The Hob

by Dana Marie Bell

  Worse, he recognized the ornate pearl ring on her outstretched hand.

  It couldn’t be.

  “A siren.” The missing princess, to be precise.

  “Yes.” Shane smiled, the expression sympathetic. “You’re going to go through hell, and in the end, the decision will still be yours.”

  “It’s not possible. A mate covenant has already been written for her by her family.”

  Akane shrugged. “Find the loop in the hole.”

  Find the—? “You want me to find a way to break the mate covenant.”

  “I don’t know if that’s what you’re supposed to do, but my mother wouldn’t have told you that without a reason.”

  “She’s right. I don’t know how all of this is supposed to play out, but she’s yours and you’re hers.” Shane pointed toward the black-fanged face. “The alternative is not an option.”

  On that, they agreed. Damn it. “Is she the one Robin has stashed away in his home?”

  “Yes, but she left this morning.”

  “Oh?”

  Shane grinned. “She has her own problem to take care of before you meet.”

  “You told her to go.”

  “I did.” Shane crossed his arms, practically daring Oberon to take objection.

  “Jethro.” Akane, at least, had the sense to look appalled.

  “No, Akane. He has the chance to have the world in his hand, but he’d rather court disaster than a woman.”

  “I don’t want the world. I never have. That was Titannia’s folly, not mine.”

  Shane had the common sense to look abashed. “You know what I mean.” And he hammered home his point by once more embracing his bondmate.

  Oberon decided to change the subject. He had much to think on, but the hybrid had made his case. Oberon, for all his bluster, would not allow the Gray Court to fall. He would seek out the siren and make her his, whether he liked it or not. “Speaking of women, Robin, it appears, has found his mate.”

  “Excellent.”

  Shane appeared truly delighted for Robin, something Oberon marked in the hybrid’s favor. Robin was easy to love, once you got to know him, but few took the time to do so. It was a tragic side effect of being the Hob, one they’d both learned to live with. “And she’s human.”

  Shane’s gaze became instantly worried. “Not so excellent.”

  Akane looked up at her truebond. “She’ll need to be protected.”

  Shane shared a look with her that was full of amused affection. “Are you going to go eat the bad guys?”

  “I’m thinking about it.”

  “That might give the babies indigestion, mo chroí.”

  “They’ll get over it.” She shot him an irritated look. “Besides, they’re your kids. I’m pretty sure they’ll eat dirt and shit diamonds.”

  “You’re just irritated that you haven’t opened the puzzle box yet.”

  “I hate you so much right now.”

  “Children.” Really. How did Robin put up with them? It was like refereeing between two toddlers. “Jaden is guarding Robin’s mate.”

  Shane shuddered. “He won’t be enough. Nothing will be enough to save her.”

  The two hybrids exchanged a look that sent shivers down Oberon’s spine. “What have you seen, Shane Joloun Dunne?”

  The power of the High King compelled Shane to answer. “Her death.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kael tossed a grape up into the air and caught it in his mouth. “Robin and Michaela, sittin’ in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n— Ow.” He rubbed the back of his head where Robin had just smacked him.

  Robin leaned on the back of Kael’s chair and bent over until they were nearly cheek to cheek. He smiled sweetly. “It would be but the work of a moment to end you.”

  Kael coughed and wisely let it drop. “So. McNeil has a hard-on for Lord Wyght, and not in the fun, bed-filled way. Lady Malmayne is disdainful of them both and refuses to speak to Blackthorn. In fact, she’s called for a different mediator, claiming Duncan Malmayne-Blackthorn is biased against her.”

  Duncan should be, as her new mate was now the head of the Black Court Malmaynes. Henri had never been very bright, but he was clever, and it had served him well. When Constance was destroyed by dark magic, Henri, with Cecelia’s endorsement, had been declared the new head of the Clan. Surprisingly few had objected. Those who had, joined the Gray, as no Malmayne was welcome in the White Court any longer. Those who had chosen to join the Gray were currently under the rule of a young lord named Tristan Malmayne, who was doing his best to integrate them into Gray Court life as seamlessly as possible.

