“You think she murdered her father?” Epi questioned. “Do you have any proof?”
Goren shook his head. “Unfortunately not.”
“So we only have your word for it?” Conal growled.
Goren's eyes flashed with anger, but when he saw who'd spoken he quickly regained his composure. “Ah, the werewolf who protects Nememiah's Child so fiercely. Your name, werewolf?”
“Conal Tremaine.”
Goren nodded thoughtfully. “A pureblood werewolf.” He paused, considering his next words carefully. “Why would you join this war when your pureblood status renders you acceptable to the Drâghici?”
“For every pureblood in my pack, there's another one who has mixed blood. We've joined this war to protect everyone,” Conal replied evenly.
Goren nodded, apparently satisfied with this answer. “For the moment, yes, you only have our word as to Aethelwine's guilt.”
“I'm assuming your offer to provide assistance hinges upon your wife regaining the throne?” Bhekimuzi questioned. He was leaning forward in his seat, his arms crossed as he watched Goren with interest.
“That is correct,” Goren agreed. “Arasinya has been watching the development of this war you fight with the Drâghici. She is in agreement with your cause and intended to offer assistance if our coup had been successful.
“And again, we only have your word for that,” William said.
Goren sighed, glancing at me. “It is true; I have no proof to offer you. Only my word.”
I sought out Matt, he was seated beside Conal and had been listening to the discussion intently. “What do you think, Matt?”
He frowned, tapping a rhythmic pattern on the table with his fingers. “The Drâghici are negotiating with someone for this prisoner exchange, I'm assuming it isn't Aethelwine?”
Goren glanced between us, raising his eyebrows. “You have indeed collected a remarkable group around you, little one. May I question why this human is involved in a supernatural war?”
I smiled warmly at Matt and he winked at me. “That human is my father.”
Goren's eyebrows rose even higher. “Ah, now I understand.” He met Matt's gaze. “The Drâghici believe they are negotiating with a… how would you say it? A diplomat, I believe, who is negotiating on the Queen's behalf. They are unaware that the negotiations are being conducted with one of my most trusted men, a member of the Queen's inner council. He is, of course, passing information to us.”
Matt considered Goren's response for a few seconds, his fingers still tapping. “Aethelwine doesn't know her sister was kidnapped.” It wasn't a question.
“That is correct. When Arasinya was taken, the Drâghici gave their terms, which were, fortunately, intercepted by our ally. The Drâghici will only return Arasinya if the Fae unite with them in this war against you. Obviously we could not allow that intelligence to reach Aethelwine's Court.” He grimaced, glancing around the table. “Aethelwine has no tolerance for other supernatural entities. Whilst she loathes the vampires as much as anyone, I don't doubt she would join with the Drâghici if she thought it would result in the annihilation of you all.”
“So in turn you kidnapped Archangelo,” Epi surmised.
“Yes. We hoped to arrange a straight swap as swiftly as possible, to circumvent any chance of Aethelwine catching wind of the kidnapping.”
Nat Finton spoke up, his calm brown eyes appraising Goren. “Why didn't you tell us this in the first place?”
I watched Goren with interest, wanting to hear the answer to this question myself. Goren returned my gaze evenly. “The Fae are secretive. We do not reveal ourselves easily, nor do we mix with others as a general rule. It has always been this way in the past, as Epi can confirm. Our blood is not mixed with the demons, as the other supernatural have been. Hence why we can enter Zaen – there is no demon blood to keep us out.” His jaw tensed, the muscle in his neck visible. “For most of her life, Arasinya has believed there is no need for us to be so secretive. Perhaps her mixed blood made her more receptive to integrating with others. When we heard of the resurgence of the Children of the Angels – after a thousand years or more – Arasinya believed it was a prophetic omen. For five years we have had no opportunity to remove Aethelwine, for we had no proof that Kheelan's death was murder, or that Aethelwine destroyed the Declaration of Succession.”
