The DarkWorld SkinWalker Series Box Set Vol II: The SkinWalker Series Books 4, 5 & 6: Blood Promise, Scorched Fury, & Fate's Edge (DarkWorld: SkinWalker)

by T. G. Ayer

  The only information that the Elders had received from the Dyr was that Reid had been killed, and no foul play was suspected on the part of the Court. That his body had been returned to the EarthWorld via the portal in the cave, in pieces, hadn’t featured in the report submitted by the Drakys Senate.

  The Queen frowned as she read the file. When she looked up her eyes were filled with tears.

  Queen Lyra and Reid?

  Holyshit.

  That would explain her emotional reaction to this whole process. That would also explain Andyr’s arrogance. He was using her emotional lapse against her.

  “But this isn’t right,” she whispered, her hand going to her pale throat. Her black painted fingernails were a stark contrast to her porcelain skin, even if you ignored the gold filigree nail caps.

  I cleared my throat. “I assure you that is all the information received from your delegates.”

  She was shaking her head as I spoke. I understood now that there was more miscommunication regarding Reid’s death than we knew.

  “His death was suspicious.” Her voice was a whisper. “The general had his men search the mines, looking for the killer. Reid certainly wouldn’t have killed himself.”

  “Can you explain to me what exactly happened? Right now even the Elders have no idea how he was killed.”

  “He was killed in the mines. His body was found in the bottom of a ravine.” The queen’s voice shivered and she swallowed hard. Sienna cleared her throat. “Within the mines there are numerous ravines, and earth-holes that go deep into the ground. The miners are well aware of the dangers. And so was Reid.”

  Despite her words, her voice told me what she really felt.

  “So you suspected foul play?” I said, more curious now than ever. “Why did you not explain that to the Elders?” A glance in Andyr’s direction showed he was perfectly serene. Except for the swirling of his gray eyes. And the hint of a glow on his skin.

  What the hell was he?

  “Because we believed we would be blamed for his death,” Queen Lyra said.

  “But that’s a ridiculous assumption. Just because he died on your soil doesn’t mean you killed him.”

  “At the time that was the impression.” Lyra’s voice said that she disapproved. She sighed. “I admit that we were concerned about the circumstances of his death.” She pushed to her feet and began to pace. “To be completely honest, I was worried that our relationship would come to light.”

  She turned and faced me, lifting her chin in defiance. “We cared deeply for each other. And often I wondered if he’d been killed because of his feelings for me. Or rather my feelings for him. Caring for an outlander is a dangerous thing, especially for the queen.”

  I’d suspected as much.

  Love was usually at the root of all problems.

  Andyr got to his feet, a vein now throbbing on his forehead. “You shouldn’t allow yourself to think that way. His death was an accident.” He seemed to be controlling the urge to say more and I was glad because, considering everything I’d just learned, I wasn’t above telling him to shut up and sit down.

  But Lyra shook her head. “To this day I do not believe that. No matter how hard I investigated I was blocked at every turn. Someone kept the truth from me because they knew I would have torn them limb from limb for what they’d done to Reid. Someone who also wanted to halt trade with the Elders.”

  “So whoever provided us with that information wasn’t working on your behalf?”

  She shook her head and took a seat again, straightening her spine, drawing her composure over her like a shroud.

  “With that in mind, I think we will call a formal meeting to discuss reopening the mining efforts. I think it would be best for everyone. And this time I won’t accept any arguments against it.” When her eyes met mine, they still glistened with tears. “And I would like to request that the Elders give consideration to reopening the investigation into Reid’s death. It would give me great joy to identify the killer and have him punished suitably.”

  I nodded. “Of course. I believe I speak on behalf of the Elders when I say that we will do whatever we can to apprehend the perpetrator.”

  “If I may, I would like to make a request,” the Queen said, her voice hushed.

