I blink, shocked that no one had told me that Isa was pregnant, and look down at Wren. Judging by her slack jaw and wide eyes, she hadn’t known either. “Well, that’s a surprise.”
“You can say that again,” Wren mumbles. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell us.” Hurt colors her tone, and I rub my hand down her back again, trying to soothe what is probably a betrayal to her.
“Well, let’s not assume anything. He might have been waiting until she was further along. Or he could have wanted to tell us in person.” Gods, I hope that’s what it is, because otherwise, my mother is going to have an absolute fit that she wasn’t immediately made aware of her first grandchild.
My eldest brother, Gerant, wraps his arm around his wife, keeping her tucked into his side as they walk forward. He’s got a few speckles of grey hair in his dark beard now that weren’t there when I left, and I make a note to tease him about it. He’s just as tall as I remember, towering over most everyone in the courtyard. His bright blue eyes are bracketed by lines now, but he’s still vigilant as ever as he looks around, clocking each and every person surrounding them. As he scans the crowd, I watch as he passes over our group before stumbling to a stop and doing a double take.
“Jinx?” His voice sounds almost exactly like our fathers, but it’s missing that smoky scratch from smoking a pipe for the last millennia or so.
“In the flesh.” I hold my arms out and wait for them to make their way over to us.
Gerant looks down at Isa, who pushes him away from her teasingly, and he strides over to me, pulling me into a bear hug, lifting me up off my feet. He drops me suddenly, making my teeth clack in my head, and grips my shoulders, bending his knees until his face is level with mine.
“If you ever run off like that again, brat, I will track you down myself and bring you back here, kicking and screaming.”
I choke out a laugh, his words a promise I didn’t know I needed to hear. “I missed you too, big brother.” I lean to the right, pointedly looking at his wife, and he chuckles.
“Ah, yes. I’m not sure if you remember each other, but Jinx, this is my wife, Isa.” He reaches back and brings her forward to stand at his side, the smile on his face bright enough to rival a full moon on a clear night.
“Of course I remember Isa.” I pull her into a quick hug, laughing at her pleasantly shocked expression. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better and finding out more about my new niece or nephew.”
“It’s so lovely to see you again as well, Jinx. And yes, of course, we wanted to surprise your mother with the news in person, so despite the less than cheery circumstances that bring us here, we’re hoping the announcement will lift everyone’s spirits.” Isa’s voice is softer than I recall, but there’s an edge of steel in her tone. A confidence in each and every syllable she speaks that leaves no question as to whether or not she’s the future queen of the Redcaps.
“What, no hug for me, brother?” Wren pokes at Gerant’s side, and he jumps at her, picking her up and tossing her over his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, did you say something? Hello? I’m looking for my littlest sister, can anyone help me find her? She was very short when I left, and a scrawny looking thing. You, sir, can you help me find her?” Gerant dances around in a circle, Wren roaring with laughter as he teases her.
Isa giggles as we watch his antics, a hand on her belly and one at her chest.
“While they’re busy doing that, Isa, I have someone who’d very much like to meet you.” I turn to Kapriel, who’s standing there, wide-eyed and stock still. “This is my partner, Kapriel. We met in the human realm, hunting fugitives. He’s half Redcap and has been dying to make your acquaintance.”
Isa claps and bounces on her toes. “Oh, how lovely to meet you, Kapriel!” She walks right up to him, laying her hand on his forearm, smiling kindly at him. “You must tell me everything there is to know about you and your family. I’m so happy there are more Redcaps here with me for this trip.” She looks over her shoulder at Gerant and shakes her head as both he and Wren act like goofballs. “My love, I’m going inside. Do not rush after me like I’m an invalid. I will be just fine with Kapriel here.”
I snort at the chastisement of my brother. It would be just like him to hover over her like a protective mama bear while she’s carrying his child. He looks up from where he’s sitting on the ground with Wren and assesses his wife before he nods, waving two of the Redcap guards they’d brought with them to go with her. They head up the steps, and I’m torn between spending time with the brother who doesn’t seem to want to yell at me and making sure Kapriel can form sentences, but before I can fret too much, Isa turns again and calls my name.
“Jinx, would you join me for some tea as well? I’d love to hear all about your travels.”
Despite my family’s opinion of her, I can’t sense any malice in her tone, any double meaning in her words. Hopefully, this trip will allow her to bond with our family and heal the rift that was caused when my brother left his place as heir to the Wild Hunt to follow his heart.
“Absolutely. Although I will warn you, Isa, Kapriel and I have gotten into some interesting situations. We are not responsible for any stains on your clothing from spitting out your tea if you laugh too hard.”
Kapriel sputters at my words, and I pat his shoulder as I walk by. “Don’t worry, Kap. I’ll try not to embarrass you too badly in front of the princess.”
Kapriel scowls at me. “She’s just kidding.” He practically growls the words at me in warning.
“Am not!” I sing song, holding open the door for the both of them.
“I will string you up by your toes, you rude cow. Don’t you dare.”
Isa’s laugh rings out through the main hall at our bickering, and she points between the two of us. “You two are exactly like my brother and me. I’m in for a treat!”