“Okay, whilst this is a fabulously entertaining story – I still don't get what your ultimate plan was,” I stated bluntly.
Goren's lips curled up into a smile as he sought out Epi. “Is she always this direct?”
Epi rolled his eyes. “Always. Of course, since her visit to the bathroom, she has a fearless sigil providing assistance in that regard.”
Goren's smile widened. “That explains much, old friend.” He turned back to me, his violet eyes softening as he studied my face. “I never thought to see the return of Nememiah's Children in my lifetime. And the little one seems in no need of a fearless sigil - she has the courage of an Elven warrior without it.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “I'm not that brave.”
Goren shook his head in dismissal. “I saw you fight Archangelo that day, little one. I was also at the receiving end of some of your anger, I recall. It seems you underestimate your own abilities.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, wondering if he was attempting to avoid the question, or was truly genuine in his praise. “Getting back to the point? What was the plan, Goren?”
There was a twinkle in his eye when he answered. “Before Arasinya's kidnapping, we had been watching your progress.” Seeing my raised eyebrows, he continued. “The Fae keep watch over the human world, even though we spend little time in it. We were aware of you and the progress of your abilities and we knew the Drâghici had created Archangelo. We know of your gift in seeking help from the spirits of the dead, your capacity to speak with them. Arasinya believed you could aid us in removing Aethelwine from the throne. Our intention was to approach you and offer our assistance if you would help Arasinya to regain her rightful place as Queen.”
“How exactly was I going to do that?” I asked curtly, my eyes narrowing.
“Arasinya intended to gain your trust by allowing you to contact Kheelan's spirit, to have him confirm what I have told you.”
I shook my head in denial. “While that sounds like a brilliant scheme, it won't work. I can't read your ancestors.”
Goren's lips drew into a tiny smile, suggesting he knew something I didn't. “You can't read our ancestral spirits, little one, because we do not allow you to do so. It is possible to do so.”
I frowned, not certain I believed him. “Then what?”
“Arasinya hoped you would travel to the Realm with us, confirm to all the Fae that Arasinya is rightful Queen.”
“Why would they accept Charlotte's word?” Conal demanded.
“Because she would bring Kheelan back corporeally, have him talk to the Fae.”
I found myself shaking my head for the second time in as many minutes. “I can't do that. I'm the only one who can see the spirits.” I sought out Epi's confirmation and was stunned when he disagreed.
“You have the ability to do it, Charlotte. All Nememiah's Children have been able to do so in the past. You just haven't reached that level of capability yet.”
“But she is close?” Goren questioned eagerly.
Epi nodded. “I believe so.”
Goren turned to face me. “Of course, Arasinya was kidnapped, so our plan was ruined before it began.”
“And you kidnapped Archangelo in retaliation,” I prompted. “So what's your Plan B?”
Goren seemed puzzled. “Plan B? I don't understand this terminology.”
I sighed impatiently. “Plan A was the one when you were using me to get Arasinya back on the throne. Plan B is the one that follows you kidnapping Archangelo and discovering the Drâghici won't give your wife back anyway.”
Goren nodded. “I see. Our Plan B, as you put it, is somewhat more co
mplex but still relies heavily on your assistance, I'm afraid.” He glanced around the room. “I know I have given you no reason to believe us and I apologize for the many errors I have made in my approach. I can assure you all that your chances of winning against the Drâghici, should Aethelwine join them, are negligible. I'm sure many of you have heard of our fighting ability.”
General murmurings of agreement rumbled across the table before Goren continued. “It is imperative that we retrieve Arasinya from imprisonment. We have no idea where the Drâghici are keeping her and need your assistance to retrieve her safely. We request the aid of Nememiah's Child to return Arasinya to her rightful position as Queen of the Fae.” He turned back to me, his expression sincere. “If we can secure Arasinya's release and return her to her rightful position, I give my word that we will join you in fighting the war against the Drâghici.”
