Message received. It would probably come back to bite me, but I didn’t care. She didn’t hold all the cards, even if she thought she did.
I took a deep breath of the morning air and smiled, then started walking again. “So, these defenses. I threw one up last night that didn’t let fire through, we tested it, what did I do wrong?”
“You must not have been specific enough,” she answered. There was a sullen tone to her usually bright and girlish voice. Triumph erupted in my chest hearing her so disheartened. Okay, it was petty, but she damn well deserved it. “If you are not specific, the charm will allow certain people in. For example, if you set one up to keep Tatiana and her forces out, it would allow me in.”
“I actually set it for anyone wishing us harm. Us being my people, and I set it around the volcano.”
She smiled, her eyes twinkling, all signs of her bad mood gone. “You really are a gift, Ellana.”
I shrugged. What I wanted to do was snarl at her. A gift? I wasn’t delivered, I was unceremoniously dumped here. I was no more a gift than she was. “I didn’t ask for any of this, but I figured since I’m here I should make a few changes for the better. I mean, the monkeys seem calmer with some leadership, don’t they?”
She didn’t respond to that and I didn’t push her. When we reached them, she grasped one of the thick bars and instructed, “Protect the boundary around the fortress and your border. You will know if one is breeched, you will feel it, but having extra protection buys you time to mobilize.”
I ignored the urge to say what I was thinking, sassing that she would know about the time to mobilize, and looked at the gates. The longer I was here, the more I was sure she had an ulterior motive. I wasn’t here only to help with her sister… and I was starting to think this went far beyond me, stemming from my great grandmother’s time here and Glinda’s involvement with her. I let my eyes travel along to the large pillars with the winged monkeys carved into them, and along the high, outer wall of the volcano. Turning on the spot, I took in the whole scene. The rocky walls, the fortress, and the three remaining towers that allowed the uppermost rooms a view out over the landscape beyond the protective walls. When I’d looked at it all, I closed my eyes and concentrated and I felt the charm click into place. I think Glinda did too, because she took in a sharp breath, but when I looked at her there was nothing in her expression to indicate surprise.
I wasn’t sure how to visualize the border. I’d only seen a small fraction of it, where the landscapes changed from the deep greens of summer to the muted oranges of fall. I supposed that was enough and repeated the action, and suddenly I felt drained. It passed quickly, leaving me feeling as though I hadn't had quite enough sleep the night before. It wasn’t so bad I couldn’t function, though, so I pushed the feeling away.
“Well, I suppose that’s that,” I chirped brightly, grinning down at my pink bauble of a companion. “Thanks for the pointers.”
I didn’t bother waiting for her response, setting off back down the gravel path toward the fortress. She didn’t say anything as she fell into step beside me. We walked in silence, me masking my fatigue and her mulling over whatever was on her mind. I had a pretty good idea, but I wasn’t going to start a fight. That, it seemed, was her job.
“Ellana, may I speak candidly with you?” she inquired when we were halfway back to the building.
“Oh, of course,” I answered, stopping and looking at her, and pulling in my brows. “We’re friends, aren’t we?” I didn’t consider her a friend, but she didn’t need to know that. We were playing a game, one I planned on winning.
She smiled that sickly smile, her bubble-gum pink lips spreading across her face without parting. “Yes. Yes, we are,” she said happily. Then her face slackened. “I have to say, I’m concerned by your interference here, Ellana. The upset to the status quo.”
“Status quo?” I echoed, blinking in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
Her dramatic sigh made my right fist clench involuntarily, as she explained, “We do things very differently here in Oz. The monkeys… they have always been such a chaotic race, bloodthirsty and angry. The Stewards have never sat with their mistresses to dine. There are rules, protocols that must be observed. The changes here are against every tradition we hold dear.”
“But your Stewards can serve you in bed if you want them?” I countered, feeling my anger build.
