Fever--A Dark Kings Novel

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Fever--A Dark Kings Novel Page 21

by Donna Grant


  “She could die.”

  “We all could.”

  Keltan swallowed and looked away before V saw just how torn up he was about Bernadette’s involvement. “She didna ask for this. Usaeil forced her into our world.”

  “Perhaps. Did you no’ tell Bernadette that it was her destiny to come to Dreagan?”

  Keltan shook his head as he dropped his chin to his chest because he couldn’t refute that.

  “Then that means it’s her destiny to be right where she is, helping us. Even if it kills you no’ to interfere and stop her.”

  Slowly, Keltan lifted his head. “I’m no’ sure who is more to blame for Bernadette. Usaeil or me.”

  “It’s Usaeil,” V stated. “You can rest assured about that. Now, here comes Ulrik. He should be able to tell you how Bernadette is.”

  Keltan slid his gaze to the side and spotted Ulrik, who was looking right at him. When Keltan started to go to him, Ulrik shook his head slightly.

  “Anson is headed our way,” V told him.

  As soon as Anson was near, Keltan asked, “How is Bernadette?”

  “She’s fine,” Anson assured him. “She’s well, and we’ve warded her and her home. Ryder also sent cameras that we placed throughout her house so we could see when and if Usaeil shows up.”

  “I assume Ryder is recording audio and video?” V said.

  Anson nodded. “That way, Bernadette doesna have to remember everything.”

  Keltan took in all of that with interest, but he couldn’t dispel the disappointment. “Bernadette is still in Glasgow.”

  “Aye.” Anson’s black gaze met his. “She will head to Dreagan when she can.”

  “How is she supposed to know when?” Keltan asked, his anger rising up.

  V put a hand on his arm to calm him as he frowned at Anson. “Keltan has a point. We willna have time for anyone to notify Bernadette that she can come to Dreagan.”

  Anson shrugged. “We didna talk specifics. She knows she’s welcome. Whether she comes or no’ is another matter entirely.”

  The knot inside Keltan tightened significantly. He glanced at the tunnel that led back to the manor. Perhaps he could talk Eilish into getting Bernadette. It would take seconds instead of the hours it would take if Bernadette drove.

  “I’d do the same,” Anson said.

  Keltan sighed as he swung his gaze back to his friend.

  Anson shrugged. “Everyone with a mate would ask Eilish for help whether they admit it or no’.”

  “You think I should talk to her?”

  “I think you should make sure Ulrik knows what you’re going to ask his mate to do.”

  Anson was right. Especially since Eilish didn’t have the dragon-eye tattoo from the mating ceremony that meant she was bound to Ulrik and he to her.

  Keltan suddenly frowned. “This might be a stretch, but do you think there is any way Usaeil might verra well know Bernadette is working with us? That by me asking Eilish to help her, I would, in fact, be sending Eilish straight into a trap?”

  “At this point, I think anything is possible.”

  That didn’t make Keltan feel any better. “I can no’ do that to Eilish or Ulrik. No’ after all they went through.” Nor could he leave Bernadette in Glasgow. But there might be another way.…

  Anson raised a black brow. “What are you thinking?”

  Keltan looked around the cavern at the Kings. “Ulrik is about to tell us who is going to the Light Castle and who is to remain behind.”

  “You want to stay here,” Anson guessed.

  “No’ exactly. Usaeil chose Bernadette for a reason. We’ve all thought that it was just to put us in the spotlight. What if there is another reason?”

  Anson considered that for a moment. “This ties back to you believing Usaeil knows about Bernadette working with us.”

  “Aye. What if that was her entire point? She kept telling Bernadette to stay away from us, but we all know that wasna going to be possible. Usaeil knew one of us would find Bernadette and talk to her.”

  “A King that wasna mated,” Anson said with a knowing look. “I’ll be damned. Usaeil could’ve done that hoping a King would fall for Bernadette.”

  “She couldna know that whoever went would develop feelings for Bernadette.”

  Anson shrugged, one brow raised. “Are you sure? Look what Usaeil did to get Claire pregnant.”

