Cross Keys

by Ally Shields

  Seth cocked his head. “Are you saying you don’t mind?”

  “Why would I mind? Now the rest of the family… I can’t speak for them. But then, do they really matter? They’re not the one in love with her.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  Sean chuckled. “I have the advantage of having seen you together. Your grandfather must have noticed too, and I’d take it as a good sign that he didn’t say anything. And maybe things were already changing. He and Sawyer had a civil chat while you were stranded Cityside.” His face clouded. “Now, we’ll all have to work together to clear up this mess.”

  Seth refused to be sidetracked by Jermon’s failings. “I appreciate the pep talk, Father. But Kam’s the hold up, and I seem to keep saying the wrong things to her.”

  Sean Lormarc’s face lightened, and he clapped Seth on the back. “Get used to it. We all do that with women. I have confidence in you.” He dropped his hand as they reached the point where their paths parted. “I’ll see the king about Jermon sometime tomorrow, but assure Seliwyn that we will cooperate with anything that needs to be done.”

  “Yes, I will.” Seth turned his steps toward his own home. His mind had already focused on Kam again and how he could convince her they could—and should—have a life together.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The next week was hectic for everyone in the King’s Guard. Jermon Lormarc and Einos Petros were questioned extensively, even harshly by human standards. Public whippings had been abandoned long ago, but small floggers were still tolerated if used sparingly in interrogations of those who proved unusually obstinate. Jermon remained obdurate, Petros spilled everything he knew, naming names. Jermon’s ambitions had been grandiose enough to justify the murder of anyone who stood in the way of ruling his family and the entire kingdom. Petros and the crossbreeds had been promised equality and a place within the ruling class.

  Kam had given an unladylike snort upon hearing his promises. More likely they would have received a swift death.

  The remaining conspirators were rounded up and jailed. The firearms were thrown into the forges, the metal turned into cooking utensils and given to the poor. It somehow seemed fitting. At the King’s order, the tunnels to the uranium mine were permanently sealed by collapsing tons of rock and earth on them.

  The Lormarc family took the lead in caring for the miners and their families, but the entire community did their part. Kam’s mother and sister cooked meals and baked bread, then joined Kam in distributing food and clothing. At Kam’s urging, her father worked with Sean Lormarc and Alen Trevain in closing the Petros guild and finding employment for the displaced crossbreed workers. She hoped both families would develop a greater respect for the crossbreeds. It might prevent future rebellions.

  She and Seth were so involved with community efforts that they hardly saw each other, except for brief glimpses. She spotted him as she left Captain Brunic’s office the morning after Jermon’s arrest, but she took an alternate corridor to avoid a direct meeting. He didn’t seem to notice, which bothered her more than she wanted to admit.

  By the end of the week, the king agreed to reopen the portals under certain permanent restrictions, rules that he announced at a public meeting in his official chambers.

  Seliwyn spoke mostly from his written proclamation. “From hence forth there will be only two portals in each major city where we do business. They will be maintained by the Lormarc and Ryndel guilds. All smaller guilds will be entitled to one hour of free portal use per week at each of the portals. Any guild needing more portal time can arrange terms with one of the two guilds. I expect this to be granted freely.” He looked out at the gathered aristocrats and commoners. At his summons, members of both major houses, all the guilds, and numerous townspeople were present.

  “Personal keys will no longer work between worlds. Any keyholder wishing to visit the city must do so through one of the two guilds.” He held up his hand at the murmurs of discontent. “For security reasons, the use of the Cityside portals will be under the direct oversight of the King’s Guard. Citizens will not be questioned nor will guards interfere in business transactions, but cargo will be strictly controlled by portal sensors.”

  “Your majesty, this is too restrictive,” someone called.

  Seliwyn’s brow puckered as he sought and found the speaker. “If after three months you are still dissatisfied, I will listen to you then. I expect this security to be non-intrusive, and see no reason for complaint. That will be all for today. Go in peace. May Elvenrude prosper.”

