Bound to Blackwood

by Sharon Lipman

  "Me! Why?"

  "Both of you. And we don't know."

  "But you sent Ryver! He must have heard something."

  Kaden shook his head. "It would seem even Ryver can't penetrate a long-held honour oath."

  Lena sank back down to her chair. "Well, that's just fucking great."

  Kaden didn't know all the details of what was going on between her and Thorn. Faerie knew he didn't want the details, but it didn't take a genius to work out all was not well in that camp. "I'm sorry, Lena. You and Thorn will have to go."

  She rose from the chair again, a steely look flashing in her eyes. "Fantastic."

  Kaden watched her storm from the room, her purposeful stride the only indication that what he told her had had any effect on her whatsoever. That was it. No shouting. No violence. Christ, there wasn't even that much swearing.

  Kaden stared at the open door, his mind tracking Lena through the house. His internal security measures meant she couldn't dematerialise within the house, but it didn't mean she couldn't run. And by Fae she was moving fast.

  Chapter 30

  Thorn sat at his antique partner's desk, smartphone in hand. He'd been staring at the screen for a while, the green call button looming large next to Lena's name. His thumb hovered over the icon several times, but he hadn't quite found the courage to hit it. Big, brave, warrior-King that he was. He tutted at himself; the whole thing was completely ridiculous.

  He stiffened as a rich cinnamon infused the air. Seconds later the huge oak door to his office flew open and Lena stood there, hands on hips, the fire of determination burning in her midnight-blue eyes.

  "You ready?" she asked.

  Thorn blinked. "Sorry?"

  "You and I have a Squire to talk to. You ready to go?"

  He reached into the top drawer of the desk and pulled out his gun. Standing, he holstered the weapon at his hip. "I'm ready if you are," he replied.

  Lena nodded, turned heel and left.

  Thorn cursed as he found himself chasing after that damned woman. Again.

  Lena paced the entrance hall to House Blackwood. Striding from the foot of one curved staircase to the other, she counted the parquet tiles as she went. Kaden's report had overwhelmed her so for the time being she concentrated on the most important part; she needed to talk to the Squire, Lucine. Well she and his bloody Lordship.

  Thorn strode into the hall. Dressed in his black uniform, the guy looked more imposing than ever. Great. Lena gulped as her mind and body threatened to betray her. Get a fucking grip, Lena!

  "Ready?" he asked as he walked straight past her and headed for the front door.

  Lena followed, worried that her voice would let her down. She stepped out of the front door onto the sweeping, gravel driveway.

  Thorn glanced over his shoulder, the moonlight flashing in his spectacular eyes. "See you there."

  And then he was gone.

  Lena gave herself a second to recover from the flash of heat that rushed through her at the sight of those flaming, golden eyes. Then she dematerialised to the last place on earth she ever expected to have to return to — House Meadows.

  Scared and alone, Lena looked back at the door as the family urged her towards this strange man and his huge horse. She felt the tears well again. Desperate and afraid she ran back, only to be rebuffed again, told to be brave, to grow up, to think how her parents would want her to behave.

  Her bottom lip quivered and silent tears fell down her face as she looked up at this enormous stranger who had come to collect her. She didn't want to go. This House was the only place she felt safe.

  A pair of brilliant blue eyes appeared in front of her as the stranger squatted down. He reached out a hand and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Come, child. My brothers and I will keep you safe. There is nothing to fear."

  "Lena?"

  "Huh?" she blinked as blue eyes faded to brilliant gold. Thorn stood in front of her, a deep frown marring his broad forehead. She took an involuntary step back.

  "You good?" he asked.

  "What?"

  "Are you okay?"

  Lena shook the last of the memories away, the vision of House Meadows looming behind Thorn's huge frame. "Yeah, I'm fine," she snapped. "Let's go."

  Thorn nodded and watched Lena approach the front door. He hadn't even thought about what returning here would mean for her. He racked his brain for something to say, but came up empty. You're just a fucking genius, Thorn.

  Before Lena could ring the bell, the door to House Meadows swung open and a butler in full livery greeted them with a bow. "Your Majesty, My Lady, welcome to House Meadows. My name is Web," the butler continued. "Would you like to follow me?"

