The Iron Altar Series Box Set One: Books 1 to 3

by Casey Lea

Come Full Crescent

  A Kresynt month (thirty-four days) later –Alliance 20

  Darsey sat on a window seat in the Arck's palace on Kresynt and watched the crowd below. The Grand Plaza was already full, while every balcony and garden was a riot of color. It seemed the entire planet had arrived to see their new ruler chosen. She pursed her lips and studied the packed streets and crowded sky. There would be no easy exit if Wing lost.

  Darsey glanced back toward the door of the suite, but there was no sign of her husband. Their lives had been hectic since he was invited to Kresynt as a potential arck, but this was no time for him to go missing again. The Ascension vote was only fifteen minutes away and their plan was missing a vital player.

  Darsey sighed and looked back down on the city. She had no idea how Wing remained on his feet. Whatever time he'd been coming to bed recently it had been well after she was asleep. The only conversation they managed these days was a mumbled greeting when he dragged himself up in the morning, while she was still trying to wake. She just hoped his efforts to gain support had been successful.

  “Hey, stranger,” a low voice said behind Darsey and she spun in her seat.

  “Wing.”

  They came together in the middle of the room and didn't part for some time. Darsey finally settled onto flat feet with a sigh. “I needed that.” Wing stroked her hair back from her cheek, letting his fingers linger and she wished they could stay in that moment forever. Unfortunately, the Ascension was almost on them. “How are the numbers? Do you have enough support?”

  “Doubtful, even if they all proved honest.” He shifted restlessly and his mind pulled back from hers. His body followed and he turned to pace the length of the room.

  She frowned. “Wing? Did you find him?”

  Wing’s drooping frond answered with a fleeting touch of defeat.

  “No,” she said aloud and twisted her fingers together.

  “Zak’s still looking,” her husband added, without meeting her gaze. Something that felt like panic wafted from his frond, but was quickly washed away by grim determination. “It’s no matter. Even if we can’t warn Falkyn we’ve still got to involve him.”

  “No,” Darsey ordered and Wing’s raptor eyes finally locked onto her. Her knees trembled, making her sheer skirts dance, but she ignored them. “I mean it. The plan won’t work if Fal doesn’t know. Plus it would be incredibly cruel not to tell him first.”

  Wing’s gaze softened and he moved to join her. “Don’t you think I know that?”

  “Your decision to go ahead anyway makes me doubt it.”

  “Ouch,” he muttered. Pain /uncertainty /fear. I’d never hurt my son if it wasn’t needed.

  Darsey flushed and her fingers tightened around each other. “I’m sorry, you know I don’t want to argue.”

  “I thought we were married.”

  “Not funny, Wing. If we can’t find him before the Ascension, if we can’t explain, then you have to change the plan. You need to claim the throne yourself.”

  “My votes fall short. Not by much, but enough.”

  Darsey pushed her husband away, to start pacing herself. “What’s wrong with them? How could they possibly elect Hoedown instead of you?”

  Wing strode after Darsey to seize her by the arms. Don’t call her that. Not in the palace.

  “Too appropriate?”

  Darse. Entreat /care /protect. We needs must keep our family safe.

  “That’s what I’m trying to do,” she protested. “Are you sure you can’t win the throne?”

  “Certain-sure. My hybrid children are a major ice face for the Council. We kres are slaves to our hearts and we live in thrall to our young. They fear my first loyalty will always be to the Alliance. And to you.” Wing cupped Darsey’s face in his hands. “They’re right.”

  He gave a wry smile, and his mouth dropped to cover hers, but they were interrupted by a whistle from the door.

  “Come,” they called together and grimaced at each other, before turning to see who it was.

  Zak strolled into the room with all the predatory grace of a cat let loose in a birdcage. “Is this place always full of asswipes licking butt?”

  “Zak,” Wing said, the single word soft and calm, but sent with heavy reproach.

  Their son’s cheek twitched and he drove his hands into his pockets. “It was just a question and I’m drakking try- I’m making an effort. Sar.”

  “I’m pleased to hear such. I’d hate to have to send you to your room during the ceremony, but I will if you keep singeing your mother’s ears.”