  The idea that what Keltan felt for Bernadette wasn’t real infuriated him. Then his thoughts halted. Wasn’t that what he wanted? To be free? To not have anyone or anything clinging to him?

  Before he could answer, an image of Bernadette in his arms as they made love flashed in his mind.

  “If Usaeil used magic to get both of you to feel something, then you’re off the hook,” Anson said, unaware of Keltan’s turmoil. “You didna want to have a mate, and now we know for sure that you doona.”

  “Aye. It’s what I want.” Wasn’t it? Keltan couldn’t be sure anymore.

  He fought against the idea of having a mate, but now that there was a good possibility that Bernadette wasn’t his, he was … disappointed.

  “That doesna mean Bernadette still shouldna come here,” Keltan said.

  Anson shrugged. “Perhaps it does. We doona know how deep Usaeil’s magic has gone. In fact, we can no’ believe anything Bernadette has told us.”

  Before Keltan realized it, he’d stepped closer to Anson with his fists clenched in anger. “She hasna lied.”

  Anson stared at him for a long minute. “Is that right?”

  “You didna hear her words. You didna look into her eyes.”

  “And I didna hold her during sex.”

  The need to shift and challenge Anson poured through Keltan as hot as lava. Movement out of the corner of his eye stopped him. He glanced to the side and saw others watching. When he took a second and looked around him, he realized that every King in the cavern had stopped what they were doing to watch and listen to him and Anson.

  “Are you sure you doona want to revise your thoughts about Bernadette from earlier?” Rhys asked.

  Keltan returned his gaze to Anson before he took a step back. His anger lessened to the point that he could control it once more.

  Anson shook his head. “I provoked you. I’m sorry, brother, but you needed to know.”

  “Know what?” Keltan asked.

  Ulrik walked through the crowd then. “That no matter how much magic a being has, no one can make another fall in love. Desire and infatuation, aye. But no’ love.”

  Keltan began to shake his head to deny that he had that depth of feeling for Bernadette, but then he stopped himself. He’d been ready to beat the shite out of Anson for speaking ill of her. Keltan was prepared to put Eilish in danger just to get Bernadette to Dreagan. And all Keltan could think about was the beautiful doctor.

  Ulrik put his hand on Keltan’s shoulder. “Usaeil might have made sure to get a King to Bernadette, and she might have ensured that the two of you were attracted to each other.” He paused for a heartbeat. “But she couldna have made you react the way you just did because of the feelings inside you.”

  “Fuck,” Keltan murmured as he ran a hand through his hair.

  “Many of us have been right where you are,” Rhys said, which caused the other mated males to laugh.

  Ulrik dropped his arm as he grinned at Rhys’s words. “Let me catch everyone up on what happened at Bernadette’s.”

  Keltan hung on every word, the scene playing out in his head as he imagined Bernadette talking with his friends. The need to see her continued to grow until it became an ache. He rubbed his chest as the pain swelled and spread to every nerve in his body.

  “That brings us to now,” Ulrik finished. “Since we’ve no’ located either Con or Usaeil, we will be going to war.”

  Merrill snorted. “It’s about time.”

  “I agree,” Rhi stated as she appeared beside Ulrik. She took a moment to move her gaze from one side of the cavern to the other, looking at
the Kings. “I know I don’t need to remind all of you because you’re skilled warriors, but be prepared for anything. Usaeil will try to surprise you, causing you to hesitate. When you do that, she’ll go in for the kill.”

  “You really think she can kill us?” Ulrik asked.

  Rhi shrugged, her lips flattening. “I honestly don’t know. She’s doing things I’ve never known a Fae to do.”

  “The fucking Others,” V said with a growl.

  Roman put a hand on V’s shoulder. “One enemy at a time.”

  “Actually, destroying Usaeil might make more of an impact with the Others than we think,” Ulrik said.

  “No time like the present to find out.” Rhi smiled in anticipation.

  Ulrik nodded. “Let’s determine who is remaining at Dreagan and who is going to the Light Castle.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Dark Palace

  It was nearly time. Balladyn could practically taste it on the air. Today, as he had for most of the past month, he stood staring out the windows of his quarters overlooking the vibrant green of the Irish countryside.

