by Pelaam
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2018 Pelaam
ISBN: 978-1-77339-550-0
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Editor: Melissa Hosack
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To my partner, for his unfailing love and support.
ALL THAT GLISTENS
Pelaam
Copyright © 2018
Chapter One
The beauty of the palace gardens did little to lift Taima’s spirits as he wondered through them aimlessly. Finally, he sat down on a carved wooden bench and glanced up. From this small bower, he could see one of the windows of his sister’s suite.
Unlike the palace servants, Taima had only just found out that Citlali was entertaining yet another potential suitor. This one was an ally from their uncle Lonato’s home region. Sometimes it felt to Taima that it wasn’t for the odd careless comment, he wouldn’t know anything of what was happening any more.
I might as well not exist, but at least he’s not a suitor for me. Citlali and I used to be so close. And Uncle Lonato only comes when he wants me to meet a potential match. I have no use except to make a good marriage. I hate it.
The crack of a twig startled Taima and he glowered as Lonato appeared.
“Ah, Taima. There you are.” The sickly-sweet tone Lonato often employed almost turned Taima’s stomach.
“What do you want, Uncle Lonato?”
“Is that any way to greet an uncle who only seeks to do the best for you?” Lonato’s smile was an upward curve of his lips and devoid of any real emotion
“Do you? Sometimes I wonder.”
“Indeed? And why would that be? You're too young and inexperienced in court matters to understand.” Lonato waved a hand dismissively.
“So you keep reminding me.” Taima injected as much venom as he could. “But then, I’m not lord here. Citlali is. She is Lady of the Estate.”
“As far as Citlali goes, if it weren't for me, this place would be overrun with Duende and their goblin hordes.” Lonato’s voice dropped in timbre and dripped ice.
It was as if the air itself had suddenly frozen. Taima shivered at the sudden change in his uncle’s demeanor, and kept silent.
“She acts like a precious princess, as though nothing has changed since the death of your parents. However, things have changed. Drastically. I do all I can for you, for the sake of your dead parents, yet you fight me at every turn. Achak would be an excellent match for Citlali. He has wealth and good land. Let us hope she sees sense this time. As for you, I have another suitor lined up. This time, do not embarrass me, and Citlali, by failing to attend.”
Despite a pang of fear, Taima gathered his courage and stood before Lonato. He swallowed around a dry throat as Lonato's face darkened.
“You forget, Lonato. I am a man now. I become a man last winter, going through the rites of adulthood without my beloved father. I can make my own decisions, just like Citlali does, over a suitable match.” Taima forced his voice to remain steady, but the reminder of his parent’s deaths still hurt. Five months might have passed, but Taima still felt their loss.
“Citlali still has responsibility for you for the next couple of years. You need her approval for marriage.” Lonato's voice became a low, angry growl. “Do not forget that, little princeling.”
“Then I will remain unwed until such time as I decide.” Taima snapped out his reply, turned, and hurried away. I can't believe Citlali would force me to marry. Would she? Am I truly such a burden to her?
In truth, Lonato was not their true uncle, just a distant cousin of their father’s. The title was honorific. He was even older than their father and one of the coastal Fey, with iron-grey hair and eyes the cold grey of a stormy sky. Stomping into the palace, Taima shuddered, guilt adding to his whirling mix of emotions. I don’t like him. I never have. There has always been just—just something. I have no words to explain it.
A mix of anger and anxiety burned in Taima’s veins. So much so, that when he caught a glimpse of his sister coming down a staircase, he ducked back into a niche, not wanting to face her at that moment.
Pressed hard against the cold stone, Taima stared at Citlali. She was almost unrecognizable as the carefree older sister she’d once been. Instead, everything about her was hard, cold, and unapproachable.
From Citlali’s upswept, overly-ornate hairstyle, decorated with blue sapphires that complimented her silvery blue tresses, to her belly-belt, studded with emeralds and rubies, to her golden, high-heeled sandals. No one who saw the Lady Citlali could doubt her wealth or social standing.
By comparison, Taima felt like a dowdy thrush watching a peacock. While they shared the same slender, willowy build, and silvery-blue hair inherited from their father, Citlali had their mother’s green eyes, and Taima their father’s of bright sky-blue.
That he had no shortage of suitors was nothing to do with Taima being attractive as a man. But rather as the brother of the Lady Citlali whose lands stretched from the far side of the great lake Qocha, through the Mayq’u mine with its mountain cover and deep ravines, to the base of the Orq’o Mountains. While he may not be court-savvy, or understand governing such a huge province, Taima wasn’t a fool, either.
As Taima watched Citlali stride toward the reception room, she constantly fingered the ornate medallion given to her by her father, which she kept close to her chest. Taima knew that it helped keep her calm and focused.
Pain almost crushed his heart. He missed the presence of his parents; the strength and knowledge of his father, the serenity and support of his mother, and the love they had shared as a close-knit family. About to turn away and seek solace in the gardens, Taima hesitated when he saw one of Citlali’s handmaidens approach her.
