“Perhaps the birds were not a threat at all, but instead, dear, a scapegoat. A means of controlling the land and the beings within its borders…”
“Siren?” Asher’s worried voice ends the memory of our conversation.
I blink a few times and realize I’m actually on the floor. I look around, confused.
“Your knees buckled. You almost passed out,” he clarifies. “Siren?”
My eyes meet his and it all hits me at once. Sharp memories run through my mind, like a movie of the last few months. They piece together an explanation. I stand, ignoring Asher’s concerned expression and face the court, straightening my spine.
“I know who is responsible for this.”
16 Deceit
THE SILENCE FOLLOWING MY DECLARATION is uncomfortable. Instead of fear at what I’m about to reveal, I feel angry. I’ve been deceived. Along with the protectors, this court, and the priestesses who were used as pawns in this ridiculous war.
Valentin has lost his cool confidence and looks deadly serious now. “We’re waiting, daughter of Heaven.” The vampire stares at me. “For your theory,” he continues.
I clear my dry throat. “Perhaps the owl was not seen a threat, but instead a means of controlling the priestesses,” I say, barely above a whisper.
Lunette nods for me to continue and my eyes fill with water. “The murders knew of Arabella’s fondness for Krea and used that love against her.” I exhale before allowing my instincts to help me recount the priestesses’ final moments. “Those responsible compelled the seers into the temple with the threat of harm to the bird then forced Arabella to release the shadow warriors so they wouldn’t hear the attack.”
“Why do you assume they used her companion of many years?” Lucian questions.
“We found Krea outside the temple, not inside with Arabella. The white owl was killed after the priestesses.” I blink. “As the murderers where leaving the realm.”
“How do you figure, love?” Gage asks.
“The owl’s feet were facing the entrance. If they killed the bird before entering, her head would have been facing the step,” I conclude.
“Bravo.” Sorceress Lunette mouths to me in a proud expression.
“An interesting theory, daughter of Heaven,” Lucian says before looking at Lunette.
Her eyes widen under the werewolf’s attention and she shrugs as if it’s the first time she’s heard what I’m saying. “Indeed.” She over acts. I roll my eyes internally at her dramatics.
“The Eternal Forest is a impartial realm, accessed by invitation only. Both the army and owl were highly trained to attack threats and unknowns,” Stephan points out in a gentle tone.
“What he’s saying, Eve, is that in order to get past the warriors this violator would have had to be welcome and familiar so the owl would have willingly gone to them,” Leo adds.
“I believe Lady Finella was very welcome. Not only as a longtime friend of Arabella, but as an ally of the realm.” I slide my gaze to the sprite. “Would you agree, Ainsley?”
I watch the faces of the council hang on my every word and then morph into shock at my statement. A long, pregnant pause ensues and no one speaks or moves.
“Siren, that’s a bold accusation to make against the queen of a supernatural realm,” Asher says, moving closer to me.
“What is your take on this accusation, Duchess?” Valentin finally asks in a stern tone.
“I’m trying to decipher her truth from lies,” Ainsley says, completely composed.
“There is only truth, no lies,” McKenna bites out at the fairy, stepping to my side.
I try to hide my shock at her defense. “Explain further, dear,” Lunette encourages.
“Asher, what is the proper etiquette for an audience request?” I inquire.
His expression falters. “A day’s notice, perhaps more. Never unannounced.”
“Would someone as well-respected and close to Arabella, as Lady Finella was, be granted an invitation into the realm on a moment’s notice?” I prod.
“Perhaps,” Asher responds.
“Would the realm’s knowledge of their friendship allow for her to bypass the shadow warriors’ defense?” I continue.
“It’s possible.” Lucian nods. “Though if that were the case I would assume the seers would have foreseen the attack.”
“The priestesses can see into the present, future, and past, but can’t see free will or immediate choice. The queen’s actions that day were not premeditated. They were most likely decided within moments of the realm’s fall,” I point out.