  Darsey folded her arms. “I don’t mind. You can call the courtiers here anything you want. They probably deserve it. Just do me a favor and save the worst for Goldown.”

  “The princess?” Zak asked and Darsey snorted.

  “Princess my a-”

  “Darsey,” Wing interrupted in exasperation. “That’s far from helpful.”

  She felt a twinge of guilt, but only a twinge. They had more important issues. “You’ve got to delay, Wing. Don’t report for duty until you’ve found Falkyn.”

  “Impossible. If I don’t present myself, the other claimant will win by default.”

  “Hold up,” Zak interrupted, “I thought there were three contenders.”

  “Please,” Darsey snorted, “making that fetus arck is just another way of giving Hoedown the throne. There are only two horses in this race.”

  “Sadly true,” Wing agreed and jerked when his com shrilled. “That’s the summons. I needs must go. We know Fal will be there for the vote, so catch him beforehand and explain to him. Please.”

  “Explain what?” Zak wondered. “Why are we running after big bro like he’s the last whore in town? Don’t give me the look, Patri, it’s a valid question.”

  “I need to go,” Wing repeated. “Zak, your colourful query will be answered soon enough. Meantime, would you please claim a seat for your brothers when they arrive? And remember to get Falkyn to talk to Darsey before the ceremony.”

  “Sure. I’ll be a good little cog.” He lifted several fingers in a brief wave to his mother, before loping to join his father, who left without looking back.

  Well. That was just great. Their dilemma was all Wing’s fault, but she was stuck with the horror of getting Falkyn on board. Darsey flounced back toward the window seat and almost tripped over one of her skirts. She flopped onto the nearest sofa instead and cursed ridiculous kres fashion. It was hard enough to hurry in normal skirts, but impossible when they were wispy layers that tangled at every step.

  A familiar voice in the corridor made Darsey forget her grumbling. Her face lifted in a beam before she could stop it, but at least she managed not to squeal her son's name. Instead she rose with what she liked to think of as elegant haste. She sprinted graciously across the chamber and into Jace's embrace.

  He hugged her enthusiastically, before stepping back to study her intently. “Mom. It's great to see you. You remember Misty.”

  “Of course. How are you, dear?”

  “Most well thank you, lady.” Misty dropped a perfect curtsy without tangling a single layer of her dress.

  Darsey tried not to be envious. “Lovely.” She turned back to her son, almost reaching out to him, but stopped herself in time. No need to scare him away again. “Jace, I'm so proud. You were awesome.”

  “Saving the universe gets my curfew extended?”

  “Ouch. I guess I deserved that.”

  “Not really.” Her son shifted from one foot to the other, but then stopped hesitating. He stepped forward and swept her into another hug, picking her off the ground this time, before swinging around and around. They were both breathless when he finally stopped.

  He put her down and offered a lopsided smile. “I didn't really save the universe. I just helped a bit.”

  “More than a bit,” Misty said and swayed up to Jace to tuck herself under his arm. Well, no surprises there. The girl offered a sunny smile and tightened her arm around Jace's wais
t. “He was very heroic.”

  “I'm sure,” Darsey smiled back, “and I'm very proud of him.”

  Misty's eyes narrowed. “So he's not incompetent and in need of constant mothering?”

  “I never said he was.” Never thought it either.

  “Ladies,” Jace began, but his input was irrelevant.

  “Never acted it either?”

  Darsey paused at that. “Not intentionally. I was just trying to help him on the Rim. Anyone who knows Jace at all knows he's a good boy-”

  “'He's not a boy.”

  “Not so much,” Jace agreed, but both females ignored him.

  “A man then,” Darsey offered.

  “And he's not so good.”

  “Really? He was willing to turn bounty hunter and take down some very nasty people. Then he risked his life, helped defeat a plague and threw himself into feeding survivors. Sounds boy scout to me.”

  “Apart from the bit where he got a girl pregnant.”

  Darsey attempted an airy laugh, but her son wasn't smiling. Not even a little bit. She dropped onto the nearest sofa and the room seemed to be on an angle, but then she realized it was her. She struggled to focus until Jace and Misty swam into view, leaning over her.