Although Halona was an attractive woman, her haughtiness gave her beauty a hard edge. Despite which, she was still a favorite of Lonato. Keeping to the shadows, Taima crept forward, suddenly wanting to listen to the exchange.
“Are you ready, my Lady? Are you sure this is the look you want to present?” Halona frowned as she regarded Citlali’s dress.
“What do you deem is wrong with it, Halona?” Citlali’s voice dripped ice and Taima winced. Citlali was deliberately curt, reflecting her displeasure at the other woman’s implied criticism.
“It makes you rather cold and distant.” Halona sniffed, tossing her head. “Lord Lonato said—”
“Lord Lonato does not make the decisions in this castle,” Citlali snapped. “I do. You would do well to remember that. I will meet this Lord from Lonato’s homeland as his equal. A man who may be a potential ally, but who is not my choice of suitor.”
Taima was sure he saw a flash of fury in Halona’s eyes, and she seemed about to say more. Instead, she simply bowed.
“Lord Lonato and his guest are waiting ... my Lady.”
There was no respect in Halona’s tone or stance, and Taima was glad of the sudden insight into his sister’s problems. Perhaps he’d been wrong about Citlali. As Halona flounced away, Citlali seemed to sag slightly, before drawing herself upright and rigid once more.
There was no way Taima could hover outside the reception room doors and expect to hear anything of what was said. Instead, he hurried back outside. He knew every inch of the gardens, and there
was a way to get through the thick bushes and be close to the windows. Although spying on his sister felt wrong, Taima needed to know what was going on.
Chapter Two
Fortune favored the brave, or the foolhardy. The windows of the reception room were open, causing the cool breeze to set the gauzy curtain to dance. Taima found a spot close enough to see part of the room, and, he hoped, would allow him to hear.
There were already two men inside; Lonato and the man Citlali was to meet, Achak. There was movement and Halona came into view.
“My Lords, I present to you the Lady Citlali.” Halona stood aside, and Citlali entered, her head high and her bearing detached and regal. She nodded at Achak.
Taima recognized that his sister was only offering the visitor formal recognition as an equal.
“Lady Citlali.” Achak returned the nod. “You’re as beautiful and gracious as ever. I’m honored to be invited here.”
“Thank you, Achak. It’s a pleasure to meet you personally. Lonato spoke highly of you.”
“Indeed. I am grateful.” Achak inclined his head toward Lonato.
Squirming slightly, Taima twisted in his vantage point, wanting to see his uncle. Lonato stood impassive, his face schooled into a mask of neutrality. The expression was almost worse than if he’d revealed his obvious anger.
“Please be seated, Achak.” Citlali indicated large, comfortable chairs that had been set near an unlit fire. A small table sitting nearby held a decanter of wine, two wine glasses, and a single tall glass on a silver tray.
As Citlali and Achak sat, Lonato poured wine, setting a filled glass before Achak.
“No thank you.” Citlali shook her head as Lonato indicated the decanter. “I will have some water, Uncle.”
Taking a huge risk of being discovered, Taima crawled forward to crouch right beside the open window. The group had moved farther away, and Taima struggled to hear.
His sister had already broken with protocol. Sharing wine with Achak was the proper and polite thing to do, and Taima didn’t miss the look that passed between Achak and Lonato. However, Citlali seemed to ignore it and focused on Achak.
“I’m sure Lonato will have told you that I am troubled by my Duende neighbors.”
“He did.” Achak inclined his head slowly. “We have little to do with Duende. They are so unlike us, or the elven races, with their copper skin, coarseness of features, and uncouth manners. It surprised me that your father ever considered them worthy of friendship. That they show their real colors now does not surprise me in the least. They always seem ready for war. Not that I’ve ever dealt directly with one, you understand, but I have heard they shave off most of their hair and decorate what’s left with beads and feathers.” Achak shuddered and patted his own long, immaculate tresses.
Biting back a snort of derision, Taima knew the man had just ruined any thoughts he might entertain with Citlali. She brokered no criticism of their parents. If the Duende people had been considered worthy of friendship by her father, then he’d seen something in them, which this man failed to recognize.
“My father was an intelligent and astute man, Achak.” Citlali picked up her glass and sipped the water. “The Duende who lived close to my estate were previously our allies. My father employed many to work in the mine. They created many things from the iron they dug. Everything was well between our races. Something changed just prior to my parents’ deaths and has declined further since.”
“Of course, Lady Citlali. I meant no offence.” Achak had clearly picked up on her censorious tone and she nodded at him.
“I was forced to oust the Duende from Citlali’s mine.” Lonato spoke. “I currently use local humans. Some of my own men are here of course. However, Citlali has thus far refused to allow me to bring more over.”
“Indeed? It sounds like you have done the best you can, Lonato.” Achak looked between Lonato and Citlali and even from outside the room, Taima picked up on the increasing tension.