  Once a Clan went Black, no member, no matter what their intentions, was allowed in the White Palace. They would be killed on sight on suspicion of being spies. Gloriana took no chances where Titannia was concerned.

  Indeed, there was a good chance that Prince Evan would be killed before he ever reached his aunt’s palace. Robin would put nothing past Gloriana. The boy had been in Black Court hands for weeks now. She would feel she had no choice but to destroy not only a potential subversive, but an embarrassment to her house. Knowing her as he did, Robin would not put it past her to blame either the Black Court, claiming ambush, or the Gray, claiming the Blades had failed to protect her kin. The White Court, lovely lemmings that they tended to be, would follow where her opinion led them.

  Bah. At times they were no better nor worse than the Black, for all their posturing and holier-than-thou attitude.

  Robin would offer the boy sanctuary. If he took it, he should be safe from Gloriana’s fanatical ways. If not, Robin would at least know he’d tried.

  “Lord Raven has been suspiciously absent from the proceedings, which is causing the Black to try and delay until their errant leader can be found.”

  Robin blinked. He’d been bouncing between guarding Michaela and attending the convention, ears wide open, leaving Kael and Duncan to deal with the actual negotiations. If Raven had been absent from the arbitration also, that could only mean one of two things.

  He was stalking Michaela, or he was dealing with the boy.

  He draped his arms around Kael’s neck and pondered, ignoring the wild fluttering of Kael’s pulse. The boy would learn his fear was well-earned, or he would not, depending on Robin’s choice. “What room does the Raven Lord currently occupy?”

  Kael rattled off a room number and Robin memorized it. “It’s one of their executive suites, with a king bed. Plenty of room for his minions to gather and plot and mua-ha-ha without disturbing anyone.”

  Robin sighed. He would have to assign the boy to Akane and Jaden for in-depth training. The three of them would get along like oil and fire. Gods help them all.

  “They even refuse to state their demands until the Fear Dearc is present, which is causing some tension with both the White Court delegation and Blackthorn.”

  “Damn.” Unless they clearly stated what they wanted, Robin’s hands were tied. “What does Duncan say?”

  “Blackthorn believes it’s a delaying tactic and I agree.” Kael spun in his seat, his expression earnest. “There’s something more going on here than Evan’s kidnapping. Lady Malmayne, for all her bluster, is nervous as hell. McNeil won’t let either her or Wyght out of his sight, even to take a piss. And he’s getting more and more upset over the fact that the Fear Dearc wasn’t there yesterday or the day before.”

  “And there are only three more days left to the convention we’re using as a cover.” Three more days to find Prince Evan and uncover Titannia’s plot.

  “Yes. We need to move, and fast.”

  Robin tapped his black nail against the table. “We need to get you into Lord Raven’s room.”

  Kael took a deep breath and blew it out, nodding his agreement despite his fears. “Now that Jaden and Duncan Blackthorn are here, you don’t need me to listen in. I’ll be of more use to you in his room.”

  “Be careful. If Raven discovers your presence, your life will be forfeit, and not at my hand.”r />
  “I’m aware of that.”

  “Do well, and I will discuss your recruitment into the Blades with Oberon.”

  Kael started, his eyes wide with astonishment. “Are you serious?”

  Robin’s brow rose arrogantly.

  “You are.” Kael fell back against his chair and ran his hands down his face. “I’d accept, especially if it kept Evan from going home.”

  This time both of Robin’s brows rose. “Then Gloriana does mean to rid herself of the boy.”

  “And my uncle, and his brother, and his mother.”

  Robin scowled. “That goes too far.”

  “She’s become unreasonable. If they got to ‘the half-breed’, they might have gotten to the entire family. Since she lost the Malmaynes she’s been monitoring the other Court Sidhe like prisoners of war who might escape at any moment. Some have disappeared from their Clan homes, and haven’t been seen in weeks.” Kael shook his head. “She’s always been tough, but she’s never been this bad before.”

  Robin growled, the sound inhuman. “This needs to be brought to Oberon’s attention immediately.”