  “Are you okay?” her son wondered and she blinked. Was she?

  “Sure, sure. I'm, ah... fine. How are you, Misty? Come and sit down. When are you due?”

  Mistwing chuckled softly and Darsey felt dismay from Jace. The girl leaned over to pat Darsey on the shoulder. “I'm not the one who's pregnant.”

  What? Darsey's gaze flicked back to Jace and her attempt at a smile was wiped away. How careless had he been?

  “Very.” Misty settled on the sofa beside Darsey and beckoned for Jace to join them. “Come and explain it all to Granny.”

  Granny? Alright, this day officially could not get any weirder.

  All she could see was Jace's frowning face as he perched on the other side of her. “Mom, there's something I have to tell you about t'ssaa mother ships.”

  58

  The Vote

  Darsey strode through the arch to the Council chambers and hesitated, looking for a seat in the crowd. Jace nearly ran into her, but managed to stop with a hand on her shoulder. “Sorry. This place is jumping.”

  Misty snorted beside him. “Voting for a new arck is a moment from history. None of these ever thought to have such a thrill. Come on.” She slapped Jace's butt and they disappeared into the throng.

  Darsey let her son go, but the competing chants in her head continued. Ten babies, ten babies, ten babies... Granny, Granny, Granny. She closed her eyes, until a warm touch on her arm made her open them.

  She smiled at Free and he nodded back. “Was that my daughter molesting your son?”

  “Unfortunately yes. They seem to be an item.”

  Free offered a wry smile. “That's something of a relief, now that she's full grown. I once warned him to stay away from her.”

  “Isn't my son good enough for you?”

  “I thought you wanted him to stay away from her too.”

  Darsey blinked and the chant in her head finally stopped. “You're right. That was crazy of me. What was I thinking? I must have been spaced. Misty is brave and beautiful, with arms and legs and everything, and it's really unlikely she'll have ten babies at once.” Free looked confused and Darsey grimaced, before slipping her arm through his. “I'll tell you later. Let's find a good seat. I hear there are going to be fireworks.”

  “Only once the new arck is throned.”

  “It's an expression. It means my husband has been keeping secrets again.”

  Free moved ahead, clearing a path for them, but his fronds were busy. Intriguing. Query?

  There’s someone else I need to tell first, but I’ll let you know as soon as I can. “Over there.” They darted for the wall to claim a low sofa. Another figure emerged from the press with the same goal and Clearwing nearly ran into Free. They caught themselves just short of collision and stood staring, while Darsey grabbed a seat. She scooted further into the middle of the couch, but neither of her friends sat down. Awkward.

  Free cleared his throat and belatedly managed a smile. “Clear, you look lovely.”

  His ex-wife's hair rustled and tried to clamber across her shoulders. “Thank you. You look good too.”

  “You both look stellar,” Darsey added brightly. “Sit down. Quick. It looks like they're ready to start. Too bad the claimants’ families get seated at the back.”

  Free and Clear dropped to the sofa on either side of Darsey and Clear settled back into it, while Free sat bolt upright. Darsey sighed and hid a smile. He was the only person she knew who liked to sit at attention.

  Free's fronds rippled and a thought slipped from them, but it was faint and felt like an accident, only just reaching Darsey and Clear. How could she fear our own daughter?

  Darsey went rigid and Clearwing jumped. She slid forward, turning to glare past Darsey, while her ex-husband stared straight ahead.

  I was never scared of her, Clear thought with icy precision. I was scared for her. The difference is huge.

  The why did you plan to lock her up?

  What? Shock /denial /anger

  She heard you plot with Ayleron.

  Never. I don't understand- gods. He was talking of a retreat on Blossom. A place that teaches serenity and control through meditation.

  A fluting series of notes announced the arrival of the claimants for the throne. “Oh good,” Darsey gulped, “here we go.” She laced her fingers together and tried to be positive. At least the ceremony had silenced the mental exchange happening across her. Everyone rose, except for a figure wending a path from the doorway.