It was out before I could think. I knew it was a step too far before her color changed again. It was incredible how angry she could get in the space of a few seconds. But I knew she was on her best behavior, and I knew she needed me more than I needed her. She was concerned over her sisters visit, over what I might have been told. I knew what I’d read in that journal. I had the advantages here. I even had my defenses in place, thanks to her. “That is different—”
“Is it? Well, not here it isn’t. I’m making a few changes, Glinda, and the first one is that others are to be shown respect, regardless of standing. The second is that the people will be shown compassion. The third is that inciting violence in my lands will not be tolerated. Anyone not willing to live by my rules won’t be welcome here.”
It was her turn to look confused, as though everything I’d specified were alien concepts to her, then her expression changed. “You go too far, Ellana.”
That was what I’d been waiting for. For that perfect elfin face to twist in rage. For her voice to raise a few octaves, her façade to fall away, and her hair to fly as she leaned forward to spit her response. I’d also been waiting for Sayer and Fallon, and they’d conveniently stepped out outside, I noticed with a quick glance to my left.
“You wanted me to come here and take over, Glinda. That’s what I’ve done. Your sister came here uninvited and the mess she left was too much. I won’t let that happen to my people again. I won’t have people dying because a couple of witches can’t conduct their business without an army.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re a witch, too, now. Remember that.”
I pressed my lips together and tilted my head to the side. “Yeah, but I’m a new breed. And you kinda need me, remember?”
She set her jaw and stared at me. I wish I knew what was going on in her head because her eyes were flicking ever so slightly to the right as she worked out what to say and do next. Whatever it was, she was clearly debating with herself. It only lasted a few moments but watching her battle her internal thoughts and emotions was amusing.
“You’re right,” she conceded. “I am sorry, Ellana, I shouldn’t have questioned you. Of course, you will change things in your own lands. You’ll do what’s best for your people, as I try to do for mine. You saw how happy the Horners and Hoppers are. That is our purpose here, isn’t it? To create a happy and safe place for our people to thrive.”
I smiled to acknowledge I accepted her apology and looked behind her. “I knew you’d understand. Look, Fallon and Sayer have finished breakfast.” I used their appearance as a distraction and raised a hand, waving to them. They didn’t wave back. Fallon still looked uncomfortable, while Sayer stood by the door with both hands behind his back, waiting for his mistress to give him an order.
Glinda took my hand in both of hers and squeezed tightly. “Of course, I understand. We can make Oz a better place for all our people when we have Tati under control.”
Bitch thought she could intimidate me with a handshake? I was really over her petty intimidation tactics.
I placed my hand on top of both of hers and patted, smiling down at her and hoping she’d let go before she cut off the circulation. “Shall we have tea?”
She practically skipped down to the fortress, all sugar and fluff again. I followed a bit more slowly, watching the physical responses of both the guys when she drew near. Fallon, I noticed, moved away. Sayer didn’t move at all.
Seeing him react like that flared my temper. It was entirely out of character, considering how laid back he seemed when we were alone. Whatever had gone on with her and Fallon wasn�
�t good, and I wanted to know what it was.
Unlikely to get the answers right then, I followed her down to the fortress and resumed my friendly act.
Tea turned into lunch. She finally left mid-afternoon, and it was both a relief and agonizing. I hadn’t had chance to speak to Sayer alone after his greeting this morning. I chewed at my bottom lip as they prepared to leave, wondering how they were going to go about it. It was the most Glinda exit I could have imagined. She pulled a ridiculous little wand out of a hidden pocket in her dress and waved it around the pair of them in a huge circle. The tip of the wand drew a sort of pearlescent bubble around them and I watched, speechless, as the thing slowly floated into the air, rising high above the turrets of the fortress, and then away to the southeast.
When it was out of sight I went inside and stood in the reception hall. I looked around, scratched my head and said, “Are you going to go and get changed?”
Fallon gave me a questioning look.
“You look about as comfortable in those as I’d be in one of Glinda’s dresses,” I muttered.
