Hidden Heir

by Amy Patrick

  Ryann’s phone. She loved polka dots.

  I grabbed it, my pulse picking up speed and pounding in my ears. “This belongs to my wife. Where did you get it?”

  “Someone found it out here in the parking lot. We weren’t sure who it belonged to—it’s got a passcode on it, so we couldn’t open it up. We put it in the lost and found, thinking someone would come in and claim it, but nobody has. I thought it might belong to one of those girls y’all are looking for.”

  “Yes. Thank you. This is very helpful,” I said.

  “Great.” She smiled sweetly. “Good luck. I hope you find them soon.”

  Before she’d taken two steps back toward the terminal, I had the code typed in and was searching through the phone. I went to Ryann’s texts and saw the photograph she’d sent me. Following that was another un-sent text, also meant for me. It looked like she’d been cut off before finishing it.

  Ryann: Lad, I think something weird may be going on. Linnea’s not

  And that was it. Nothing after that. I held it up for Nox and Ava to see.

  “Linnea’s not what?” Ava asked.

  “Not who she claimed to be,” I said. “Or maybe not a Light Elf.” Those were the only words I could imagine coming next. Unless she was attempting to text not American.

  I should have given Laney more credit. She’d said she detected a hint of a foreign accent when she’d spoken to Linnea. I’d assumed she was mistaken because of what Elias told Nox. But now I wasn’t so sure.

  “I think she might be foreign,” I said.

  Nox said, “I was about to say the same thing. Laney said she thought Linnea had a foreign accent.”

  “Foreign?” Ava said. “Did Laney say what kind of accent? What country?”

  I bit down on the inside of my cheek, tasting blood and anger. At Linnea. At myself. “She wasn’t sure.”

  “It could be anywhere then,” Ava said.

  Instinct told me it was Italy. Could Linnea have been a double-agent, posing as a Light Elf, when she was actually from the Ancient Court and working for the Italian king?

  “I’ll go to Laney’s house,” Ava volunteered. “She and Culley are my close friends. She trusts me. I can use my glamour, help her remember everything Linnea said and how exactly she said it. Maybe together she and I can pinpoint the accent.”

  “Okay, we’ll drop you off,” I said, opening the car door and climbing in. “I want to get back to Altum and find out if Wes was able to get in touch with the Earth-wives. Without knowing where that plane went or what Linnea is up to, they might be our best hope now.”

  8

  Chapter Eight

  LAD

  When I got home Wes and Alessia weren’t there.

  Maybe they’d gone to the surface to use the phone, or maybe she and the tracker had already left for the international airport in Atlanta. Unfortunately, I had no location to give them, no clues as to where the tracker should start. But maybe Wes’s family could help with that.

  I went to my quarters to change out of my “human clothes.” Just as I was ready to leave, there was a knock at my door. Langnon was outside.

  Your Highness, one of your guests has asked to speak with you. Weston Rowan. He’s waiting in your office.

  Thank you. Maybe he’d heard back from his family already. I hurried through the corridors. Wes stood when I entered the office.

  “Lad—I have some information for you,” he said.

  “What is it? You spoke with your family in England.”

  Wes nodded. “I did, actually.”

  “And they are willing to help?”

  He grimaced. “Unfortunately, my mum and grandmum turned me down flat. They said they don’t know much about the Light Court, but they’d be foolish to draw distinctions when it comes to Elven-kind.”

  My hopes sank yet again. “I see. Well, thank you for trying.”

  “That’s not what I wanted to tell you, though,” he said. “I have a sister, Olivia. She’s much younger than me, only fourteen. She’s, of course, had less practice than my mum and grandmum, and she’ll inevitably be less powerful—she’s still learning. But she said she’s willing to try to help.”

  My spirits lifted marginally. “Yes. That would be great. Anything she can do would be much appreciated.”

  “She’ll need to come here in order to do the spell,” he said. “Could Nox’s pilot take me to Bristol to retrieve her?”