“Lonato has been a great support and assistance to me. However, I see no reason to worsen the situation by bringing in more Fey soldiers. I hope that Lord Amand might yet respond to my requests for dialogue. Attacks on my land where they border with the Duende are becoming more frequent. Evidence Lonato has provided points to the Duende as responsible, even using mercenaries to carry out these attacks. I do not seek war, but I will fight if I have no alternative. I am looking for allies who would help support me, should I need it.”
“Your father was a friend to me.” Achak nodded. “And Lonato is a distant cousin of sorts. This forest is not for me, Lady Citlali. I love the oceans and the coast. Would I be correct in saying the opposite is true for you?”
Taima grinned as his sister’s face finally showed some emotion, a genuine smile. Achak was offering her a diplomatic way to dodge his suitorship.
“Indeed, you would, my Lord. I love the forests. My parents sent me to visit many places, but my heart remained here.”
“Should you find you need assistance, Lady Citlali, I will be more than happy to send men to help you. I pray it never comes to that. When things are more settled, you are cordially invited to visit me.” Achak rose. “If I may retire to my room, I would rather like a relaxing bath and to rest a while. I look forward to dining with you later.” Achak bowed to Citlali, who stood and responded with a curtsey.
Taima was delighted for his sister. Citlali had proven herself, and his respect for her as Lady of the Estate grew. Ignoring the cramp in his leg from lying awkwardly, Taima slithered to get a better view of Lonato. Taima shuddered. For a second, Lonato’s eyes looked as if they were filled with hatred.
“You are foolish to play such childish games with powerful men.” Lonato poured himself more wine, the silence drawing out as he sipped his drink. “Just what was wrong with Achak, Citlali? You never even mentioned him as a potential suitor. To offend him could have cost us dear.”
“What was wrong with him was the same thing as the others you brought as potential suitors. I am the Lady of the Estate, Lonato. As such I will choose my own husband in my own time. How many times must I tell you? Do not accept a suit on my behalf. I do not intend to be put in such a position again.”
“This estate is dying.” Lonato took another large swallow of his wine. “The humans cannot produce enough from the farms with their depleted workforce. I struggle to mine any gold or silver, and it’s pointless mining for iron as that was always for the Duende to use. They mock your rulership with unpunished raids. Need I continue? You need a husband and make no effort to look for one yourself, so when I receive suitable offers, I deem it best to accept them on your behalf. Especially one that would give us the strength to mount an attack on Amand’s fortress, and end this for once and for all.”
“If you receive another petition, you will discuss it with me before you accept. You do not have the right to choose for me, Lonato.”
“You are little more than a proud, stubborn, spoilt child.” Lonato stomped to the door, stopped, and turned back to her. “If you continue to spurn suitors, you will run this estate into the ground. Then Amand and his Duende hordes will swarm all over it. For the sake of my cousin’s memory, I will try to ensure that doesn’t happen. Think hard, Citlali. I can go back to my home and leave you to fall. This isn’t my estate or responsibility.”
Seeing his sister’s frustration, Taima was about to reveal he’d been spying and offer her his support when the door opened again. The tall, handsome Fey, dressed in Citlali’s blue and silver livery, was the Captain of the guard. His grim expression sent a cold frisson down Taima’s spine.
“May I have a word, my Lady?”
“Of course, Muraco. What is it?”
“One of my informants, an elderly human named Kyle, requested a meeting.” Muraco spoke so quietly, Taima struggled to hear what he was saying and shuffled a little closer. “He has something of utmost importance to tell us. He is too afraid to come to the castle, which is worrying, albeit not entirely to my
surprise. He’s been away for some time, else he’d have come forward sooner.”
“About the Duende?” Citlali asked.
“Worse, my Lady. I believe we have a viper in our midst. I am hoping this information will reveal the traitor.”
Taima pushed the window a little wider to catch Muraco’s words, and he shivered, his blood running like ice through his veins. Muraco wasn’t a man given to flights of fantasy. If he thought there was a traitor, then it was something Citlali could not dismiss.
“I will go with you.” Citlali took a step toward the door.
“I was going to take Namid. I thought it best not to go alone.” Muraco shook his head. “It may be dangerous, my Lady.”
“The three of us will go. No.” Citlali paced back and forth. “We will take the twins, too. That way we can let it pass as an outing for them. It will attract less notice if they are with us. We will act tomorrow, after Achak leaves.”
“I will speak to Namid and sort the horses for tomorrow.” Muraco bowed.
They both left, deep in quiet conversation. Taima backed carefully from the window. He was not invited to the dinner for Achak. It was a small, intimate dinner. If he hung around, he’d only draw attention to himself.
I’ll wait until morning and catch Citlali before she rides out. His decision made, Taima could do little else before morning.
Chapter Three
With grace and silence his build belied, Hanne crept forward. He peered through the thicket, gesturing for the others to wait. He had no idea why these riders from the Fey palace had chosen to come to the forest between the castle and the mountain stronghold of his people. These were dangerous times, and the warning Lord Amand received had indeed proven correct.