“How much of that did you hear?” Teag asks.
“Not much. Enough to know that she still won’t admit she did everything and that she asked you to spare her.”
Teag narrows his eyes. “Do you think I would be foolish enough to spare her?”
I lean a shoulder against the wall. “No. I don’t. I think, despite your personal feelings, you’re going to do what’s best for your kingdom because that’s what a king does.”
Teag walks forward until we’re shoulder to shoulder and pauses. “Exactly. Because a ruler cannot flinch in matters regarding the safety of those they’re bound to protect.” He continues up the steps, his shoulders still bowed.
*
The morning fog still clings to the walls of the castle as we all congregate outside, waiting for Odaine to be brought out. Although she betrayed Teag and the Goblin Kingdom, Teag is still allowing Odaine to choose the way she will die. I don’t agree with it. I think that whatever she picks will be too easy, and no matter what, it will never be enough to make up for all of the hurt she’s caused.
A small hand slips into my own, and I curve up one side of my mouth at Arela. Her robin-egg-blue and sand-colored hair is pulled back and she smiles back at me. She insisted on being here and facing down Odaine one last time. Brodie stands on the other side of her, his mouth in a flat line of displeasure. He’s been vocal about Arela not seeing Odaine’s death, insisting she’s too young. And while I would normally agree with him, I think Odaine is a demon Arela needs to see vanquished. She needs that tangible closure to heal. Even when I’d rather protect her from watching the life slip from another living being’s eyes, I can’t. Not this time.
I look around us, taking note of each of the guards at every possible entrance to the main courtyard. Each stands at the ready, hands on the pommels of their swords, their eyes restless as they scan the area. My own crew is scattered among them, poised for action should any of Odaine’s previous allies try something. Cashel is an unstable variable that none of us can predict and there’s no telling if he’ll try to rescue her.
Arela bumps her shoulder into mine and I look down into her magenta and teal-colored eyes. “What’s up?”
“You okay, Ev? You seem a little tense.”
“I should be asking you that.” I look her over. Her eyes are bright, and her shoulders are thrown back. She doesn’t seem to be as nervous as I expected. I, on the other hand, am ready for action at the drop of a hat. “You don’t seem tense at all.”
“I’m not. Justice is going to be served, and I’ll have one less enemy out there to worry about.”
“You shouldn’t have any enemies at your age.” Unease bubbles in my gut at the thought that a fourteen-year-old has enemies that she needs to worry about.
“It’s not on you, Ever. Most aren’t necessarily my enemies. But if they are your adversaries, they’re mine. Anyone who tries to harm one of us is a rival to us all.” She wraps her arm around my waist and leans into my side.
“Still. Try to be a kid for as long as you can, okay? I know it’s not easy, but I think you’ll thank me one day. Go frolicking through the meadow at three in the morning or something else crazy like that.”
Arela giggles and turns to Brodie. “Add that to our list! Frolicking at three in the morning!”
I raise a brow at Brodie. “You guys have a list?”
“Yeah, my do-crazy-things list. I’m way ahead of you, Ev. I’m going to do silly, insane, and pointless things before I turn eighteen. That way, I’ll have experienced as much life as possible.” Arela sobers for a moment and looks to Brodie. “I’m going to live my life as though I don’t have a care in the world so that way when I can’t throw caution to the wind, I’ll have those memories to look back on.”
Sometimes when Arela talks about her future, it’s as though she knows more about what’s going to happen than anyone else around her. She makes it hard to remember that she is still a kid when she spouts wisdom like a centuries-old seer.
“Good. I’m glad.” I squeeze her in a hug.
Arela steps out from under my arm and heads toward Brodie, a smile plastered on her face as she whispers to him. I watch as he keeps himself between her and anyone else but me. With every step she takes, he moves so he’s protecting her. I don’t think either of them notice, but for anyone watching, it’s obvious that they’re connected.
Someone shouts and tension charges the air like the crackle of electricity before a storm. I look toward the doors leading into the castle. Odaine stands there between Puck and Dare, each of them gripping an elbow, her wrists shackled in cold iron in front of her. She walks slowly, her head held high, her face a mask of calm.