  Kam smiled to herself. Seliwyn could be just as dictatorial as any of his predecessors when he set his mind to it. She flinched when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

  “The king would like to see you.” Captain Brunic smiled.

  “What’s this about?”

  “You’ll see.”

  A few minutes later the king asked her to return to New Orleans, not only as the Acquisitions Agent, but as the supervisor for the four guards assigned to the portals.

  “You’d be Cityside a large part of every year, but of course weekends and holidays can be spent wherever you want. The position is yours, if you are willing to accept it.”

  There was no denying that she’d missed New Orleans. The city’s intoxicating atmosphere might be the perfect cure for her present funk. She’d be busy handling both jobs, especially in the beginning while they were getting the guilds running again, but busy was good. She wouldn’t have so much time to think about an intense pair of green eyes—which she hadn’t seen for days—or to dwell on what might have been.

  “I’d be honored, your majesty.”

  * * *

  By eight o’clock that evening, Kam was back in her New Orleans apartment. She went for a walk, just to drink in the city. Even in late December, she needed only a light jacket. Fifty degrees felt like a heat wave after the winter cold and coating of snow in Elvenrude. Tomorrow the Louisiana sun would take the temperature even higher.

  She strolled down the street, absorbing the sights and sounds, the sweet odor of bourbon that seemed to always drift in the air, the busy cafes, the sounds of blues or jazz, the voodoo temples. She missed the Christmas decorations. Most businesses had already taken them down. New Year’s was coming tomorrow, and by the time the stores reopened, it would be a brand new year. It was a fortunate holiday break for the elves. Due to the extended weekend, they would have the guilds up and running by the next business day.

  Her feet automatically turned toward the wharfs. She could smell the river in the air. She nodded at the guard on the gate and flashed her credentials. When she stepped inside the Ryndel Guild, she found Thom Barrott and his crew hard at work. He motioned for her to join them; his smile stretched from ear to ear.

  “You can’t believe how happy I am to be back. Vacation is nice, but not when you fear you’ll never be working again.” He’d grown a short beard during the enforced break, and he kept smoothing it with the fingers of his right hand. “Hey, don’t put that there,” he yelled across the room. “Sorry, Kameo, I better get back to work. We have a lot to do in the next two days.”

  She waved him off and watched as he resumed directing the placement of crates and containers. His sense of well-being was catching, and she enjoyed seeing the cavernous building coming back to life as a thriving warehouse.

  Satisfied everything was on schedule, she stepped back outside, breathing in the familiar wharf air with its mixture of salt, fresh fish, and diesel oil. Truck engines revved, a boat horn sounded. The typical sounds of a dock that didn’t shut down even at night. Every part of New Orleans was always ready, watching and waiting.

  She turned toward the Lormarc Guild to check on their progress. Both portals were her responsibility now. As she approached their front door, her steps faltered. Seth Lormarc stood just inside the large delivery doors. Kam stepped into the shadows, staying out of sight. She knew they’d run into each other, but why her first night back?

  She watched
him lift and wave his arms, directing the dispersal of cargo. Funny how the profile she’d once seen as arrogant, she now saw as strong, determined. He laughed at something, and her lips curved up in response. He was so carefree, almost boyish when he laughed.

  What was she doing? Standing there spying on the man, drinking up the very sight of him. If he… She shut her eyes, willing the heaviness in her heart to go away. All that was in the past. Seth hadn’t tried to contact her in days. He’d accepted the situation. It was past time she moved on.

  She turned away, cut over to the next block, and headed home. She’d visit the Lormarc Guild at a better time—defined as any time when Seth wasn’t present.

  * * *

  She’d been back in her apartment about an hour, when her portal dinged, warning of an incoming connection. Puzzled, she opened the door of the guest bedroom where her portal was located and found Seth Lormarc standing there.

  “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

  “Yes, very much.”

  “What? Are my parents all right? Esty?” Her blood pressure sky-rocketed. Wild scenarios ran through her head. Had Jermon escaped? Had they missed a second cache of guns? It had to be something bad for Seth to come to her apartment unannounced.