“How do you know?” Lucian questions with genuine intrigue.
I focus on the panel in front of me. “I was supposed to meet her for tea,” I respond. “I had let Ainsley know mere moments before entering the fae realm, that the clan was called to a meeting, and asked that she let her grace know. When I arrived, Lady Finella was not there.”
The Duchess of Sprites scowls at me. “Liar.”
Taken aback, I step toward her and drop my tone. “You told her that I would be alone. That the protectors were at a council meeting and you would cover for her. Which you did.”
“Even if what you are saying is true, Eves, there is no way one fairy could kill seven priestesses on her own,” Abby says softly. “And so violently.”
“She wasn’t alone.” I meet Keegan’s eyes before turning back to the court. “Where you find our traitor, I guarantee yours will be hiding. Ours designed, created, and executed the plan with Lady Finella’s last minute assistance.”
Allowing everyone time to consider what I’m saying, I chance a look at McKenna. She’s in warrior mode and for the briefest of moments, I think I see a small smirk but it’s gone by the time I blink.
By the expressions on everyone’s faces, I can tell they’re all having a difficult time believing me, including Asher. I turn to him, taking his hand in mine, “I’ve got this.”
“What makes you think our traitor is an accomplice, siren?” Asher murmurs.
“Aside from the priestesses throat’s being slit, Arabella couldn’t read you without me.”
He shakes his head slowly. “I’m not following.”
“When we first realm jumped to the Eternal Forest, she asked to read us together. The seers can’t read gargoyles. You don’t have souls, which means, there is no aura to read.”
It dawns on him as he repeats what Arabella said to us. “I wish to read both you and your protector. It’s of great importance I read you at the same time due to the bond.”
“She read you for confirmation of what she saw when she originally read me, because your fate is connected to mine, your soul, to mine,” I state.
“How does that prove the traitor is a conspirator, love?” Gage questions.
I keep my focus on Asher. “Our traitor is a gargoyle. Callan detected gargoyle essence at the temple. The priestesses didn’t see the attack, because they couldn’t foresee the protector.”
“Daughter of Heaven, you’re making accusations of instincts,” Valentin points out.
“All due respect, Arabella told me to trust my instincts. She knew the realm would fall, Ash. She just didn’t see how. After reading me, she saw my future and knew I would discover the truth. It’s why she told me my future is not what is being presented to you as truth. Meaning, she was lying to me about what she saw in the reading that day. It was a warning.”
Asher rubs his hands over his face before lacing them behind his head. “Why didn’t she just tell you what she saw, siren?”
“Seers can’t interfere with the course of fate. If she told Eve what she really saw that day, Eve’s path would have changed,” Leo interjects.
“It’s also why the priestesses couldn’t establish who the traitors were. They’re gargoyles. It wasn’t black magic like everyone thought that prevented the seers from discovering their identities. Arabella said she was positive the dark spirit is the reason for the blockage. She knew it was a gargoyle, one with darkne
ss in them,” I continue. “But she couldn’t tell us.”
“The sorceresses failed to discover the source of the dark magic because there was no source, dears,” Lunette adds.
“Exactly,” I respond, grateful she stepped in.
“The last time you were in Arabella’s presence was here, siren. She told you that in the end, all will be as it should be.” Asher’s voice is quiet. “She was warning and thanking you.”
“She knew it would be the last time we saw one another, Ash,” I choke out.
“All you needed was a little magic, dear.” My eyes meet Lunette’s tear filled ones.
“It wasn’t Lucifer and the dark army who sent that poser the day in the park. It was Lady Finella and Morgana, at the direction of our traitor,” Asher concludes and looks to Keegan.
“Holy shit,” Callan admonishes. “Pardon, your graces,” he apologizes quickly.
All eyes turn to Ainsley. “Where is she, Duchess?” Lucian bellows.