  Darsey glanced that way and guilt sliced through her. It was Falkyn and she was the worst stepmother in the universe. How could she have forgotten him? Multiple grandkids and feuding friends were nothing compared to the news she had to break to him. She tried to push through the crowd to meet him, but people resisted and the gaps closed when everyone surged forward for a better view.

  Darsey chewed her lip and tried to catch Falkyn’s eye, but he was concentrating on finding a seat. Please let him look her way. He raised a hand, but not to wave at her. He stopped beside Zak instead. The two whispered together and Falkyn twisted to look across at Darsey with an enquiring smile. She beckoned and he searched for a path through the crowd, but it was too late.

  Double doors at the far end of the room swung wide and a trill of flutes accompanied the claimants. They entered together and Darsey fixed her attention on Wing. He looked solemn and nodded gravely to the crowd, but she had no chance to try to signal that she’d failed.

  Goldown swept past him in a mist of gauzy skirts to reach the dais first. One of the guards offered her a hand and she stepped up onto the marble platform with a sweet smile. What a performance. Wing joined her and there was a general rustle while the Hundred, along with their heirs, settled into their seats.

  The Royal Speaker strode to the front of the dais. “Warm welcome to our noble High Council, their chosen heirs and the families of our three claimants. Every chair and couch has been loaded with the bloodlines that are relevant to this decision. Please access them as you wish. You must choose between the three claims that are now made on our throne. Your options are Princess Goldown, her unborn child Princess Brighteye, or Admiral Nightwing FarFlight. The vote will be made when all discussion in done. I call on Admiral FarFlight, as the first nominee to state his case.”

  “No.” Wing's voice was low, but clear and there was instant silence. “I withdraw my claim.”

  The silence was tense and brittle. Darsey, back in her seat, realized she was somehow squeezing Free's hand, but he didn't complain. Those within the different factions exchanged looks and started muttering together. Then the shouts began.

  “Shame.”

  “Traitor.”

  “Do your duty.”

  Even those backing Goldown seemed unimpressed by
Wing's abdication. However, he stood straight and raised a hand for silence. They were still used to Sharpeye's rule and quickly complied. “I wish to give my support to one with a stronger claim than mine. Goldown's child. I ask the Princess to consider joining me in this. I'm sure she has no wish to see our people split, or to risk civil war.”

  He turned to the delicate figure beside him and she draped a hand over the curve of her stomach. “I wish only what is best for the Empire. I would be prepared to stand as regent for my child.”

  Free exchanged an anxious thought with Darsey. Sharpeye moved full-fast from being regent to claiming all power for himself. Won’t Goldown do the same?

  She sent a brief reassurance, but stayed focused on Wing.

  “Very well.” Wing looked tired, but resigned and a startled murmur filled the room. “I will agree to a regency that ends once the child is twenty.”

  Goldown dipped her head in gracious acceptance. “Let it be so. I seal the deal to put my child on the throne.” She raised an arm languidly, but her fingers flew over her com and it instantly sent a contract link to Nightwing's wrist.

  “Your first-made child will be arck,” he agreed and the line of light between their coms thickened with the exchange of more data.

  “I will rule until the child comes of age,” Goldown amended sharply and Wing straightened briefly, before his shoulders rounded again.

  “Agreed.”

  Goldown smirked and the link between them flashed with mutual acceptance. “I withdraw my claim for the throne.”

  “As do I,” Wing sighed. Everyone in the room stirred and muttered, while their fronds vibrated in agitated exchange. It seemed voting was no longer an option and Darsey felt something familiar gnawing at her gut. Oh, yes. Horrific and overwhelming fear at what was about to happen and how it might play out. If this backfired and Godown became arck they needed to get off world. Fast.

  The Princess raised her chin. “Now, for the matter of my regency-”

  “Redundant,” Wing stated and silence returned to the chamber. Goldown's eyes narrowed and she snapped her fingers, drawing the guards closer. She cupped a hand over her belly and looked down when the fabric of her gown rippled. She smiled while her daughter kicked. “We have a contract,” she murmured with almost sleepy satisfaction. “You committed to my rule until my child is of age.”