Palpable hatred and malice pours from every being standing in the courtyard. Sneers and curled lips abound as she passes in front of the crowd. Puck snaps his fingers and a chain appears from her cuffs, dropping down and locking with a metal ring tethered to the ground.
King Teag sifts in, and for the first time since I’ve met him, he’s in full royal attire. A crown of spade-shaped gold dotted with rubies and sapphires sits atop his head and a black fur cloak rests on his broad shoulders. A sword hangs from his hip and a small green bottle is in his hand. He appraises the crowd standing in front of him before looking down at Odaine.
“You are accused of treason and sentenced to death. You may pick the way in which you wish to die. What do you choose?’
Odaine throws herself to the ground and reaches for Teag. “Please, my love!”
He steps back quickly. “Get her up!” He waits until she’s back on her feet before speaking again. “I will give you one more chance to die with a speck of dignity. Choose.”
Odaine juts her chin toward Teag’s hand holding the green bottle. “Poison.”
Someone moves behind me, but I can’t tear my attention from the scene unfolding in front of me.
“Fitting. Poison for the traitorous bitch.”
It’s Kirin. I chance a glance at him as he steps up beside me. “I expected nothing less than the coward’s way out for her. She’s not a warrior.”
Kirin nods and we both return our scrutiny to where Odaine stands.
Teag hands the bottle to Dare and steps back. Dare unstoppers it and pushes it into Odaine’s cuffed hands.
A practiced sob escapes Odaine’s mouth before she turns her gaze back to Teag. “Don’t make me do this, my love. Don’t make me pay for someone else’s treason.”
Teag steps forward, his eyes bright with rage. “Drink the poison, or I will take your choice from you and kill you myself!”
Odaine looks around one last time before she brings the bottle to her lips and halts.
“I won’t do it.” She drops the bottle to the ground and green glass shatters on the cobblestones. The sound of the pieces breaking is like a bomb in the silence.
Before anyone can do anything more than blink, Teag unsheathes his sword with a clang of metal and lunges. Time slows as the tip of his blade closes the distance to her chest, and in a sickening thud, he strikes true. The blade goes through her chest, and she sputters in surprise. Blood bubbles up from her lips and she raises her hands to grip the sword. Teag pulls back, the wet slurp of her flesh against his blade ringing out. Odaine falls to her knees, her eyes wide, her mouth open, before she slumps forward, still.
Dare steps forward and checks her for a pulse. After a moment he straightens up and nods. “She’s dead.”
Teag gives the crowd a once-over. “Let this be an example of how treason is dealt with. I take no joy in this act, nor would I wish this outcome on any enemy of mine. Tonight we feast and celebrate our victory!” He raises a fist into the air and lets out a yell before sifting out.
I turn and eye Arela for any reaction to Odaine’s death. I was so caught up in it that I didn’t check on her. She’s talking quietly with Brodie but I don’t see any tears.
“You okay, Ev?” Kirin asks.
I keep my focus on Arela as she heads back toward the
castle with Brodie on one side, Amren on the other. “Yeah. I’m fine. I have no remorse or sympathy for traitors. She got hers.”
“That she did.” Kirin sucks his lower lip into his mouth and lets it out with a pop. It’s his tell. Something’s up.
“What is it? You’re fidgety.” Movement to my right catches my attention and I see Dare motioning for me to wait. I stop and look expectantly at Kirin.
“Doyle and Axel are back. They say it’s time to make moves.”
“When did they get back?”
“Just before Odaine’s performance. They went to get Eryn. They’re going to meet us back in your rooms so we can chat.”
“Who can chat?” Dare asks as he walks up to us. Instantly his hand slides over my hip to rest at the small of my back. His fingers press into the indent there and I shiver. He drops a kiss to my lips before addressing Kirin. “Hello, Kirin. What is happening?”
“I was just telling Ever that Doyle and Axel are back and they say it’s time to make our move.”