“You stupid human girl. My queen befriended you. Offered you guidance. Safe haven. Her grace protected you when you needed it and provided assistance at your request. THIS!” she yells. “Is how you repay my sister?” Damn. I knew it. I knew they looked alike.
McKenna steps in front of me. “That’s enough, fairy.”
“Where is she?” Lucian questions again.
Ainsley closes her mouth and goes completely motionless, refusing to say anything.
“Lunette,” Valentin says in a bored tone.
A few words in Latin and poof, the duchess of sprites turns into a butterfly.
“Seriously, witch?” McKenna throws out.
“Where do you think all the lavender monarchs in my realm come from, dear?” Lunette’s eyes glitter with mischief.
Stephan manifests a butterfly net and container. “In you go, sprite,” he jokes, catching the fairy-turned-butterfly, placing her into the container for the sorceress.
“Thank you, handsome.” Lunette winks in an attempt to be seductive. And she’s back.
“It would seem all of our realms and councils are full of deceit these days,” Lucian intercedes. “We trust that you will find your traitor, dark prince, because where you find your conspirator, you will find ours,” he states pointedly.
***
I follow the path all the way through the white birch trees toward my island of tranquility and peace. After our recent meeting with the royal council, I need an escape. The gardens are in full bloom and my mood lifts at the abundance of natural beauty, lit brightly by the sun’s warm rays.
My hands skim the tops of the wildflowers as I make my way through the serene refuge to the bench sitting under the lush and beautiful cherry blossom tree. Its pink flowers adorn its branches and the dirt floor that lies beneath the stunning piece of nature.
I smile at the sight of the striking gargoyle sitting on the white marble stone. He’s holding a paper cup in one hand and a book in the other.
“Mind if I join you?” I ask.
Indigo eyes lift and meet mine, sparkling with happiness to see me.
“I’d fucking mind if you didn’t, siren.” Asher closes his book and motions to the spot next to him before handing me the cup.
I sit and gratefully take a sip from the container. “Your constant use of the F word is horrible.” I hand the cup back to him. “Appalling really, for a future king,” I tease.
He takes a sip and offers me his sexy smirk. “Apologies, daughter of Heaven, I was under the impression you liked the way I throw around fucks.”
I snag the cup back and take off the plastic top, then swirl the tiny marshmallows around the last bit of the dark chocolate liquid. Attempting to hide my blush.
The back of Asher’s hand brushes over the pink. “I fucking love it when you blush.”
“It’s a little warm for hot cocoa, don’t you think?” I ask, bumping his shoulder with mine.
“It’s never the wrong time for something sweet, siren,” Asher replies cockily.
I clear my throat, needing a topic change before I crawl onto his lap and attach myself to his lips, permanently.
“How is Fiona’s daughter?” I inquire.
Asher sits back, placing his novel on the bench before lacing his fingers behind his head.
“Galena’s still in her healing slumber. Through the link, Fiona thinks she’ll wake soon.”
“That’s good.” I take a final sip of the liquid.
“Yeah,” he answers with a sigh. “Hopefully, when she does, we’ll get some answers.”
I place the empty container next to me before returning my focus to Asher who is staring at me. “What?”
“You have something right here.” He brushes my lips with his thumb before placing it into his mouth and sucking off the chocolate. Good lord the boy is sexy.
“Thanks,” I whisper shakily.
“My pleasure, siren.” He winks and returns to his side of the bench.
“I can’t believe they’re all gone,” I say numbly about the priestesses.
“Things are about to get far worse before they get better,” he replies unenthusiastically.
“Everything I thought to be true is crumbling around me,” I respond. “Again.”
“My world is a dark place, siren. One where trust is a mirage,” he says in an even tone.
I hold his sad eyes. “Then how do you know what’s real and what’s not?”
He pauses, watching me. “You just do.”
“Things are beginning to change too fast, Ash. I can’t keep up.”
“All things change, siren.” He takes my hand in his. “It’s how we navigate the change that defines us. What you did with the royal court was brave.”
