I’m fine with anything, honestly. Though I do hope I get to taste some of what you can make in the future. She’s talked about you so much I feel like I can already taste it.” I kept my smile warm before whistling, indicating for Opal to land.
“Opal.” I spoke sternly to the little dragon, ignoring the chuckles that surrounded me. “Don’t eat anyone while we’re gone. You’re going to stay here while I get food for you. Understand?”
I kept my eyes on her bright orange ones until she nodded regally, all the laughter ceasing as they began to realize her level of intelligence. “Watch out for the others, okay?” She chirped again, waddling over to watch the little birds darting around above her head. “You really have been busy, River. Come on, we can all use a break while I pick your brain.”
“I don’t know about this,” Onyx murmured softly to Terran. I had fallen into step with Reed, letting Blossom and River lead the way, their fingers intertwined as they talked in low voices. “Maybe we should wait to talk to River until this other one isn’t around.”
I tu
rned my head, keeping my voice low. “I like River, I really do, but I’m also female. I doubt there would be much she doesn’t tell her girlfriend.” I stumbled over the word, glancing at Reed. I had no idea what the correct terminology was here.
“We usually call them lovers unless they choose to take on the title of mate.” Reed’s grin was wide at my embarrassment.
“Fine. I doubt she’d break our confidence intentionally, but the question is innocent enough. Besides, we’ll need to start talking to others for that kind of information anyhow. Maybe Blossom will have a secondary idea as to who, if any, have disappeared from the Hold.”
“We’ll be careful.” Terran’s words were an attempt to soothe Onyx’s nerves — as well as my own. “We’ve played for information before, we’ll simply do it again now. In a friendlier manner,” he added with a smirk at my arched look. I had seen how they pulled most of their information, I wasn’t about to let them try that here.
“Follow our lead, okay?” Reed asked me, bumping his arm against mine in a companionable gesture. “Don’t be overt.” His voice was low enough I could barely hear him as we approached the noisy dining room.
“Damn, I was simply going to ask her if she was actually an assassin and was harboring a secret grudge against me, and if I could expect her to murder me in my sleep.” I rolled my eyes in exasperation, though my lips twitched in response to his chuckle. It was always nice to meet someone who understood my sense of humor.
The Hold was full of people, the rise and fall of voices coming to nearly a complete stop when the six of us made our entrance. A few scrambled for other exits, disappearing from any potential trouble we were brining. Others merely stared, whispering behind their hands to each other. One brave soul sauntered toward us, and I resisted the urge to hiss at her the way Opal would when she angled herself next to Terran, sidling closer than necessary.
She was pretty, her scarlet red hair tied back in a thick braid, revealing her as a witch. Her skin was fair and pampered, the scent of lavender and rose drifting from her even several steps away. “Terran. I didn’t get a chance to speak with you the other day.”
“Dreama.” He offered her a polite smile. “I’ve been busy.”
“Oh, I see.” The smile she sent me was hard. “After everything that went down with Birch, I had expected she would have been removed by the Ancients.”
Reed snorted, his lip peeling back as he studied the girl. Apparently, there was no love lost between them. “As if you have any idea what’s going on.”
Dreama glared at him, her blue eyes going hard before she poured the sugar back into her voice and her attention turned back to Terran. “The Ancients have been very clear about the disgrace he has suffered at her hands. He hasn’t dared to show his face since it happened.”
“We’ve got things to do.” Onyx snapped the words, not bothering to look at her. “Go about your business, Dreama, and stay out of our way.”
He didn’t even bother to look at her, reaching out to grip my elbow and tow me toward the platters of displayed food. River and Blossom had dropped their clasped hands, focusing on filling plates.
“I’ve got this.” I put a hand over theirs before they could begin filling a plate for me. “You don’t need to wait on me.”
“Or us,” Reed piped up. “Besides, I like my plates full. It’s easiest to do that if I’m the one filling them.”
I chuckled at the pragmatism in his voice. Onyx ignored the food that the rest of us gathered, leading us to a table in a far corner away from the bustle of the others.
“First thing,” Reed murmured. “Let me take care of that arm.” He pulled water from his glass, letting it flow over Onyx’s arm to heal the wounds that Opal had caused.
28
The rest of us dug in with gusto, and I was happy to see the quality of the cooking hadn’t faltered. Hopefully, that meant I was in for real magic if I could ever convince Blossom to cook for me.
“So, River,” Terran’s voice was innocent, nearly nonchalant as he picked at the steak in front of him while I looked on in disgust. I couldn’t imagine eating a steak cold, he was a little bit insane. “Spending this time with Tori has us rethinking how we are doing things. I knew you a little, because you were friendly with Reed and took care of our rooms, but it wasn’t until today that I knew you even had a lover.” Both women blushed, though they exchanged a small smile. “There’s got to be a lot we don’t know about our staff.”
“I’ve been in the servants’ quarters a few times, but is there anything you could potentially need that isn’t offered there?” Reed asked, picking up the thread that Terran had started. “Anything you or your family may need?”