  "Lead on, my man," Thorn replied as he and Lena followed him in.

  House Meadows looked much the same as other great Houses, but it had a coldness about it. The walls displayed expensive art and tapestries yet none of them projected happiness or warmth. No wonder Lena never returned.

  The butler showed them into an austere sitting room. Thorn decided to stay standing, despite Web's insistence that they both take a seat. Whilst the butler excused himself, Thorn watched Lena pace the room. Back and forth she went and not once did she look at him.

  Thorn cursed himself; he still hadn't figured out what to say to her. It sure as hell didn't look like Lena was about to start a conversation either.

  So they just stood there in silence. Well he stood, she paced.

  Just say something, Thorn! Anything. Nope he had nothing. Just great.

  He actually breathed a sigh of relief when the door opened and Loren Meadows walked in. The Maluth looked every bit as austere as the house in which he lived. Loren gave a quick bow of his head. "Your Majesty, you honour us with your presence."

  It took all Thorn's strength not to roll his eyes. Why couldn't people just act normally around him? He gritted his teeth as he inclined his head at Loren Meadows. "You honour me by welcoming me into your House, Maluth."

  "Won't you sit down, My Lord?"

  "I prefer to stay standing, thank you."

  Loren nodded. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

  "We need to speak to the Squire Lucine," Lena interrupted.

  Loren swivelled round to stare at Lena as she stood by the window, arms crossed, jaw locked tight. The guy's eyes widened in recognition. "Lena! A pleasure to see you again."

  "I wish I could say the feeling was mutual," Lena snarled.

  Loren's mouth flapped around as he struggled to contain his outrage. Before the Maluth had some sort of fit, Thorn stepped in. "I forgot, you already know my Steward of the Watch."

  "S-steward of the Watch?" Loren blinked.

  Thorn inclined his head.

  "I apologise, Le...Steward."

  "Whatever," Lena replied, as prickly as ever.

  "Maluth," Thorn said, getting them back on track. "We really do need to speak to the Squire, Lucine."

  Loren nodded. "I shall send her immediately, My Lord." The guy disappeared through the door quicker than if he'd dematerialised.

  Lena started pacing again. Thorn shook his head. "Why don't you just sit down?"

  She stopped. "I don't want to fucking sit down!"

  Her anger at him inflamed his own ire. "What do you want?"

  Hands on hips she spat back at him, "I want to talk to Lucine and then I want to get the hell out of here."

  "Right."

  Now would be a great time to say something, Thorn. He ran a hand through his hair. "Look, Lena, I…"

  The door swung open and the butler, Web, ushered in a demure looking woman with the whitest hair Thorn had ever seen. Web made a quick exit, leaving the woman to her own devices. She bobbed a curtsey and met Thorn's gaze with grey eyes so light they were almost silver. "Your Majesty, I am Lucine. It is my honour to finally meet you."

  "Likewise," Thorn replied, realising he'd done her a disservice. Her sharp eyes hinted at an inner strength that belied her station in life. Lucine was far from demu
re. "You remember Lena, of course," Thorn gestured towards the window where Lena stood.

  Lucine's face lifted into a wide smile, genuine joy shining through her voice. "Lena, I have waited a lifetime to see you again," she said as she crossed the room.

  Lena smiled uncomfortably and Thorn suddenly felt like he shouldn't be there.

  "You look well, Lena. How are you?" Lucine continued.

  Lena looked at her mother's best friend. The woman's smiling, silver eyes made her heart ache for things long since forgotten.

  Lucine laid a small hand on Lena's arm. "Is everything alright?"

  Lena cleared her throat of the frog that had lodged itself there. "Yes. Yes, Lucine. I am quite well," she lied. "How are you?"

  Lucine's smile widened. "I am better now you are here."

  Lena saw Thorn shift out of the corner of her eye, reminding her that she was not here for a reunion. "Why did you ask us here?"

  The pretty smile faltered. "Shall we sit down?" Lucine gestured to a pair of beautiful Queen Anne sofas.