  “Yes, absolutely. Bring her. She’ll be most welcome—as are you. I’ll have the guards removed from your quarters. I’m… sorry about that.”

  “I understand,” Wes said. “I can’t blame you after what’s happened. I’d be distrustful of anyone I didn’t know and basically mad at the world if someone took Alessia.”

  “Has she gone already?”

  “Yes. She and Stefano are on their way to Atlanta right now. They’re planning to stay at the airport, so they can board a flight at a moment’s notice.”

  “That’s excellent. I truly appreciate it. I’m looking forward to meeting your sister. When do you expect to return with her?”

  “As long as the pilot’s good to go, I’ll get her tonight and turn right back around after refueling. We should be back by tomorrow morning. Oh, and Olly and I won’t be staying here. Mum said she’d only allow her to visit me if I swore never to leave her side and only if she spent the night somewhere other than Altum. Mum’s still a bit hinky after that whole fan pod thing. Asher offered the guest house at his granddad’s farm. It’s apparently well-protected against Dark Elves.”

  I shook his hand. “Understandable. Have a safe flight. And thank you.”

  I spent another night sleeping fitfully, rising early to go to the surface and check in with Estelle. She answered after one ring.

  “Lad? Hi. How are you? Any word on Ryann?”

  Her words were like a gut punch. “No. I assume that means you didn’t learn anything of consequence?”

  “Unfortunately, no. I spoke with my father. He seemed to genuinely have no idea about what happened. And when I checked with my other contacts in the Ancient Court, they backed him up. No one has seen or heard anything—not even in Italy. Either they had nothing to do with her kidnapping or they’re hiding it really well.”

  “I see. Thank you. Thank you for trying.”

  “I’ll keep trying. I’ve put in a call to Nic and Macy. Maybe there’s something the Nymphs can do… if they’re willing to get involved.”

  “Yes, well, I won’t hold my breath for that. Thank you, Estelle. Be well.”

  My footsteps dragged as I went back down the entry ramp and made my way to the palace. Whenever I encountered my subjects on the path, they offered somber greetings and well-wishes. It would take much more than wishes to get Ryann back. But what more could I do? I’d opened up my home to Dark Elves, even a young witch, who was expected to arrive at any time now with her brother.

  Reaching the royal residence, I learned they were on their way here from the airport. I attempted to take care of some urgent business Rikard informed me of, but it wasn’t easy to concentrate. Nothing outside of Ryann’s safety and well-being interested me. It all seemed so inconsequential.

  The instant I got word Wes and his sister had arrived and were waiting in the receiving room, I hurried to greet them.

  “You made good time.” I stepped toward Wes, hand extended, feeling slightly out of breath.

  He shook it. “Sure did. When you Elven people travel, you don’t mess around. I’ve never heard of a flight being planned and cleared for takeoff that quickly before.”

  “Sway does have its advantages.”

  I turned my attention to the young girl watching us shyly. While her brother was visibly fatigued from the trip, she looked fresh and eager to get started. The benefits of youth.

  “Olivia, it’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for coming.”

  She bobbed a quick curtsy and then shook my hand, smiling. “You can call me Olly. Everyone does. I’ve never me
t a king before. I know Nic, but he’s only a prince. And Macy’s a princess.”

  She cocked her head to the side and shot a cheeky grin at her brother. “So is my brother’s new wife, but I haven’t made up my mind about her yet.”

  Wes ruffled the hair on the top of his little sister’s head. “Who are you trying to kid? You and Alessia are BFFs.”

  I grinned at her. “All you’re lacking to complete your list is a queen. And I’m really hoping you’ll be the key to bringing her back home.”

  Her impish expression sobered. “I hope so, too. I’ve never tried to work any magic on my own. But I thought something would be better than nothing, you know? I’m sorry my mum and grandmum weren’t willing to help. They have a hard time letting go of the old notions about our races.”

  “I understand. I’m grateful you’re willing. I’m grateful for whatever you can do. Just tell me what you need to start.”