8
At least two hours have passed since Kapriel and I started sharing stories of our adventures hunting down fugitives in the human realm. In that time, Wren, Gerant, Edern, and a few of the hunters have joined us by the massive fireplace in the main hall, listening as we regale them with our tales.
“What happened next?” Gerant asks, looking between Kapriel and me.
I smirk. “Well, Kapriel, the big baby, went after the smaller of the two Goblins, leaving me with a man triple my size.”
Kapriel raises a hand and interjects. “She means I left her with the one without a weapon. I was being gracious.”
I throw a cracker at him. “More like trying to protect that pretty face of yours.”
“I will ignore your unladylike behavior and take the compliment.”
“Of course you will…you vain bastard.”
Isa is gripping her stomach as tears fall down her face as she laughs at our antics. “Gerant, did I not tell you they are just like Connor and me?”
Gerant runs a hand down her hair. “That you did, my love.”
Warmth blooms in my chest as I watch their apparent devotion to each other. They’re not the most expected match, but they seem to balance each other out. Despite her small stature for a Redcap, she holds her own and dishes whatever she’s served right back.
“I need a snack or something. Anyone else need anything while I’m up? Edern?” I ask my brother, hoping he’ll actually talk with me as I rise from my chair and take a few steps toward the kitchens.
“You’re going to give Mom a heart attack if you get your own food.” Wren drawls the words, amusement apparent in her tone as Edern’s lips form a thin line, and my hope shrivels up in my chest like a grape left out in the sun for too long.
“Yeah, well, everyone is busy preparing for the grand feast we’re sure to have once Mom appears and sees that she’s having a grandbaby.”
“Now that you mention it...” Gerant looks around, a frown on his face. “Where is our mother?”
I walk backward and hold up my hands. “I’ve no idea. She seems a little distracted with father’s disa
ppearance. Add in she’s probably fretting about your arrival and accommodations, and I’m sure she’s just busy. I’ll be right back.”
I turn around, swinging my arms as I walk, my steps lighter than they have been in a long time despite the tension between Edern and me. If he doesn’t talk to me of his own volition, I’ll tie him to a chair and make him talk to me before this visit of mine is over.
“Can I get you something, miss?” one of the younger girls in the kitchen asks, and I wave her off.
“That’s okay, I can get it. I promise you won’t get in trouble. I’m used to making my own meals now that I’ve lived out in the human realm.”
The girl’s eyes go wide, and she nods. She keeps a watchful eye on me as I prepare a plate of cheese, bread, fruits and dried meats. One of the doors swings open behind me, and I laugh.
“Couldn’t wait until I brought the plate out, Kapr—” I look over my shoulder, and the words die on my lips as I meet her gaze.
Arianna. My ex-best friend, liar, man stealing wench, and total cunt.
I turn my back on her, not willing to give her the time of day. Or night. Or really any energy at all.
Gods above and below, I’m not sure how I don’t fling the knife I’m using to cut slices of meat at her, but it’s a struggle.
“Hello, Jinx.” Her voice is high-pitched, almost a whine, and the sound grates on my nerves.
I don’t respond, instead choosing to focus on the task at hand.
Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
It isn’t nice to stab others.
It isn’t nice to stab others even if they deserve it.
It isn’t nice to stab others even if they’re backstabbing cows who should burn in the fires of the underworlds.
I repeat the words in my head, holding onto the reminder as a prayer for strength rather than patience, because gods know I am sorely lacking in that department.
Arianna heaves a sigh behind me, and I roll my eyes at her dramatics. Always putting on a show for everyone around her. “Leave us, girl,” she snarls, and the girl that had been waiting to see if I needed her help scampers off like she’s been slapped.
I scowl down at the plate of food that I’m no longer sure I’m hungry for. Arianna’s appearance has killed my appetite. Despite telling myself not to engage with her, I can’t stop the words that fly out of my mouth at her actions.
“Still as rude as ever, I see.” I glance over my shoulder at her and ignore the pinched look on her face.
“No one needs to be here for this conversation,” Arianna speaks slowly, as though talking to a child.
“Perfect! Well, if you’ll excuse me, I hope you enjoy the conversation you’re about to have with yourself.” I pick up the platter of food and turn to leave, but she steps to the right and blocks my path.
“You know I meant a conversation between you and me, Jinx. Don’t play dumb. I think this is long overdue, don’t you?” She runs her hands down the long string of pearls around her neck, and I watch with a sort of morbid fascination.
Does she know I could strangle her with those just as easily as I could forcibly move her out of the way? Probably not. She’s never been the sharpest weapon in the armory.
I don’t dignify her words with a response, only a tilt of my head.
“I know that things weren’t exactly amicable when you left...” She trails off as though waiting for me to correct her.
Of course they weren’t, you raging idiot.
“But I wanted a chance to explain my side of the story.” The words are rushed, as though she knows that she’s on a clock and time is running out. She stares at me, and I raise an eyebrow in response when it becomes apparent she’s waiting for some sort of sign that she should continue.
“I know you were never happy with Artagant, Jinx.” She draws my name out defensively.