  Why does everyone keep insisting I sit down? Lena sighed. She knew the look in Lucine's eyes well, and there would be no beating her. "Fine," she said as she marched over and sat herself down Thorn sat opposite whilst Lucine took the seat next to her.

  "You told my Guardians that you would only talk to Lena and I. We're honour-bound to find Eden, or at least discover what happened to her. Please tell me you have something that can help us," Thorn said.

  Lucine nodded, though her smile disappeared completely. A sadness crept into her eyes as she took Lena's hand in hers. "I do," she whispered.

  Lena's heart began to race as she sensed the marked change in Lucine's emotions. Fear and worry engulfed her as Lucine's serene face crumpled. Though she hated herself for it, she glanced at Thorn, looking for reassurance. Thorn gave a slight shake of his head. Gee thanks.

  She turned back to Lucine. "Please, you have to tell us what you know."

  Lucine swallowed hard and nodded. "Before I do, I must know one thing."

  "Anything," Lena replied.

  "I have thought of you often since you left." She shot a nervous glance in Thorn's direction. "Tell me you have had a good life. Tell me your brethren treated you well. Tell me," she looked at Thorn again. "Tell me you are loved."

  "Why on earth should that matter?" Lena asked, shocked by the question.

  Lucine continued to stare at Thorn. "It matters," she replied.

  Lena didn't have a clue what to say. Her life at the Order had been better than most girls in her position could ever have hoped for. Things hadn't exactly been peachy recently, but her brethren usually treated her very well…

  Thorn cleared his throat. He answered Lucine's question, yet he stared at Lena as he said the words. Her heart skipped a beat and the most intense heat rushed through her body. "She is loved more than she will ever know."

  Those fantastic golden eyes flashed with hints of platinum as he stared at her. He let his guards drop and a wave of unadulterated emotions washed over her. Guilt. Shame. Confusion. Above all else, love.

  She heard Lucine gasp as the woman felt Thorn's emotions too and the sound wrenched Lena's attention away from the King. A wide, joyous smile spread across Lucine's face as she said, "Then everything is as it should be."

  Lena's throat felt impossibly tight as she forced out her reply. "Please," was all she could say to her mother's friend.

  Chapter 31

  Lucine fidgeted in her seat, her hands never still as she adjusted her skirt, then her hair, then her skirt again. Her nervousness was infectious. Lena saw Thorn shift on the opposite sofa.

  Lucine gave a nervous laugh as she wrung her hands. "It is difficult to know where to begin," she said.

  "I find starting at the beginning is usually best," Thorn said.

  Lucine nodded. "All of this started so long ago. Times were different then; there were more great Houses, but none of us knew who to trust. Everyone was so concerned with their own honour, their own station, their own circle of connections. No one would trust anyone outside of their bannermen and blood-bonds. And even then, one could never really be sure. Great names Fell nearly every week," her voice trailed off to little more than a whisper as she recounted a history that must still be very real and alive in the memory of her generation.

  Lena was too young to remember, but Kaden had made sure she knew her history. The nineteenth century was a dark time for the race. A sadness wrapped around her heart as she risked a glance at Thorn.

  That time had been particularly bad for House Blackwood. Thorn had lost his beloved mother and father and then his elder brother in quick succession. Lena looked at her feet. Thorn hadn't been the only one to lose his parents; nearly everyone lost someone they knew and loved.

  "When the Fallen took Eden, we all thought it the beginning of the end," Lucine continued in a quiet voice

  It was true. The number of Vampires who chose to fall in the years around the murder of the Queen and the disappearance of such a high-profile youngling grew exponentially. The thought made Lena's blood boil.

  "I mean, if a youngling wasn't safe in her own House, and the House of a Shieldbearer at that, then surely nowhere was safe…" Lucine said.

  "But the Nanny, Saffron escaped," Lena reminded the other woman.

  Lucine shook her head as more sorrow and regret touched the air. "Such bravery consigned to secrecy."

  "But why?" Lena shrieked, frustrated at the lack of answers.