  “I’ve seen it done a few times. I need something of hers, like maybe a hairbrush? And a big bowl, either metallic or stone.”

  She held up her carry-on bag. “I brought the herbs and oils and things with me from home. It’s very important to have the right materials, you know, along with the knowledge of what to do with them.”

  I gestured for them to follow me from the office. “Come with me. I’ll take you to our quarters. You can gather whatever you need from Ryann’s possessions there.”

  Once in our quarters, Olly set to work. On a table in the center of the room she set up two candles, one white, one black. She withdrew some stones from her bag and placed them on the table. Then, dividing the tabletop into four quadrants, she placed a vial of oil, some incense, a candle, and a chalice filled with water in the respective areas.

  On each side she sprinkled some sea salt. Then she withdrew a very small, double-edged knife from her bag and held it as she faced north, then east, then south, then west, saying a few words each time she turned.

  A large copper bowl borrowed from the saol water processing room centered the table. As she’d asked, it was filled with smoldering charcoal. Olly placed a variety of flower petals and herbs and seeds into it. She added several strands of hair from Ryann’s hairbrush along with drops of oil from three vials. A sweet, smoky scent filled the room.

  The dried herbs and flower petals curled, turning brown then black as smoke rose from the bowl. Olly closed her eyes and continued to speak quietly, intensely focused, in her own world.

  “Is it working?” I whispered to Wes.

  His brows lowered as he watched his little sister chant. “I’m not sure. The males in the family aren’t usually even allowed to watch the Earth-wives at work. It’s my first time.”

  When all the smoke had dissipated, Olly opened her eyes. They were glistening with tears.

  “I’m so sorry. I did everything the other Earth-wives did. I did it all right. But nothing is happening. I don’t know where she is.”

  She dropped her head, burying her face in her hands. Wes went to her and caressed her back. “It’s okay, cookie. You did your best.”

  I echoed his sentiment, though my throat and chest ached with fresh despair. “No one blames you. You tried. That’s all anyone can do.”

  Olly looked up at her brother, tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Why didn’t it work? Why can’t I do the magic? I’m an Earth-wife. Mum and grandmum are so strong. They said it’s genetic. I’m old enough that I should have some powers now at least.”

  “Maybe this spell needs more than one Earth-wife. Maybe you need the sisterhood,” he suggested, obviously feeling helpless to explain and comfort his distraught young sister.

  “No—I’ve seen it done with only one. And location spells are simple. The other girls my age can do all sorts of things. I’ve never done anything on my own.”

  She wrung her hands together. “Maybe something’s wrong with me. I can tell Mum is worried. Maybe I didn’t get the power.”

  “Of course you did,” Wes said. “You’re a Rowan. It’ll happen when the time is right. We all have our own gifts—you’ll find yours, I promise.”

  Olly gave him a doubtful look. Then she looked at me, the tears starting again. “I’m so sorry. I wanted to help. I will pray for your wife—and for your little baby.”

  My throat closed. All I could do was nod and force the corners of my mouth up into what I hoped was an expression of appreciation.

  That was it. I was out of ideas. Everyone who’d tried to help find Ryann had failed. We had no idea who Linnea was, where she was from, or why she would want to take my pregnant wife.

  I left the room before I could lose my composure and stalked down the corridor to my office. Nox was waiting there. He got up and came to me as soon as he saw my face.

  “What happened? Bad news from Teen Witch?”

  I shook my head. “No. No news at all. Her spell failed. She tried but couldn’t do it. I don’t know what to do. I’m not going to give up, but I literally don’t know where to turn next.”

  He embraced me in a brief hug. “Of course you’re not giving up. None of us are. Because we’re going to find her. Just tell me what you want me to do next, and I’ll do it. Anything.”

  I stared into his sincere eyes. “I want you to take over Altum.”

  “What?”

  “Just for a while. I can’t think, much less rule effectively right now. You know everyone here. You have their respect.”