  When I nodded, she gave Andyr a short glance, an almost belligerent glare, before returning her attention to me. “If we may be allowed to sentence him here in Drakys, I would most appreciate it. It would be better for everyone I think if the killer is given justice on our soil. I understand that Reid was a mage from your lands, that people there, his friends and family, would be seeking justice for his death too. But I formally request permission to sentence and punish the killer”

  I nodded. “This particular part of the agreement, I cannot decide on. I will have to take that to the Elders.”

  Though I was afraid of an outburst, which I’d understand considering the subject matter, Lyra seemed satisfied. She sat back letting out a soft breath, suddenly deflated, weakened by the discussion.

  She waved at Sienna. “Sienna will look after you. She’s my assistant but to be honest she’s more of an advisor to me. She has more smarts and tactical intelligence than many of the generals in the army.” I noticed she never said my army or my court. “She will help you draw up the finer points of the agreement. We shall meet here tomorrow morning, after the Senate has time to discuss, to finalize the particulars regarding the renewed mining effort. In the meantime, the City of Dyr is happy to welcome you. We will hold a banquet tonight, and you will be our Guest of Honor. No better way to give a blessing to your visit and to the reopening of the mines.”

  I wondered if she was being a little presumptuous considering the Senate hadn’t yet agreed, but it seemed the effort already had her blessing.

  Maybe that was all it really took.

  Rising, I gave a formal bow. “You have my deepest gratitude. I am most grateful that the proceedings are being taken seriously on both sides. And tomorrow I hope that we will all come to a mutual agreement.”

  Sienna walked toward me. “I will see you to your room.”

  Both the queen and Andyr got to their feet, and I didn’t miss the glare that he sent in her direction. Nor did I miss the tight grip that he had on her upper arm, as if he wanted to thrust her to the private chambers but was controlling the urge. Her opinion clearly didn’t sit well with him. And I wondered what kind of power the man really had over the ruling of this country.

  And what stake he had in the mines themselves.

  Sienna was already walking toward the double doors, and I hurried to follow, throwing my rucksack and satchel over my shoulder.

  Killing demons were a damn sight easier than all this political talk.

  Chapter 37

  She led me up another flight of stairs, and headed down a western corridor, where the setting sun shed bloody rays of light in through the numerous balconies that dotted the way. Despite being open to the outside, the palace remained warm and I found myself wanting to shrug off the fur-lined coat.

  The halls were wide and high, and I marveled at the workmanship, the smooth stonework, the sconces set high up on the walls burning fat candles.

  Sienna remained silent as we walked, our steps dogged by her ever-present guards, until she pointed to a wide passage on her left. “I’m at the end of that hallway. The very last door. If you need anything, please come and see me. I will endeavor to be available as much as possible.” She gave a sweet smile and continued to the next corridor.

  Making a left she guided me to the end and we stopped in front of a large wooden door, adorned with the pattern I’d seen decorating much of the palace.

  Sienna opened the door for me, and said, “I hope you will be comfortable in your quarters. It has two bedrooms, a sitting room, a bathing room and a reception area.” She smiled as I entered, clearly proud of the place. And I was very impressed.

  The floor was covered with handwoven carpets and the walls in beautiful
paintings; landscapes and dancing maidens with elegant wings. The most impressive of them all were the paintings of the Drakyr, some depicting dragons breathing deadly fire, others Drakyr armies fighting each other. It was a room that celebrated the power of the Drakyr, and the expansive history of its people.

  The furniture, here again, was rich and heavy, hand-carved and beautiful. The reception area was a small living room, with comfortable sofas covered in rich gold fabric and complemented by dozens of creamy soft cushions.

  A low dark wood coffee table provided me with a place to drop my satchel. I turned to Sienna. “This place is absolutely beautiful. You’re so fortunate to live in the palace. Are your rooms like these?” Questions that were questions about more than just beauty and palace accommodation.

  Sienna lowered her eyes, but not soon enough to hide the darkness that flitted across her face. “My quarters are beautiful, but much more serviceable. I have a single room and a small waiting area to receive visitors. We leave the riches and the beauty for the dignitaries and the royalty.”