  Lucine sighed. "It was never meant to be a secret this long. From what I understand, House Greenshire was under near constant watch by the Fallen. Maluth Clayden even suspected someone from within his own circle of trading information."

  Thorn growled. "Vance of House London."

  Lucine's eyes widened. "The very same."

  "Clayden was right to suspect him," Thorn said.

  Lucine nodded. "I am not surprised."

  "Please, tell us what happened to Eden," Lena demanded, tired of being so close, yet so far from the truth.

  "I am sorry," Lucine replied, "but it is important you know the whole story."

  "Then please get on with it," Lena snapped.

  "Lena!" Thorn chided, the timbre of his voice escalating.

  A small arrow of guilt dented her conscience, but Eden was the most important thing here. The delicate sensibilities of a Squire meant little, even if the Squire had been her mother's best friend. Damn Thorn for making her feel guilt for doing her job.

  "Please continue," she said to Lucine.

  "As the nights went by, the number of people Maluth Clayden felt he could trust dwindled. Getting a message to House Greenshire proved impossible. In fact, two Squires lost their lives trying to do just that. We couldn't just pick up the telephone and send one of those written messages to a portable."

  "Text to a mobile," Lena said.

  Lucine waved her hand. "Yes, one of those. The only secure communication was face to face, and that proved too dangerous. The Order were out of reach and House Clayden bannermen were few and far between. So, after seeking help where he could and coming back empty handed, Maluth Clayden had but one option left."

  Lena was literally on the edge of her seat. She leant so far forward, she now sat knee to knee with the other woman. Her heart fluttered in her chest, as the answers she sought were finally within touching distance. Despite all the drama in her life, finding Eden remained her top priority.

  Ever since she saw that portrait of Eden and her mother Cassandra, she felt a connection with the youngling. She had to find her. There was no other option. No opt out clause, no plan B. "For the love of all that is Fae, Lucine, please tell us what happened," Lena implored.

  Lucine's nervousness returned. She fidgeted again, wouldn't maintain eye contact with either of them. Still looking at the floor, Lucine continued. "After deciding that none of the great Houses could be trusted Maluth Clayden settled on a new idea. With so many Fallen watching the Houses, he decided the
child would be safest where nobody would suspect. Hidden in plain sight, he said."

  "What do you mean?" Thorn asked.

  Lucine swallowed. "He said it would be the last place the Fallen would look, that they would expect Eden to be taken in by one of the Houses."

  "You've lost me," Lena said.

  Lucine's silver eyes finally lifted to meet Lena's gaze. "Maluth Clayden placed the youngling with Squires, posing as her parents."

  "Who?" Lena shouted.

  Lucine glanced across at Thorn, then back at Lena. "Your parents, Lena. She was placed with Rayne and Greene."

  Lena felt her jaw drop as her mouth hung open. She ran through her formative years at lightning speed, images of their time at House Meadows flashing through her mind. "I…I don't remember her," Lena stuttered.

  A warm, masculine hand wrapped itself around hers. "Lena," Thorn whispered.

  Lena looked at Thorn, sympathy shining through his fantastic, golden eyes. She snapped her attention back to Lucine; the woman's eyes mirrored Thorn's. The sympathy and compassion threatened to choke her. Lena felt tears welling. "Oh Holy Mother of Fae. She's dead isn't she? That's why I don't remember her isn't it? She died."

  Lucine shook her head. "No."

  Gut wrenching sadness had Lena in its grip. "How do you know that?" she shrieked. Thorn's hold on her hand tightened as Lucine stared at her. "How do you know?" she demanded again.

  Lucine continued to stare. "Because I'm looking at her," she replied.

  "Holy Mother of Fae, Lena!" Thorn dashed to Lena's side as she slumped in her seat. She still had a hold of his hand, her grip like a vice, but her eyes were unseeing, staring into nothingness. He cupped her face with his free hand. "Lena? Lena, can you hear me?"

  Lucine sobbed and bright, red tears ran down her face. "I am so sorry, My Lord, this is all my fault."

  Thorn ignored her fretting. Lena was all that mattered. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, gave gentle squeezes of her hand. "Come back to me, Lena. For the love of Fae, please answer me."