His smile was broad and he seemed to relax. Before he left me, though, he reached out and placed a hand on my arm. I put my hand over his.
“I’m fine. Honestly. I’m going to have a walk around here, see if I can manage a few improvements. Take your time, I’m okay here.”
Before I could turn away from Fallon, I heard the main door close, and I looked up to see Daniel. “My lady.”
“She’s gone. Where did everyone vanish to?” I asked, squeezing Fallon’s hand again before releasing it, and turning to the colonel.
“Forgive me, Ella. We have little trust of the witches. Since you forbade acts of violence, Remi ordered everyone to remain in their homes until she left. Just to be safe, you understand?”
I nodded. “I hope he’s resting?”
Daniel nodded. “Is there anything you require of me this afternoon?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I fixed the alarm system, I just need you guys to keep the watches like we agreed, and we’re set.”
He nodded. “If you need anything, just whistle.”
I frowned, about to say I'd rather not, but it occurred to me there wasn’t really any other way to communicate. I’d have to work on that. “Will do. Thanks Daniel.”
He bowed and left through the door, and I turned around to find Fallon was gone too.
Alone in my reception hall, I sighed and looked around. The place really was a mess. It was time to get to work.
Chapter 21
Fallon found me in the courtyard, overlooking the northeast wall. His feet scuffed in the rubble, announcing his arrival, but I didn’t bother turning around when he reached me.
“Figured it out. Took a few tries, but I got the wall up. Then I had to get the appliances in and make them work without plumbing or electricity.”
I looked over my shoulder to see him frowning.
“Never mind, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is we have a kitchen with a stove and a refrigerator, which means we can cook. Not now though. I’m happy with toasted bread and cheese tonight.”
He smiled and stepped in front of me, brushing my hair back from my face with his hand. I knew the look in his eyes. I was learning to read him far more quickly than I usually did with people.
“Because it was needed. I’m going to fix the whole place up over the next few days, then I’ll have to handle Glinda’s demands.”
He gave me a weak smile.
“I told her if she harasses you again I’ll throw her out myself.”
He looked down and to my left, appearing incredibly uncomfortable.
“I don’t know what happened with her, but I warned her. Did you eat your breakfast?”
He smirked before reaching for me. I let him pull me into his chest and smiled when he kissed the side of my head.
“Question.”
He took my shoulders and stepped back, his eyes searching mine.
“Its been bothering me. Did you mind Sayer kissing me this morning?”
He shook his head.
“Did he mind that we were… close?”
He shook his head again, his eyes glinting with amusement.
I sucked on my bottom lip and frowned as I considered that. Fallon chuckled and pulled me close again, stroking my hair as he held me.
“I don’t get it.”
He ran his finger along my jawline, tilting my chin slightly, and kissed me.
“So, you don’t mind, he doesn’t mind, and I’m just stuck here between the two of you?”
He wiggled his eyebrows at me and my mouth opened, then I blushed and looked away. He tilted my chin again, forcing me to look at him, and kissed me.
“Okay. I’ll just roll with it, like I have everything else.”
He smiled, then took my hand and kissed it.
Trying not to smile, I pulled it back and gave him a stern look. “We have work to do.”
He followed me around the place as I worked, moving from room to room and cleaning up, adding furniture, and decorating. I kept it simple with dark wood and functional designs, and gave each room a slightly different color scheme, but they centered around the autumnal colors—it seemed fitting. When I was done with the reception hall—the massive hall I made into a formal dining space, and the large room with the fireplace I decided to make into the living room—I allowed Fallon to stop me and take me back up to his rooms.
There, he made me sit on the sofa while he disappeared back downstairs.
I looked out of the window and across the landscape to the east. The sun was setting, shadows growing on the horizon where I imagined the Emerald City to be, and I thought of Sayer. The way he’d kissed me that morning, how he seemed so pleased to see me, and how he acted as though we were nothing but acquaintances in front of Glinda. He’d just left again without a word. No goodbye. No suggestion as to when he’d be back, I didn’t know if he would be back, but he had seemed happy enough that Fallon was ‘taking good care of me.’