  I pasted a smile on my face and walked toward her. “I must thank you for treating me so well. I know it is probably just your job, but you made me feel welcome.” My eyes flitted to the open door. And the guards beyond.

  Sienna’s cheeks bloomed with red, clearly she wasn’t used to receiving compliments. She whispered a quick thank you and walked to the inner door, as if she knew I was about to launch into dream-related questions.

  At the door she paused and put a finger to her lips, a clear instruction not to talk about sensitive matters. “There is a bell-pull above the mantelpiece if you require anything.” Then she threw the door open and waved me inside.

  A gigantic four-poster bed sat in the middle of the room. The wall on the right, like the one in the grand dining room, was a giant floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over the expanse of the city.

  On the bed was an array of gowns.

  “I took the liberty of having some garments sent up. I wasn’t sure if you had anything to wear. It’s not often that Queen Lyra throws formal events for visiting representatives of the Elders. I hope you will not take offense.”

  I smiled and shook my head. “Of course not. I more than appreciate it. All I have are furs and thermal undies. Not to mention clunky shoes. I’d expected the place to be cold. The palace is certainly not.”

  Sienna laughed. “The palace is built along the side of a volcano. Lava heats the crystal, and a system beneath the city uses the lava to heat the buildings. A natural underfloor heating, if you know what I mean.”

  “You know about underfloor heating?” I said with a laugh.

  She walked toward the bed and picked up a deep red dress. “I’m well educated in the ways of your world. Part of my tuition was to study the technology there, so I am well familiar with everything, including your mobile devices.” Her eyes were wide open with excitement and curiosity, and I lifted a finger.

  “Stay right there.”

  I hurried back out into the main room and dug around in my satchel, retrieving my tablet. When I returned to the room Sienna was sitting on the bed holding the deep red dress in her hand, a faraway expression in her eyes.

  I held out the tablet and said, “There are a few things that I need to do with it while I’m here, but you’re welcome to have it when I leave.”

  Her eyes widened and her smile too. “I could not ask you to do such a thing for me.”

  I waved my hand at her. “Absolutely no problem at all. I have plenty more where that came from. Consider it a gift from the Elders.”

  She took the tablet and began swiping from screen to screen. For someone who didn’t have that kind of technology in this country, she seemed to be quite adept. Then I was reminded that she did manage a visit or two to Sand Beach.

  After a few minutes she got to her feet and passed it back to me. “Thank you so much for the offer. I won’t abuse your time with it while you are here but if you really do think you could leave it when you go home, I would be most appreciative. Our country would benefit greatly from such technology.”

  “Well, once we’re trading again, you’ll have the funds to bring such technology in. I don’t see why you couldn’t buy tablets like these for everyone on the council, or even for the students in the school. Maybe even your general?”

  She snorted. “General Vyrian is old school. Such frivolities would be a waste of his precious time.” She spoke tenderly, as if she had a history with the general. Something I’d have to ask her about at another time. Then she smiled.

  I was tired, drained from months of emotional stress, and at that moment, I was content. I very much enjoyed her company.

  Sienna nodded, her face serious now that she thought about the possibilities of such devices. Then she took a deep breath. “Well, enough about state business. You can choose from these, but I think this one is the perfect one for you.” She thrust the dress at me, looking so enthusiastic that I could hardly turn her down.

  Red was so not my color, but it wasn’t a blood red. Rather, the red of the sun, tinged with orange, which complemented my green eyes. That much I knew from my days as a teenager when I’d played around with dozens and dozens of different colored clothing. It was probably all those colors that made me give up in the end and choose neutral black-and-white.

  Siena walked toward me and held the dress up against me, pushing me toward a full-length mirror that was edged in a gilded frame.

  “There you go,” she said with a big grin. She stared at my reflection and actually laughed out loud, enjoying how right she’d been.