  “It’s nothing like that. I didn’t mean to alarm you.” A flash of concern lit his face, then vanished. “Are you going to invite me in?” A faint smile parted his lips.

  Kam narrowed her eyes, suddenly suspicious. “There’s nothing wrong, is there?” She put her hands on her hips when he didn’t answer. “You should have called.”

  “You don’t have a phone.” He walked past her and entered her living area. “And yes, there is most definitely something wrong, but that isn’t why I’m here.”

  It was true she didn’t have a phone yet. She’d get one tomorrow. But tonight, she had to figure out how to deal with Seth. His presence seemed to fill her apartment.

  “Tell me why you’re here,” she said, following him, watching the muscles under his blue shirt ripple across his shoulders.

  He turned, his gaze taking her in, and his voice softened. “I thought that was rather obvious.”

  A faint whiff of his musky cologne drifted toward her. Kam drew in a breath and chewed on her lower lip. It wasn’t obvious to her. “I’m not sure what you mean.” Surely Seth didn’t expect to pick up where they’d left off that fantastic night in the other apartment.

  He cocked his head. “We need to arrange for an inspection of our guild portal.” He stepped closer and looked down at her. “What did you think I meant?”

  She stared at his face, dumbfounded. Had she really seen a flicker of amusement? Aware she was holding her breath, she let it out and stepped away. She could use a little space, but she wasn’t going to be intimidated in her own home. “My apartment is hardly the place to conduct business. Call me tomorrow. The office has a phone.”

  He shrugged, but a smile continued to hover on his lips. “The king made it clear he wanted frequent inspections. I thought it was urgent enough to contact you right away and assure you of our compliance.”

  “Fine. I’m reassured.” She frowned. “But how did you know I was back in New Orleans?”

  “Have you forgotten the amulet? I know exactly where you’ve been.”

  Oh, no. Her gaze flashed to his face. It told her nothing. Did that mean he’d known she was watching him from outside their guild? She turned away to hide her guilty blush. She gathered her wits enough to point an imperious finger toward the portal. “Out. I would appreciate it if you’d leave.”

  “We’ll be talking tomorrow then.” He walked toward the portal.

  “Yes, at the office. And Seth…”

  He stopped and looked back at her.

  “Don’t use my personal portal again.”

  He chuckled. “I can’t promise that.”

  As soon as he disappeared into the shimmer, Kam slammed the guest bedroom door and locked it.

  * * *

  Damn the woman. She wasn’t giving an inch. A reluctant smile curled Seth’s lips. He loved how her eyes had flashed.

  He’d deliberately made the outrageous unannounced visit to see her reaction. It had both reassured and frustrated him. There was no doubt the mutual attraction was still there. She had nearly trembled for a moment, and it wasn’t all anger. He’d almost abandoned the long-term plan. Just to touch her, one small kiss. She might have let him.

  But he didn’t want just to win. There were still moves to be made in this game. And he hoped they could both be winners.

  * * *

  Three weeks later Kam still couldn’t get Seth out of her head. Maybe that was because he seemed to be everywhere. Every day, no matter where she went, he popped up with some excuse. He never stayed long, and he hardly paid any attention to her. In fact, he’d been cool, impersonal, discussing his issue briefly or choosing to speak with someone else. It was…disturbing.

  At Jermon’s trial, held at the end of the first week, they both went home to testify but Seth had acted preoccupied. He nodded but didn’t stop to talk. Despite what he’d said, perhaps a part of him blamed her for exposing his family to notoriety and embarrassment. She gave her testimony and didn’t even wait around for the verdict before returning Cityside. Her father told her the king had spared Jermon’s life but confined him in a sanitarium for the remainder of his days. Considering the dungeon-like condition of those facilities, it might not have been the merciful option.

  After the trial, Seth returned to his previous behavior, socially correct to her when he stopped by the guild or her office, but no hint of friendship or anything more.