  “What will you do?”

  “I’m not sure. I’m considering…”

  I hesitated to say it out loud because I knew how crazy it would sound. But if anyone would understand, it was Nox.

  “I’m thinking of flying to every state in the country and driving the highways, calling to her and listening for her. And then if that turns up nothing, flying to Europe and going to every country.”

  His look of compassion made me turn away.

  “Lad… I know you’re desperate, that you want to do something. But you can’t do that. It would literally take years. And she could give birth at any time.”

  “I know. I know you’re right. But what else can I do?”

  I punched my leather desk chair, knocking it backward onto the stone floor. My hands went to my hair then laced tightly behind my head.

  “I’m terrified. I was supposed to protect Ryann and our child. My life is nothing without them. I’d do anything to get them back.”

  “Anything?” Nox said.

  His tone made me look up. A strange light was in his eyes. I didn’t like it.

  “Of course. Anything.”

  “I was thinking—we need a brainstorming session. You know, call together all of our allies, everyone who’s willing to come. We need to get everyone into one room, come up with some fresh strategies.”

  “Yes, sure. We can do that,” I said, liking the idea and wondering why I hadn’t thought of it myself. “The sooner the better.”

  “You sure? I mean about having all of them here in Altum?”

  “I already said ‘Yes.’ What are you getting at?”

  “I’m just making sure before I put out the call. I mean, if it was me, and it was Vancia who was missing with our unborn child… I’d want all the help I could get. I’d take it from anyone who was willing to give it.”

  “I have. I did. I’m doing that—following your advice.”

  He paused a second more before speaking. “I got a call from Culley last night.”

  “Oh.”

  “Yeah. Apparently, Laney told him everything. She told him when she was working with Ava they might have pinpointed the accent, said it sounded a bit… Australian. He’s back in town, offering to look into it. He said Ava had already passed that information on to you, but you haven’t called him yet.”

  “That’s true,” I confessed.

  “So that just leaves one question.”

  “Which is?”

  “What the hell are you waiting for?”

  9

  Chapter Nine

&
nbsp; LAD

  That night the palace was teeming with visitors.

  We’d turned the large formal dining room into a makeshift conference room. Around the long table sat Nox, Vancia, Ava, Asher, Ryann’s grandmother and great-grandparents, and a host of other Light Elves who’d responded to the call for assistance.

  Even her mother and father were there. As he had at our wedding, Michael Carroll looked a little shell-shocked surrounded by the tall, otherworldly looking Elves.

  Wes and Olly had gone to Asher’s family farm to spend the night. Alessia and Stefano had made it to Hartsfield International airport in Atlanta and were awaiting instructions.

  Langnon stepped into the doorway, drawing my attention. He’s here, Your Highness. Shall I escort him in?

  Thank you, no. I’ll go to him.

  “Be right back, everyone,” I said to the gathering of friends and allies before hurrying toward the palace entrance.

  Culley Rune waited just inside the large double doors. He was flanked by two of my largest, most intimidating guards. Each of them held one of his arms. As always, I was shocked by his resemblance to Nox. Tall, broad-shouldered, and raven-haired, he was the best-looking male Elf I’d ever seen—his rare glamour at work.

  When he saw me coming, he smirked. “I see the Light Court’s hospitality remains spot on.”

  “Yes. Sorry about that. I promise it wasn’t on purpose.”

  I dismissed the hulking guards and gestured for him to walk with me. “Those two just happened to be on duty tonight. Thank you for coming.”

  “Thanks for the invitation. It’s been a while.”

  “It has. Congratulations on your wedding, by the way. I heard it was a nice event. And Laney is a great girl.”

  He nodded. “Thank you. She is. I’ve never been happier. I’m very sorry about your wife, by the way. You must be out of your mind with worry.”

  There was no point in denying it, and I appreciated him getting right to business. “I am. I’m hoping tonight’s meeting might lead to a solution. Everyone’s gathered in the dining room. You’ve probably met many of them.”