Chapter 28: Bedfellows
“Charlotte, you can't go back to Sfantu Drâghici,” Mom announced firmly. She was sitting on the corner of the bed, her cross-legged posture matching mine.
“It's far too dangerous. If the Drâghici discover your presence, they would capture you immediately. God only knows what they would do to you and your baby,” Lyell Tremaine added. He was leaning up against the wall, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
“There must be another way,” Lucas said. “It would be suicidal for you to walk into Sfantu Drâghici.” Lucas was standing by the window, staring out onto the street below. “I also have grave doubts about you entering the Fae Realm. Whilst I believe Goren has told the truth, attempting to overthrow Aethelwine is risky at best.”
“You're positive Arasinya's being held in Sfantu Drâghici?” I'd been sitting here for over an hour, discussing Goren's proposal with the spirits, trying to find a viable solution.
“Yes, she's there,” Lucas confirmed. He turned away from the window, his eyes filled with worry as he gazed down at me. “Being held in the cells we were imprisoned in.”
I met Lucas's eyes for just a second, then quickly lowered my gaze. When I'd requested the spirits help, I'd included Lucas, despite the pain in my heart when I saw him. The situation was urgent and his advice necessary to make an informed decision. The meeting with the Fae had ended earlier this afternoon with the quorum agreeing to consider Goren's request – we were reconvening in the morning. Goren and his men were staying overnight in one of the empty cottages and would meet with us again to hear the verdict. That was the easy part – the hardest part was making the right decision. Hence my late night debates, trying to find a solution to the problem.
“Goren says it's harmful for Arasinya to be held inside for so long. Is that true?”
Lucas and Lyell both nodded. “As I explained, Charlotte, the Fae cannot lie. Goren is right. The Fae are very much attuned to nature – the sun, the sky, the moon, the stars. Without them, the Fae begin to sicken. Arasinya will already be feeling the effects, it's more than a fortnight since she was abducted.”
“So we need to do something soon.”
Phelan was on the bed beside me, lounging on his back with his arms behind his head. “Yeah, but it has to be the right something. Your baby has to take top priority here, Lott. You can't do anything dangerous.”
I smiled weakly. “Phelan, have you been seeing my life lately? It seems to be one big dangerous situation.”
“Yes, but there's a big difference between the risks you must take and the risks you choose to take,” Mom pointed out.
I sighed, crossing my legs at the ankle and rubbing a weary hand over my face. “I'm not sure this doesn't fall into the former. If the Fae help the Drâghici…”
“I agree, Charlotte," Lucas said. “We must find a way to help the Fae retrieve Arasinya and reclaim the throne. However, it's imperative that a way is found which doesn't require your involvement. I am strongly opposed to you travelling to Sfantu Drâghici.”
“We're all in agreement on this. You must not travel to Romania,” Lyell agreed.
“So what do you suggest?” I asked, raising my hands in frustration.
Lucas frowned, scrubbing his fingers through his hair. “The best option would be to choose a team to go to Romania, including the Fae. They will have to fight their way in and out, but I can see no other options. Ben and the others will be able to pinpoint where Arasinya is being held in the castle.”
“I'm not sending any of the Tines,” I stated decisively.
“Charlotte, sweetheart, you can't protect everyone constantly,” Mom reminded me gently.
“Lucas, you know what they did to you!” I exclaimed angrily. “What do you think would happen if they got hold of Ben or the others again?”
I heard a quiet knock and Conal pushed open the door, his tousled head appearing in the doorway. “I thought you were going to sleep?” he questioned huskily.
I sighed heavily and released the spirits. Conal stepped into the room, his dark eyes concerned. He sat on the edge of the bed and took my hand in his. “What did the spirits have to say?”
“They're telling me I can't go to Sfantu Drâghici.”
Conal raised an eyebrow. “I agree with them.”