“Well, what are we waiting for then? Let’s go.” Dare smiles at Kirin, but the lines of tension around his eyes give me pause.
“Hey, Kirin?”
“Yeah, Ev?”
“We’ll catch up with you. See you in a few.”
“Whatever you say, Ev.”
Kirin walks off and I watch to make sure he’s out of earshot before I turn to Dare.
“What’s wrong?” I wrap my arms around his neck and press my front to his, hugging him. He’s so strong for everyone around him that, even while he’s telling me that it’s okay to ask for help, he forgets to ask for it himself.
“Why do you think something is wrong, mo grá?” He flashes a smile at me, and as always it dazzles me. “Can’t I just be ready to check something else off of our to-do list?”
“You’re tense. And while I’m ready to check everything off our list, I also want to make sure that you’re okay. You’re busy doing everything, including keeping me from fraying at the seams, but it doesn’t seem that you’re taking your own advice.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, little álainn.” Dare walks me backward while still holding on to me, his tone light and playful.
I try to shuffle with him as un-awkwardly as possible, but I give up and plant myself. “No. You don’t get to do that. It’s your turn to give what you need to me, and I will help you. I won’t break, Dare. I can handle whatever you need me to.”
He sighs. “Can we speak on it later?”
Should I push him? Should I let it go? Should I threaten him in some way to force him to let me help? I have no idea.
“I don’t know that I can wait for later, but if you need time to process whatever it is, then I’ll give it to you. I just don’t want the support to go one way here.” The thought that I’m only taking from him and not giving in return sends anxiety pumping through my chest.
“There are just a few things Odaine said to Puck and me before we got her out here and she shut her mouth. They were not pleasant things. And while I believe she had to pay for her treason, I get no pleasure from watching a life taken.” He frowns and steps back from me, the extra distance pulling at me like I’m tied to him with a string.
“I don’t think that you do. I never thought that.” I rub my hands against my pants before holding them out at my sides. “I’m at a loss here. I’m not sure how to help you right now because I’m not sure what exactly is wrong.”
Dare runs his hands through his hair, pushing it back until it’s off his face. “I’m not sure exactly what is wrong either.”
“So processing time?” I take a small step toward him and he doesn’t step back. The pressure in my chest eases a tiny bit.
“Yes, processing time. And then I promise I’ll tell you everything.” He smiles ruefully. “I doubt that you’ll give me any peace otherwise.”
I huff in pretend affront. “I totally would.” I tangle our fingers together and pull him toward the castle. He holds firm and I grunt with the effort to make him move. I watch his face and find him staring back at me. “What?”
He shakes his head. “Nothing. I just never knew that you would be someone I would need in my life. But now, I know that I would cease to breathe if you weren’t in this existence with me.”
My heart pounds fast, and my insides turn to mushy happy dancing gargoyles at his words. “I don’t have any pretty words to say back to that.” I wish I did, but he caught me off guard.
“You don’t need to. That right there is all I need.” He pulls me in and captures my mouth with his, our tongues meeting in a snag of warm and wet muscle. His fingers tangle in my hair until he pulls at little strands and I whimper against him, ready and willing for whatever he’ll do to me.
He pecks at my lips until I’m chasing him for a deeper contact but he resists me. “The sounds you make when my mouth is on you are like the sounds the sun makes when it greets the moon each night. Utter happiness and delight at their greeting, but surrender to its power after minimal resistance. It’s my favorite.”
I suck in a breath at his words and search his eyes. They’re dark with desire and raw honesty.
“I love you too, Dare.”
He smirks down at me. “I know you do.” He turns me and gives me a little push. “Now go. We have people waiting on us.”
I turn back and sputter at him. “The delay is all your fault!”
“Nonsense.” He slaps my ass before rubbing his hand over the sting.
I beam as I walk into the castle, happiness at his words, and more so his actions, swirling through me. I spy Doyle first over in the corner of the main hall and head in his direction. They’re all smiling and I’m thankful that they’re still able to enjoy life even through everything that’s been thrown at us the past few months.
They all look up when I’m two steps from the table. Doyle stands and pulls me into a bear hug. I laugh and swat at him.