  He hadn’t wanted to love this land.

  But he did. It had claimed him slowly, silently until one day he realized that it had seeped into his soul. Ireland wasn’t the Fae Realm. But it was as close as anything would ever come.

  At one time, he’d prayed that the Dragon Kings could kick the Dark off the Earth. That was when Balladyn had been Light. Now, as a Dark—and king—he was glad that the Dragon Kings had allowed the treaty to be signed so all Fae could remain.

  Looking back, Balladyn realized that it was all Constantine. That infuriated him, but he was man enough to admit when someone had done something decent. And that’s exactly what Con and the Dragon Kings had done.

  Con had realized that the Fae had nowhere to go. The Kings could’ve easily forced the Fae from the realm, but they didn’t. Some might say that was a weakness on the part of the Kings. Balladyn would argue that it was their greatest strength.

  The Dragon Kings knew their ability to protect the realm and the mortals. They had proven it time and again. It was because of that, that they gave sanctuary first to the humans, and then to the Fae.

  For hundreds of years, Balladyn had been the right-hand man to Taraeth, the previous King of the Dark. He’d worked with Taraeth to bring about the downfall of the Dragon Kings. Balladyn would’ve gladly done whatever was needed to hurt the Kings any way he could.

  Of course, that was because of Rhi. He’d loved her for so long, only to lose her to a Dragon King. Actually, she hadn’t really been his because he’d never told her of his feelings. That had been a mistake he’d never thought to fix, but then he’d had the chance.

  Rhi had been his for a short while. Those had been the best—and worst—days of his long life. She might have been in his arms, but her heart still belonged to another.

  Now, he was willing to stand with the Dragon Kings in order to help Rhi. That was how much he loved her. Besides, he owed her much more than that after chaining her in the Dark dungeon and putting the Chains of Mordare on her.

  Balladyn still couldn’t believe he’d done such a thing. Sure, he’d been angry with her, blaming her for the fact that he’d turned Dark, but even then, he knew it hadn’t been her fault. Rhi was a great many things, but she wasn’t someone who would have left him on the field of battle if she’d thought he was alive.

  No, the real culprit was none other than Usaeil. The same bitch responsible for him now being Dark since she had asked Taraeth to kill him. Balladyn was thankful that Taraeth had kept him alive so he could bring his army against Usaeil.

  Balladyn wanted to call to Rhi, but he knew she wouldn’t come to him. It didn’t matter where he was. She hadn’t answered him in months, and he wasn’t entirely sure she would be happy to see him on the battlefield. But he didn’t care. He’d go through ten kinds of Hell for her.

  He turned his back to the window. Since Usaeil had spies in his palace, he couldn’t put his army on alert. He had to wait to hear from the Dragon Kings before he called for them. Fortunately, the Fae answered quickly.

  Balladyn had been keeping a close eye on his generals to make sure none of them was spying for Usaeil, but that wasn’t her way. She tended to go for the lesser ranks, someone who could blend in well and wouldn’t be noticed if they went missing.

  The problem with the Dark was that no one trusted anyone else. Balladyn couldn’t tell anyone what was going on or even have his generals or guards keep watch for potential spies because someone might use the information against him.

  Balladyn had never dreamed of being king when he was Light or even when he first became Dark. He’d been happy as a general in the Light Army. He’d been damn good at his job, and he’d won many skirmishes during the Fae civil war.

  Once he turned Dark, he’d used those same skills to climb the ranks. His goal had been to get close to Taraeth and discover the ins and outs of the Dark. Once he achieved that, Balladyn saw for himself how weak and uncaring Taraeth was. Taraeth could’ve easily beaten the Light and won their civil war, but he only cared about himself.

  Balladyn had stood by and watched Taraeth for thousands of years. He saw the previous king betray one ally after another, but what Balladyn did learn was that if the Dark were ever to have a fighting chance, they needed a stronger king. Unfortunately, Balladyn didn’t trust that somebody else wouldn’t be taken in by the power of the position. So, he killed Taraeth.