  “I think she’s insane.”

  Kael’s whisper could easily be construed as treason if heard by the wrong ears. Robin had to act fast if he were to save Kael. Not even Robin knew the extent of Gloriana’s powers when it came to those who owed her fealty.

  Robin grabbed Kael by the collar and swept him to the Gray Palace. He marched him into Oberon’s study, bowing before his king. “Swear fealty to the Gray, Kael. Now.”

  Kael, his face pale, got down on one knee immediately. “I hereby renounce all ties to the White Lady, Queen Gloriana, Queen of the White Court, Lady of the Seelie. I declare myself Oberon’s man from this day forth, in honor and in faith, having no other oaths to forswear. By the gods I pledge my loyalty to the Gray Court, High King Oberon and his descendants. I declare myself the sworn servant of the Gray Lord, High King Oberon, King of the Gray Court, Lord over the Fae. I pledge my sword and my honor to uphold the laws of the Court. I and my house will abide by the laws handed down by the High King. I will faithfully perform all services required by Crown and Court. So swear I, Lord Kael Oren.”

  Oberon’s expression was calm, but his gaze was pure, icy silver. “I, High King Oberon, the Gray Lord, Lord of the Fae, hereby hear your oaths and accept them in the name of Crown and Court. I declare you our loyal servant, sworn to our bidding. From this day forth my sword shall defend you, my magic protect you, and my wrath be mighty should you fail of your duty. All former oaths to the White are hereby null and void, by my power as High King. So swear I, Oberon, High King.”

  Kael quivered as the weight of Oberon’s magic settled over him. He was now Gray Court, bound to Oberon.

  “I wish to sponsor Kael into the Blades.”

  Oberon’s calm facade cracked. “What is this about, my Hob?”

  Robin nudged at Kael until the pooka stood. “Tell him.”

  So Kael did, outlining for Oberon Gloriana’s attempts to halt any further incursions into her Court by the Black. When he was done, Robin took over. Oberon needed to know that Robin had not brought the boy here on a whim. Kael’s life was in danger the moment the words had left his lips. Once Gloriana was declared queen, her powers had grown to match those of Titannia, keeping the queens perfectly balanced. It was entirely possible she could hear her name spoken on the lips of those sworn to her. If so…

  This was the only way to save Kael from a charge of treason.

  Oberon sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m going to request that you join the Blackthorn Clan.”

  Robin laughed, delighted, even as Kael scowled. “Why, if I may be so bold as to ask?”

  Oberon shot the pooka an amused glance. “Because something tells me you’ll fit right in.” The look he shot Robin was less amused. “I had an interesting discussion with the Seer and Shane Dunne today.”

  “Interesting how?” This was bad. If Oberon knew about Michaela, he could order Robin to bring her here.

  Wait a moment. That was actually a good idea. If Oberon was aware that Michaela was Robin’s truebond, he would protect her with his life.

  “I know that the girl you had hidden in your library was the missing siren, Princess Cassandra Nerice.”

  “Oh?” This was not good. Why did Shane have to give away his secret? Shane was the one who’d sent Cassie to Robin in the first place. He should have known, better than anyone, that Cassie wished her presence to remain quiet.

  “Hobgoblin.”

  Merde. “Yes, my king?”

  “‘Heart and soul return to thee when Oberon goes into the sea.’”

  Robin tilted his head. “What does that mean?” He had a bad feeling about this.

  Oberon leaned forward, and Robin shivered at the expression on the High King’s face. “It means that, according to the Seer, the woman I must mate in order to save the Gray Court was in your home.”

  Oh, hell. “Was?” Had Cassie left without notifying him? If so, why?

  “Shane told her to go. Why, I have no idea. He refused to explain it to me.”

  That sounded like Shane. “If Shane told her to go, he had a very good reason for it.”

  “You trust him, then.”

  “I do.” Strangely enough, Robin did. The entire family was home to him. He missed them far more than he’d thought possible. He wanted to take Michaela to meet them, almost as much as he wanted Oberon to approve of her. Ruby was going to love her. Moira, Jaden and Duncan already did. And Aileen would mother her just as she did Akane and Ruby.