I shrug. “Brave or stupid?”
“Brave.” His tone is stern.
“Lunette pushed me along. Fed me information,” I trail off. “She was pretty insightful I might add, for being so eccentrically scatterbrained.”
The gargoyle’s deep, rich laughter bounces through the air, causing my pulse to spike.
“She is certainly an interesting creature, without doubt.” He takes my chin in his fingers. “As are you. We all need help, siren. There’s no disgrace in it, only courage in acceptance.”
“I’m going to miss realm jumping to the fae world,” I express sadly.
“I’m sorry. I know you and Finella were close.” His jaw ticks angrily with her name.
“I guess I failed to notice that our easy friendship was an illusion.”
“Sometimes we see what we want to, what we need to, to get us through our journey.”
We sit in silence, basking in the sounds and sights of nature and the warmth of the afternoon. I bask in the fresh air and twist to study Asher. He’s playing with a pink flower that has fallen from the tree’s limbs, above us.
“My mother loved these gardens.” He speaks softly.
“They’re beautifully tranquil,” I answer, matching his quietness.
“A few months ago, Keegan told me this story about her and this tree. How she used to read under it with my father watched her from his office window. I’d forgotten.” He trails off still playing with the pink petals. “She would have liked you a lot, siren.” Asher exhales.
I swallow the lump crawling up my throat. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” he says, placing the delicate flower on my palm.
“The darkness can be overwhelming. You’re my place of peace, my light. The way my mother was for my father.” The way he is speaking somehow gives his words more weight.
“What if I knew a secret, Asher?” I barely manage to say. “One that could destroy your world, and hurt the people you love, and have loved the most in your life?”
His intense eyes lift to mine and lock onto them. “Go on.”
I swallow. “What would you do if you found out that I’d chosen to keep something from you? A deceit designed to protect you until I receive confirmation of its validity?”
“Are you planning to run
or obtain this proof on your own, siren?” he growls.
“No.” I answer quickly, understanding his panic.
Asher’s nostrils flare, but his face is expressionless. “Are you saying you would put our love at risk, make that sacrifice, to protect me?”
“I am,” I reply without wavering.
Asher remains silent for what feels like an eternity while my hands begin to shake in fear.
“Then I’d say you’ve finally fucking earned me, siren.” He takes my hands in his and soothes the trembling by running his thumbs across my palms. “That’s why I choose you.”
“What?” I whisper shout in confusion.
Asher’s teeth rake over his bottom lip. “Regardless of whatever crazy notion you’ve concocted in that beautiful goddamn mind, there is only one thing that can, and will, devastate me, siren. Losing you,” he whispers. “Keep your secret, for now. But don’t run.”
After a moment, I knit my brows. “You’re not going to force me to tell you, or demand I stop whatever it is I’m doing?”
“Don’t misunderstand, me. I don’t like it. Not one fucking bit, but,” he exhales a harsh breath, “this is never going to go our way if we don’t start trusting one another. You came to me with this, and for that, I’m trusting in you. In us. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
My mouth parts slightly in surprise. “That’s…mature, pretty boy.”
“I’m trying, siren. I fucking am.”
My hand cups his cheek. “Thank you, Ash.”
Clap. Clap. Clap. “Bravo, dark prince.” I barely register the annoyingly jovial voice.
With a sense of déjà vu, I drop my gaze to the small, dwarf-like creature teetering on the ground at the tree line. The supernatural being places his hand on his armor, over his heart.
“Crap,” I moan.
“You two get me every single time.” The goblin pretends to wipe a tear from his brown eyes. “It’s just so romantic,” he says dramatically before narrowing his eyes and dropping his façade. “The brooding, alpha dark prince, with the manners of a monkey and the mouth of a truck driver. And the beautiful, yet lovably naïve, human imbecile.”
“What the hell do you want Godry?” Asher growls.
Revolution (The Revelation Series Book 4) Page 18