“Or is there another family who may be in need of something?” Onyx asked, continuing as smoothly as silk. Both women gawked at the men, though I smiled proudly. I was proud of the story they were weaving, though I did hope that what they were offering was for real as well.
“You know, I was wondering if there had been a change in the Hold’s servants.” Terran’s murmur appeared distracted, an afterthought.
“A change?” Blossom grasped onto his words, and I resisted the urge to pump my fist into the air.
“Mm-hm.” He took another bite of his steak, chewing thoughtfully. “There are some I don’t remember seeing before, and others I swear used to work in certain areas that aren’t there anymore. There was this blonde witch, fairly young. I used to see her all the time, but it’s been awhile.”
“Hm.” River shared a glance with Blossom, as they considered it. “It’s possible they switched stations.”
“Maybe they got better work outside of the Hold?” I suggested, playing up the human angle.
River let out a quiet gasp before emphatically shaking her head. “Oh no, Tori. It’s an honor to work in the Hold or have family here. We’re safe, warm, well-fed, comfortable. Life outside of the Hold is much darker.” Blossom’s eyes met mine as she added, “Even the bad things that happen here, especially to the servants, they’re nothing compared to what I faced out behind these walls.” I swallowed hard at the grief that filled her eyes.
“River and I have known each other since we were young.” Surprisingly it was Onyx who spoke up, as he shared a gentle smile with her. “Our families were very close, though none of her family members are currently Guardians.” Well, that explained why the two were as close as they were, I realized. “She hasn’t spent much time outside of the Hold, but she knows everything about what is going on inside of it.”
“I came from outside.” Blossom’s voice was quiet, and I saw River reach out to squeeze her hand in support. “She’s absolutely right. Only the crazy, the banished, or those on the run leave the safety that’s offered here.”
“Really?” I didn’t need to feign interest, I was still fascinated by this world.
“There have been a few times that someone has joined up with the elves or one of the rebels and been banished.” Blossom leaned in as she shared the information quietly, enjoying the gossip, I assumed. “The last one was probably five or six years ago though. It’s rare, it always causes quite a stir.”
“Is it only fae?” I asked innocently. “Or witches too?”
Blossom grimaced. “It’s far more rare for a fae to disappear than a witch. Most of those who are here are here because they have family who are Guardians and they’re here for the protection. Even when their ancestor dies, they may still remain in the Hold if they don’t prove to be a troublemaker and will assist in helping the Hold to run.”
“I bet the Ancients keep records on it,” Onyx interjected, turning his attention to Terran. “If you’re that worried about who you saw.”
“Oh, no.” River shook her head as she split a cake with Blossom. “Most of those records are kept by the Holdkeeper. The Ancient’s don’t care about us unless we start becoming a problem for them.”
“Those records would tell us who used to be here, and if they left?” I knew excitement had edged into
my voice.
“Probably.” The two shared another look, as though considering it. “Those records go back centuries though, so it would be quite a bit of looking. Only the Holdkeeper knows how they’re arranged, most have no need for them. We’re made to sign contracts when we begin full service; that’s the only reason I really paid attention to them.”
“Do you know her name?” Reed asked Terran, continuing with the ploy we had begun. A part of me was twinged by guilt, but I was glad we weren’t worrying River and Blossom unnecessarily for what would probably turn out to be a dead end. Plus this way, they wouldn’t have to lie for us.
“No.” Terran grimaced, rubbing his face as though ashamed. “I only spoke to her in passing a few times. I merely noticed because she was one of the few who smiled at me.” I arched a brow at him. That was a surprisingly detailed con. I wondered if it was based on truth, or if he was just that good of a liar. I hoped it was the first option. They were slowly becoming my friends — well, friend-like — and the idea that they were good enough at lying, that all of this could be a con, was a scary thought.
“If it helps, there hasn’t been a witch who disappeared in a long time,” River offered, giving him an encouraging pat on the arm though she glanced warily at me as if waiting for a jealous outburst. “The last one was five or six years ago, and before that it had been what, a decade I think that I last heard a tale of?”
“Well, that’s a weight off of my mind, thank you.” Terran offered the pair a file. “At some point I should find the Holdkeeper’s office and take a look. I don’t think it’s good for a Guardian to have any point of the Hold he’s unfamiliar with, it makes him vulnerable.”
“We can take you there after we eat!” River’s voice was chipper. “It’s not too far from my room — it’s still in the old section.”
Terran, Reed, Onyx, and I shared a glance, and a warm glow flowed through me at a job well done. It was interesting seeing the four of us work as a team. It had seemed like second nature, the words moving from one of us to the next, the story never fumbling. The rest of the meal passed in companionable silence, though Onyx still stood guard, glaring at whoever got too close to us. I pocketed a few pieces of steak that I snitched from Terran’s plate so that Opal could have a meal later. I doubted if she’d mind cold steak either.
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