  Oberon reluctantly nodded his head and straightened up. “So be it, then.”

  “Just one thing, my king. If Shane tells you to do something or go somewhere, go.” If Oberon ignored Shane’s directive, the ending he was striving to avoid would come to pass, of that Robin had no doubt.

  Oberon nodded again. “I will.”

  “Is that all, my liege?”

  Oberon frowned. “No.” He sighed and pushed his hair out of his face, the silver strands settling behind him, neat as a pin. The day Robin saw Oberon mussed and uncaring about it was the day the world as he knew it came to an end. “Shane saw something else as well.”

  “What?” He didn’t like Oberon’s tone. He’d gone formal and cold, something he rarely was when speaking with Robin. He caught Kael shivering out of the corner of his eye and realized the pooka was reacting to his king.

  Oberon’s eyes paled to almost white. “Jaden will not be enough to protect your mate.”

  Robin’s claws and fangs descended. His eyes glowed. “Then I will protect her myself.”

  Oberon sighed. “Hobgoblin—”

  Robin refused to hear more. He’d left his bondmate, his truebond, behind to bring Kael here, and while he did not regret his actions, he needed to get back. If Jaden was not enough, then let the world face the Hob.

  He was ready for it.

  He grabbed Kael and, in a swirl of darkness, left the High King’s home.

  “So? Still don’t want to go to a fairy convention?”

  Oberon sighed again and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I hate you so much.”

  “Aw, shucks.” Shane Dunne stepped into the room with a grin. “And I was going to ask Ma to adopt you.”

  Oberon shuddered, and Shane laughed. Oberon found himself reluctantly returning the hybrid’s smile. “Where is Akane?”

  “Cleaning out your fridge.”

  “You realize this is the Gray Palace?” The odds of Akane eating the contents of his kitchen were miniscule.

  Shane’s brows rose. “She’s a pregnant dragon.”

  Oberon blinked. “I’d better order takeout.”

  “You’d better head to Philadelphia.” The grin fell off Shane’s face. “Trust me, you need to be there.”

  Oberon nodded. “Robin warned me to follow your directions.”

  Shane winced. “Believe me, the consequences of ignoring my visions are worse than wh
at happens if you obey them.”

  “How bad will following them be?”

  Shane grimaced. “Bad.”

  Wonderful.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Where to next?”

  Michaela consulted the brochure. “Flower arranging?”

  Moira snored.

  “How to tell the magical properties of gemstones?”

  Moira snored again.

  “Fine.” Michaela sniffed and turned the page. “Oh, how about a discussion on the fae in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?”

  Moira gagged.

  “Hey, I like Puck in that.”

  Moira giggled. “I bet he’d love to hear that.”

  “Huh?” Michaela frowned at Moira, who’d gone pale. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.” Moira’s wan smile didn’t fool Michaela for an instant.

  “Are you sure? We could skip—”

  “And what trouble are you two plotting, hmm?” The deep, purring voice of her fantasy man vibrated through Michaela, making her wish she could rub against him like a tabby cat.

  Michaela turned to find the stunning redhead calling himself Robin Goodfellow standing just behind her, a wicked grin on his arresting face. She felt a blush stain her cheeks. “Hi.”

  Robin bowed and took her hand. “Michaela.” He lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the tips of her fingers, his gaze never once leaving hers. “Always a pleasure.”

  The way he purred that last had her shivering with want. She swallowed, hoping to get some moisture into her suddenly dry mouth. “You too.” Gah. She sounded like Minnie Mouse on helium. She cleared her throat and hoped the dogs in the neighborhood would forgive her someday for that assault on their ears, because she was pretty sure nothing human had heard her. “Ah, we were just discussing which workshop to sit in on.”

  There. That sounded totally normal.

  “Well, then.” Robin took her hand and placed it on his arm. “Why not consider—”

  “Michaela. Fancy meeting you here. And in such…interesting company.” Raven swept her a bow and took hold of her free hand. “Would you like to accompany me to an artist’s panel?”