I rolled my eyes in annoyance. “Conal, there might be no choice.”
“There's always a choice, Sugar. We just have to find it, that's all.” He squeezed my fingers and stood up. “I'm heading home.”
He tried to move, but I clung onto his fingers. I swallowed heavily. “Stay.”
For a moment he gazed at me questioningly. “You sure about that?”
I smiled weakly. “Yes.” He looked skeptical and I frowned. “No… I'm not sure.”
“Then I should go.”
“Please, Conal… don't.” I patted the mattress. “Despite my protests, Rowena went to the trouble of getting a bigger bed. We can hardly let it go to waste.”
“Charlotte, don't feel pressured…” Conal began, but I interrupted him.
“Stay. Please. I need you.”
Conal smiled. “I'll be back in a couple of minutes, I need to grab some stuff if I'm staying.” He strode towards the door, pausing to turn back in the doorway. “You certain, Sugar?”
I licked my suddenly dry lips. “For tonight.”
Conal considered my response for a few seconds. “Alright. For tonight.” He grinned. “I'll take what I can get.” He slipped out the door before I could respond.
I clambered off the bed and drew back the covers, crawling between the sheets. Laying back against the pillows, I struggled with a rush of nerves at the idea of Conal spending the night. Was I really ready for this? Was it a stupid idea? I'd told him he couldn't stay, but at the eleventh hour, I'd changed my mind. The thought of sharing the bed, having his arms around me was so very appealing.
It seemed only seconds passed before Conal reappeared in the doorway, shutting the door softly behind him. He'd changed into pajama pants and dumped the pile of clothes he carried onto the floor, along with a duffel bag.
“That was fast.”
“Seems Rowena's been busy today. When I went downstairs and told them the plan, Rowena handed me the bag. She'd already been over to my place and packed for me.”
I stifled a giggle and we stared at each other for a long moment. Conal remained at the end of the bed indecisively. “This seems kind of strange,” he admitted huskily.
My eyes were drawn to his chest and a pleasant whirl of butterflies flitted through my stomach. “Come to bed. We'll figure it out.”
Conal's lips curled into a smile and he strode around the bed, slipping underneath the covers beside me. He turned on his side to face me. “You have no idea how many times I've dreamed of this,” he admitted.
I slid across and Conal wrapped his arms around me, kissing my cheek softly. “Did the spirits give you any good advice about how we should deal with the Arasinya situation?”
I inhaled sharply. “They seem to be in agreement that we have to help. They're pretty adamant that I can't travel to Sfantu Drâghici or to
wherever the Fae live.”
Conal traced his fingertips across my spine, his touch feather-light. “They're right. It's too dangerous with the baby on the way.”
“I don't know what else we can do. There might be a chance with Sfantu Drâghici, if we can work out a plan, although I still think I should go. I don't think there's an option with the Arasinya and Aethelwine situation – I have to go.”
The muscle in Conal's jaw tensed. “I still don't trust them completely.”
I smiled at him. “Conal, you're thinking from a werewolf point of view. The spirits insist Goren is telling the truth now.”
Conal grinned, brushing a tender kiss across my lips. “It's hard to think in anything but a werewolf point of view, Charlotte. I'm a werewolf.”
I giggled. “Well, you told a vampire you loved her this morning. So I guess that's progress in inter-species relationships.” It was a surprise to discover we were rapidly settling into our old ways and it gave me a sense of deep comfort, having Conal here with me, discussing our problems and looking for solutions together.
Conal rolled onto his back, adjusting our positions so I lay against his shoulder. “I do love Marianne. Hell, I really like all the Tines.”
“That's good to know,” I agreed, “because they're like family to me and I love them.” I ran my fingers over one of the scars on Conal's chest, tracing the mark left from the knife attack. “I hate that he did this to you.”
Conal glanced at the scars that marked his chest and abdomen. “Why did you tell him you were pregnant?” he questioned in a low voice.
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