“Put me down, you big oaf. I’m happy to see you too, D.”
He squeezes me once more before turning and shaking Dare’s hand. Axel side hugs me before sitting back down.
“You want some, Ev? Dare?” I nod and Axel pours me a cup of whatever they’re drinking.
“No thanks, I have a feeling I’ll need my wits about me tonight.” Dare chuckles.
“So what’s the news, Doyle? Don’t leave me hanging.” I take the offered cup from Axel and sip.
“We found him, Ev. All we need to do is plan it out and put it into motion.”
I lean forward, resting my hands on the table, and smile so hard my face hurts. “Let’s get to work then.”
CHAPTER
SEVEN
Around noon the next morning, Dare and I meet up with the rest of my crew and his men in the main hall.
“How’s your head?” Doyle grumbles before taking a sip of his drink.
“I’m pretty sure one of you bastards hit me with a brick last night.” I rub at my temples. “Is that coffee I smell?” I sniff the air like a hound on the wild hunt after a traitor’s scent.
“Here, I had it ready for you.” Doyle thrusts a travel cup at me. “What took you so long this morning? We said we’d meet at eleven.” He raises a brow.
I glance at Dare and feel heat rising to my face. Dare happened this morning. He woke me up at dawn and didn’t stop tantalizing my senses until about a half an hour ago. Every nerve ending in my body still feels like it’s hypersensitive. I shiver as I remember and cough to try and cover up my reaction.
“She drank enough to put half of my men under the table.” Dare rests his hand at the small of my back. “I let her sleep in. It was my fault.” He smiles charmingly with one side of his mouth twisted in a can-you-resist-me smile.
I nod and take a sip of my scalding coffee. I’ll take a burnt tongue over my entire crew razzing me for the next week about my bedroom activities.
Kirin looks between Dare and me with a smirk plastered on his face, his eyes dancing with mirth. “
Hangover… riiight.” He claps twice and grabs two cups of coffee. “Let’s head out then. We’ve got a date with one of the Original Few. Rumor has it they aren’t fans of tardiness.”
“Two things. Is one of those cups of coffee for me for when I finish this one?” I jerk my chin at Kirin’s full hands. Kirin nods and I mutter a silent thanks to the gods that my team keeps me caffeinated. “Second, no one agreed to meet with us, right? I assume we’ll have to break our way in and play it dirty like we planned last night.”
“Same thing.” Kirin shrugs and walks off.
“Why wouldn’t they want to meet with you?” Dare asks as we trail behind everyone.
I keep walking as I try to figure out how best to explain to a group of goblins how the politics of MECA work. “Okay, so you know how the rulers of each of the different courts and kingdoms seldom get together and are hard to get a meeting with?” Dare tilts his head and I make a correction. “Well, all of them but Teag. He’s very accessible. But he’s more warrior than politician when you compare him to, say, Caddox or Nicnivin, right?”
“Right,” Dare agrees and all of the goblins with us nod, their attention firmly on me as we walk to the faerie mound that will put us back in the human realm.
“So the Original Few of MECA have all spread out and gone into hiding. Once they set things up, they disappeared and only reappear if shit really hits the fan.”
“So what purpose do they serve then?” Dax asks.
“Each of the Original Few are responsible for each branch of MECA. One set up the research section, all the brains and researchers. Another the guards, then you have the liaisons with the courts and kingdoms, the teachers, and the healers. They’re sort of like the overseers of each individual arm of the MECA universe. Only the head of each branch is said to be in contact with the original member who created that particular section.”
“Makes sense. So they are there to serve as a figurative Sluagh should anything go wrong?” Dare’s tone is curious, his gait leisurely.
I smile and appreciate the moment here. The goblins are trying to understand how we were raised, and how MECA works. Whereas most others wouldn’t care less and would pass it off as not as important as their own customs and culture, the goblins make it a point to learn the ins and outs of others. Which is probably why they are such a valued ally.
Throne of Secrets (Wicked Kingdoms Book 3) Page 6