  Of course, that was after he’d learned that it was Usaeil who had betrayed him to the Dark. That sealed the deal for Balladyn. For him to get to Usaeil, he had to be in a position of power.

  He walked toward the shelves of books that he’d accumulated throughout his life. He’d never imagined that he’d care so much about his subjects once he became King of the Dark. He didn’t see them as evil beings—though they were.

  Balladyn just saw them as Fae who deserved to be governed and have laws, just like the Light. The Dark were used to fear and betrayal. It was how they’d lived for so long. Few understood what it meant to trust or to have someone believe in them.

  Not that Balladyn was stupid enough to think it was something he could achieve overnight. The Dark were programmed one way. It would take eons to change them. But for that to begin, the first step had to be taken.

  The Dark didn’t even realize that he’d already implemented small changes in the months he’d been king. In order for this to work, things had to start small and build up. And it was going to take patience. If only he had someone he could trust enough to help him on this quest.

  He would’ve turned to Xaneth had Usaeil not taken him. Xaneth wasn’t Dark, but he’d been the only Fae who had worked equally with both the Light and Dark, so he had an advantage Balladyn would’ve loved to use.

  Xaneth was a good man. Balladyn said that of few beings, but he’d recognized it instantly with Xaneth. While he wouldn’t call the Light a friend, Balladyn was friendly with him. They’d made a pact to kill Usaeil.

  Hell, Balladyn and Ulrik had made that same pact.

  That made Balladyn snort. Ulrik. He’d never thought to team up with a Dragon King, and if he hadn’t trusted Ulrik then, he wouldn’t be considering joining forces with all the Kings now.

  Looking back, so much had changed in such a short time. He wasn’t unhappy with the situation. In fact, he was quite pleased with things. He’d discovered the Reapers and had even teamed up with them. Though he wouldn’t assume they called him an ally, he did consider them allies.

  Death was something special. He still didn’t know why she had such an interest in Rhi, and if he were honest, he doubted that he’d ever find out. That was fine. Knowing that a goddess as powerful and good as Erith had an eye on Rhi made him feel better.

  Rhi was in a dark place. He’d helped put her there thanks to the Chains of Mordare, but it was Usaeil who pushed her closer and closer to the edge. Balladyn had once thought to turn Rhi Dark. Now, his sto
mach churned each time he thought of Rhi becoming that way.

  If the Light Fae had any hope, it was with Rhi. Though there were others who could take the throne. Xaneth, if Usaeil hadn’t killed him yet. There was also Phelan, the Warrior who was part Fae.

  But Rhi was the one Balladyn would choose. The Fae adored her. They knew her and trusted her. The Light might come to accept Xaneth and Phelan—both of which had a direct line to the throne through blood—but they would welcome Rhi with open arms.

  First, however, Usaeil had to be killed.

  Balladyn turned away from the bookshelves. His gaze landed on the set of four chairs in the middle of the room, but it was the white-haired Fae staring at him that made Balladyn shake his head.

  “One day, I might actually know when you arrive, Fintan,” he said.

  One side of the Reaper’s lips lifted in a grin. “What would be the fun in that?”

  “Dare I hope you’re here for a friendly chat?” The first moment Balladyn had seen the Reaper on the streets of Galway, he’d wondered if he was the infamous assassin.

  To his delight, Fintan had been. Though Balladyn didn’t find that out until much later. Fintan dropped by occasionally, but it was never just because. It always had something to do with the Reapers.

  “One day, I’m going to say yes,” Fintan replied. The smile dropped. “But that isn’t today.”

  Balladyn walked over, taking the chair opposite the Reaper. “What’s going on?”

  “You’re going to hear from the Kings soon.”

  Balladyn nodded. “Usaeil’s time limit is running out for them to bring Rhi.”

  “Rhi is more than ready to face Usaeil.”

  “But can Rhi win?”

  Fintan gave him a flat look. “I can’t predict the future.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  The Reaper’s head tilted to the side. “Why? Would you change your mind about fighting if you knew the outcome?”

  “No,” Balladyn said with a snort. “I’m going to fight Usaeil no matter what. That bitch has this coming.”

  “Are you sure your army will fight?”

 

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