  He seemed to have put their relationship behind him. Well, wasn’t that what she’d wanted? She should be happy he’d finally listened to her, not disappointed. She tried to match his casualness, but the effort became too painful, and she began to avoid him altogether.

  When the weekend of the Winter Ball arrived, she transported home to Elvenrude early on Friday, relieved to be away from thoughts of Seth or the constant sight of him. The irony wasn’t lost on her that just a few weeks ago she’d gone back to New Orleans for the very same reason.

  Friday evening with her parents and Esty was the most relaxing she’d had in months. They talked a little about the business but mostly about friends and neighbors in Brierwood. Kam’s tense neck muscles began to relax. Maybe she should come home for good.

  Kam and Esty did their girlie thing on Saturday, soaking in the bubble bath, fixing their hair a dozen different ways, selecting jewelry and shoes.

  “How’s Charlz?” Kam asked.

  “Who?” Esty shrugged.

  “So that’s over, huh?”

  Her sister set down her hairbrush. “He dumped me.”

  “Oh, Esty, I’m sorry. Are you sad about that?”

  “I was really mad, but that was a week ago. It’s OK now. He’s a dork.” Esty got up and grabbed a white shawl, swirling it around her and over one shoulder. “I’ve decide to be an ice queen. Aloof. Alone forever.”

  “You goof.” Kam pulled her sister down on the bed and tickled her. “I’m betting you’ll be drooling over someone new before the next week is over.”

  “Betcha.” Giggling, Esty rolled to the far side of the bed to get away. “I’ve sworn off men. Seriously.”

  “Uh-huh, we’ll see.”

  “What about you? I kind of thought maybe you and Seth Lormarc… You were together so much, and you seemed to like him. But you haven’t mentioned his name since you’ve been home. Is it because of his uncle?”

  Kam picked up the shawl that had been discarded on the bed and began to smooth and fold it. “We’re just too different. And, think what it would be like having your in-laws hate you. They’re not likely to forgive me for bringing such disgrace upon them.”

  Esty immediately jumped to her defense. “That wasn’t your fault, and if Seth Lormarc thinks so, he doesn’t deserve you.” She threw her arms around her sister. “Maybe yo
u could like Caleb again?”

  Kam hugged her back but laughed. “I never quit liking Caleb, but I don’t love him, not in that way.” She set the folded scarf aside. “I don’t know what Seth thinks, but I’ve heard his family’s low opinion of me. And that was before I exposed the uncle.”

  “But you miss him, don’t you?” Esty’s voice was quiet. She grabbed her big sister’s hand, looking intently at her face. Kam flushed under the scrutiny. “Oh, Kammy, I didn’t know. You’re in love with him.” Esty’s eyes grew round. “How could he do this to you?”

  Kam tightened her grip. “It’s not his fault. I broke it off.”

  “Why?” Esty sat back on her heels on the bed. “If you love him…”

  “Love should conquer all? I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way, honey.”

  “Well, it should.

  “Enough of this serious talk.” Kam jumped up and grabbed a pair of earrings and held them to her ears. “What do you think? Should I wear these or the ones we already picked?”

  It took another two hours of trying and discarding accessories, but by dinner time, Kam and Esty were suitably adorned for the ball. They appeared at the top of the stairs, ready for inspection by the family—and by her escort, Caleb. He’d been invited for dinner and had chatted with her father while waiting for Kam and Esty to appear. Mrs. Ryndel, already dressed and supervising the finishing touches in the kitchen, scooted in at the last minute for their grand entrance.

  Being the older sister, Kam went first. Her dress of midnight blue with long sleeves of lace, hugged her feminine curves, then fell straight from the high waist to an inch from the floor. Her dark hair wound high on her head and long curls dangled in front of each ear. The jewelry she’d chosen was silver, and she’d draped an elegant silver shawl over one arm. When it was her turn, Esty floated down the stairs in a pink gown overlaid with white lace, and decorated with ribbons and pink roses. Her demure descent was belied by an impish grin.