The whole situation was messed up. Him following Glinda around when it was clear he didn’t fully trust her. Me bouncing from one guy to the next like some attention starved harlot, with both guys apparently happy to share me. Was that even a thing? I supposed it must have been since they were comfortable with the arrangement.
My thoughts drifted from one thing to the next. The monkeys. The Pumpkinheads. Tatiana and the red, feathered Lioneag that seemed overly interested in me. Glinda and her barely masked rage. The way she backed down when I reminded her that I wasn’t like her.
Sayer had been forced to go with her. His vow was binding and we had to maintain the pretense that he was hers. I wasn’t entirely certain how I felt about that. I held no claim over him, but it seemed wrong. I wanted him here with me. It was nice having him in the fortress, and seeing his reactions to her behavior at the table confirmed my suspicions about her. Or, they added to them at least.
Fallon returned with two plates laden with food and a large, earthenware bottle hanging from one thumb. I watched him light the fire, then looked back out the window.
“Fallon. Do you have any paper?”
He stopped what he was doing and nodded, before heading into the adjoining room. I got up and followed him into what turned out to be a bedroom. There was a large four-post bed in the center of the room and little else. I leaned on the doorframe and watched him reach beneath the bed, pulling out a small box. Without opening it, he turned around to bring it to me and smiled when he saw me there.
I looked past him to his bed. It was perfectly made, as though it hadn’t been slept in, and I wondered if he favored the couch.
“How long have you been here alone? Why were you left here alone?” I inquired. Although I spoke quietly since my voice carried in the stark room.
He put the box on the bed and held out his hand. I went to him, lacing my fingers though his, and he used his free hand to cup my cheek and shook his head gently.
“It
does matter. Nobody is telling me exactly what’s going on here, for whatever reason, and if I’m going to make the difference I want to make while I’m here, then I need to hear every side.”
He leaned in, pressed his forehead against mine, and exhaled. I could feel his frustration, I shared it. If only he could just tell me. Then I remembered that Sayer hadn’t been able to tell me what he’d wanted to either.
“Has she gagged you too?” I inquired, my voice a hoarse whisper.
He closed his eyes, and there was pain etched on his face.
“I’ll figure it out,” I promised, reaching up and running my hand over his shoulder, and then kissing him. The muscle tensed beneath my touch and his body shifted, pressing me into the doorframe.
I pushed back, not allowing our lips to break contact, while guiding him toward the bed. He let me. He willingly went where I wanted, only stopping when his back pressed against the bedpost. My hands roamed over his chest, around his neck, and up the back of his head, where I ran my fingers though his hair. The stubble on his face was rough against mine as his kiss grew more demanding. He mirrored me, his hands tangling in my hair, tugging my head back to give him better access to my mouth. I tried to be as silent as he was, but I couldn’t, and when he ran his tongue along my jawline, ending in a nip of his teeth on my earlobe, a quiet moan slipped from my lips.
He paused, pulled back, and looked at my face. There was a question there and it didn’t need a voice to be heard.
I smiled and stepped away. He released me immediately, and watched me step around him and take the small chest from the bed and place it on the floor. Then I reached for his hand and tugged him toward me. “This isn’t weird, right?”
He cupped my face in both hands and kissed me, herding me onto the bed. When my ass hit the mattress, he tugged his tunic over his head to reveal his pale, toned abs and chest. I reached for the waistband of his pants, tugging him closer so he stood between my knees, and unfastening the laces holding them up. I could see the bulge of his cock and knew he wasn’t wearing anything underneath. With the laces undone, I slid my hands under the waistband, around his narrow hips, and down his ass, taking the supple leather with me.
The Ruby Fortress (Kingdoms Of Oz Book 1) Page 15