I bark out a laugh, unable to stand here in silence any longer. “And that makes it okay that you slept with him while we were engaged?”
Arianna sputters, looking around the kitchen to make sure we’re still alone. “What would you have had me do? He is a court favorite, and I was only the lowly best friend of the king’s daughter. If I had refused him, he would have dragged my name through the mud.”
I take two steps forward and let the platter clatter on the stone countertop before bracing both hands on the smooth surface and leaning toward her. “Are you trying to say that he forced you to have sex with him?” I don’t believe her words for a second, but I’m curious to see if she’ll try to lie through her teeth.
She smooths a few fly away pieces of her hair down. “N-No. Of course not. He didn’t rape me.”
“Okay, so you willingly slept with my fiancé because you were worried he’d drag your name through the mud.” I clear my throat, agitated. “And you didn’t once think to tell your best friend, princess of the kingdom you live in, about it so she could take care of the situation for you?” I shake my head in disbelief. “Come on, Arianna. Don’t try to play the victim here. You had options; you just chose to elevate your status instead of staying loyal to me.”
I may be many things, but a fool isn’t one of them, and no matter what she or Artagant say in defense of their actions, there is no going back from what I saw.
“It isn’t as simple as that, Jin—”
“But it is, Arianna.” A thought occurs to me about the timing of her approaching me, and I narrow my eyes. “But you’re not here asking for forgiveness are you?” I laugh mirthlessly, and she shifts from foot to foot, a blush staining her pale cheeks. “No, of course not. You’re here to see if I’m going to share your secret.”
What a conniving little twat. I should have known she wouldn’t be here looking for absolution.
“Well, of course I would like to know if you plan to tell everyone what happened, but truly, I did come to apologize and tell you my side of the story since you wouldn’t speak to me before you left.”
“Can you blame me?” I scratch at my head, perplexed at her incredulity over my actions but not her own. “What would you have done in my situation, Arianna? Tell me, please, what you think I should have done differently. Would you have thanked me and carried on like nothing had happened?” Like she hadn’t destroyed two of the closest relationships in my life at the time in one go?
Arianna wrinkles her nose. “Of course not.”
“I thought so. So tell me again what exactly you came in here expecting to hear?” I throw my hands up in the air, thoroughly exasperated. “Do you want my forgiveness? Because you’ll never have it.” I don’t care if that makes me petty as hell, but it is what it is.
“Th-That’s not...”
“Do you want my silence? Are you and Artagant hoping that part of the reason I left won’t come out? Is that social ladder climbing rat worried he’ll lose favor in the court? Or even be banished?”
Arianna gasps at my words, the thought of banishment clearly never crossing her mind. “P-P-Please, Jinx.” Her eyes water, her lower lip trembling. “We’re married now. P-Please don’t banish us.”
Try as I might, I can’t muster up a shred of pity for them. Quite literally, they’d made their own bed, and now they have to lie in it. It wasn’t up to me to give a damn about the consequences they’d face for their actions.
“You seem as though you’ve moved on. The man you brought with you. I heard he is your partner?” I shake my head as she tries to change the subject, but I let it go.
Revenge was something I’d learned early on only left the one doling it out feeling empty and hollow inside. You could deal with the cause of the rage, but after it was all said and done, you’re still left to deal with that anger even when there’s no one left to take it out on.
“Kapriel is like a brother to me. We aren’t romantically involved. Never have been, never will be.” I pick the platter of snacks up again, determined to end this uncomfortable conversation on my own terms. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I’ve got friends waiting for me, true
ones, who I haven’t seen in years, no thanks to you.” I knock her shoulder with mine as I move around her. “Oh, and Arianna?”
“Hmm?” She turns to face me, biting her lip.
“Tell Artagant to talk to me himself next time instead of hiding behind your skirts. His lack of courage to face me is embarrassing.”
9
My mood was less jovial and more introspective when I’d rejoined the merry group of people I’d left for far longer than I intended when I’d run to the kitchen for a snack. I’d brushed off their teasing and plastered a smile on my face, content to let Kapriel and the others share their own stories of battles and hunts and random nonsense.
Kapriel had given me a pointed glance a few times when the others weren’t looking, but I waved him off with a promise that I’d tell him what was going on later.
“I am exhausted.” Isa stretches her arms up over her head, yawning. “I apologize, but I think I need to call it a night and get some rest.”
I stand up and hug her, happy that I got the chance to spend some time with her without formality getting in the way. “Go sleep. I’m sure you both need it.” I point my finger at my brother. “Take care of them. Or I’ll beat you with a wooden spoon.”
Gerant rubs his hand on the top of my head, completely messing with my hair, and I swat at him. “Yeah, yeah, go get some rest yourself. It seems you’ve had an eventful few days.”
“We have indeed. I’m right behind you guys.” I stand and twist from side to side, my muscles aching from pure exhaustion. “Kapriel, you good to find your way back?”
“Are you kidding? I’d end up lost. I’m beat as well.” Kapriel claps hands with Maxen and side hugs Wren, bidding everyone good night and following me toward our quarters.
A Reluctant Huntress: Tales of the Wild Hunt | Book One Page 6