  I literally was a vision. The dress was stunning. Made of red scales, it clung to my hips beginning in a corset just under my bust, hugging my figure all the way to my knees where it spread out before touching the ground. If it weren’t for the skirt it would look very comfortable on the battlefield.

  I smiled at her. “It’s beautiful. But I’m certainly not going topless.”

  Sienna giggled and hurried to a wardrobe in the corner. She opened the door, wincing as it creaked, and muttering about getting the servants to oil it.

  From inside she withdrew a black silk blouse studded with red gems. It was a stunning combination. I took a breath and sighed. “I’m taking you back with me and you can be my personal wardrobe manager?”

  She laughed. “I’ve always been good with colors. And this matches your eyes and skin perfectly.” Then she gave a satisfied nod and hurried toward the door. “I have to go now. I have to bathe and dress and be done before anyone else enters the dining hall. So much to do.” She gave a quirky smile and hurried off before I could ask any more questions.

  Sinking onto the bed, holding the dress and the shirt in my lap, I stared at the closed door. So much had happened since I’d arrived in this land, and I prayed that everything would go according to plan. I was determined to ensure that the Elder’s treaty would be accepted. This land was seriously in need of a boost in the economy, and deserved to have the advantages of modern technology.

  If the Fae could partake of modern tech, then so could the Dragons.

  I made a mental note to request a visit to the mine, to see for myself what technology was used and how efficiently. I suspected that if we did end up agreeing to lease their land for mining, we might need to use more advanced machinery.

  Heading to the bathing room, I was pleasantly surprised to see functioning plumbing. And more than happy to see the gigantic bathtub that sat in the middle of the room.

  I couldn’t think of anything beyond just having a good soak for now. Business would come later.

  Chapter 38

  I was dressed and ready when Sienna knocked on the door and called out my name. Hurrying toward the door, I flung it open, frustrated and annoyed. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “It’s this damned hair,” I said, pointing at the mess.

  I’d washed it and had no way to dry it, or comb it, without a damned hairbrush. Naturally, I’d for
gotten it.

  “And these.” I stuck my bare feet out from underneath the skirt. “My boots won’t look good with the dress. Unless I want to start a new trend.”

  Sienna stared at the offending boots, and seemed to be considering my proposition. “We could provide you with shoes at short notice; our shoemakers are quite capable. But use your boots, and I will join you in that fashion statement. I will be right back.”

  And then she was gone, leaving me staring at the open door. I sat on the sofa to put the boots on. A few minutes later, after I’d managed to drag my fingers through my hair, Sienna returned, wearing a pair of gorgeous leather boots that looked like dragonskin. Which of course it wouldn’t be. Not here in the land of the dragons.

  I hid a smile as she handed me a brush and helped me tame my hair. She’d brought pins and styled it in a puffy bun arrangement that I wanted to comb out immediately. Except she wouldn’t let me.

  Ten minutes later Sienna and I made our way back to the Grand dining room, which had been transformed in the last few hours, as if for a wedding. More than a dozen six-foot vases spewed forth bouquets of flowers of every color imaginable. The enormous table was set with gold and obsidian place settings, and goblets and drinking glasses of glinting crystal. Half a dozen flower arrangements dotted the length of the table.

  At each corner of the room and along the walls, twelve footmen waited, ready to serve in severe black suits.

  Guests walked the room, mingling here and there, pairs and threes and fives. All looked up when Sienna and I entered. For a moment I wondered why I’d gained that much attention, but they weren’t looking at me. All eyes were on Sienna for some reason. Many adoring, and just as many admiring.

  Some glances were resentful, not so well-hidden behind the admiration.

  Sienna had enemies within the court, and I made a note of each and every face that bore a negative expression. Among them was the all too good-looking Andyr.

  He stood at the queen’s side, no more than an inch from her, his bearing that of a guard. Or a jailer. The man had a strong hold over her and I had to find out who he was and where he’d come from.