Consort (Beyond Ontariese 6)

by Cyndi Friberg

  “I’m not sure what he’s doing. He’s being very secretive tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Cinarra laughed. “Is he ever not secretive?”

  “Yes. He still tries from time to time.” Her smile was gentle and her eyes perfectly matched the color of her dress. “But he knows better than to try and keep secrets from me.”

  “Have you seen Saebin? Charlotte told me she was coming.”

  Aria looked around for a moment before she said, “She’s here. I saw her earlier. She’s wearing an ice-blue gown. I hardly recognized her without her armor.”

  Another couple drew Aria’s attention, so Cinarra continued across the room.

  “Is that her?” Indric pointed to a slender woman in a pale blue gown.

  “Could be. Her hair’s the right color.”

  Overlord Lyrik, unmistakable in his dress uniform, moved up beside the elegant blonde, confirming her identification.

  Indric spoke with the overlord as Cinarra chatted with her daughter. As with Krysta and Charlotte, Cinarra had spent endless hours communicating telepathically with Saebin, but this was the first time they’d been in the same room in many years.

  “Are you enjoying the party?” Cinarra asked.

  Saebin rolled her eyes. “This dress is uncomfortable, the room is a logistical nightmare, and Lyrik made me leave my weapons at home. I’d rather be sparing.”

  Cinarra laughed. Saebin was a warrior to the marrow of her bones. “Well, you look amazing.”

  “I feel naked.” She nodded toward Indric. “Why is he so antsy? He hasn’t stopped scanning the crowd since you arrived.”

  “I’m not sure. He keeps telling me nothing’s wrong, but he’s definitely on edge.”

  “There’s E’Lanna and Echo.” Saebin pointed to Charlotte’s twin daughters who were causing quite a stir in their matching gowns.

  “Oh they look so beautiful.” Cinarra tapped Indric on the arm and said, “I’m going to go say hello to the twins.”

  “Go on. I’ll join you in a moment.”

  Before she could ask where he was going or what was bothering him, he headed for the tables set up at the opposite end of the ballroom. Annoyed yet worried, Cinarra made her way to her nieces and hugged each one in turn. They had been on the Day Moon participating in a self-defense class, or so Charlotte claimed, during Cinarra’s visit, so this was a special treat.

  “Do you dress alike so no one can tell you apart when you misbehave?”

  “We dress alike because Mother begs us to and thinks it’s adorable, even though we aren’t children anymore and find it rather demeaning.”

  Not sure if her feisty niece would appreciate the humor, Cinarra fought back a laugh. But the outspoken comment alleviated the need for guesswork. This was definitely Echo. “Well, I think you look lovely.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Cinarra.” E’Lanna said when Echo just rolled her eyes.

  Cinarra moved aside as the twins were surrounded by a throng of admirers. E’Lanna basked in the attention while Echo kept eyeing the nearest exit. She hadn’t spent much time with the twins, but Charlotte had warned her that their appearance was the only thing about them that was similar. Their personalities and temperaments were nearly opposite.

  It only took a few minutes of watching the spectacle for Cinarra to grow restless. She looked around, starting her visual search in the direction Indric had departed. He was nowhere near the tables, but she spotted him by one of the doorways leading into the hotel lobby. He was talking with Ametto and looked none too happy with what the guard was telling him.

  She wove her way through the crush, but Indric saw her coming and ended the conversation. Ametto slipped out the door. What the hell was going on?

  “What’s the matter?” she asked before Indric could plaster on a false smile. “I saw you talking to Ametto. Are you looking for someone?”

  “I thought I saw Eagin earlier, but I haven’t been able to find him again.” He looked beyond her, clearly upset by the possibility.

  “He’s your half-brother. Can’t you sense him?” Tension knotted her belly. Would Eagin be so bold as to make trouble in such a public place?

  “Our connection has always been weak and he’s been blocking me ever since Father’s death. With this many people all crowded into one space, it’s nearly impossible to tell if he’s here or not.”

  “You said something about setting a trap for Ametto’s employer. Is that still going to happen?” He’d also told her that the less she knew about it the easier it would be to pull off, but this only required a yes-or-no answer.

  “I’m not sure. Ametto was told that nothing was happening tonight, but he doesn’t believe her. He’s been watching for her, but he can’t cover all the doors at once. He’s afraid she’s on to him and is feeding him false information.”

  “And his daughter is still in her control?” He nodded. “So we have to be ready for anything?”

  “Basically.”

  “Maybe we should just go. I’ve spoken with everyone I was hoping to see anyway.”

  Tension radiated from him with every move, every gesture, yet he said, “No. I refuse to let this ruin our evening. I know you’ve really been looking forward to this. Let’s dance again. I promise I’ll let it go.”

  But he didn’t let it go, likely couldn’t with the safety of his life mate on the line. His glances were subtle and he managed to maintain a smile, but Cinarra knew him too well. He was completely distracted by the possible threat. She took him by the hand and led him out onto the wide verandah that bordered the ballroom on two sides.

  The air was mercifully cool against her flushed skin and even the violent shiver was welcome. “Take a deep breath and clear your mind, my love. Then sort through the signals one by one. See if you can find Eagin. Your instincts are too highly refined. We shouldn’t just ignore this.”

  “Wise advice, Indric.”

  Cinarra whipped her head to the side as a Bilarrian woman stepped out of the shadows.

  “You should listen to your…mistress.” She uttered the word with such derision that it was obvious she was thinking something a lot more insulting. With glossy black hair twisted into an elaborate chignon and red rings glowing in her dark eyes, she was strikingly exotic and undeniably lovely. Her evening gown was colorful and daring, yet she carried herself with confidence and grace.

  “Nasrin.” Indric took a cautious step toward them. “Don’t hurt her.”

  Cinarra didn’t understand the comment until she felt heat brush against her arm. Nasrin’s hand hovered over Cinarra’s forearm, flames swirling around and emanating from Nasrin’s fingers. Cinarra tried to move her arm away, but Nasrin matched her movement, keeping just enough space between them to prevent Cinarra from being burned while maintaining the heat.

  “What do you want?” Indric demanded. “Where’s Eagin?”

  “I told him to stay out of sight, but you know your brother—”

  “Bastard half-brother.”

  “Whatever.” She tossed her head, obviously used to having all that long black hair at her disposal. “Like a child, he had to see what was going on.”

  “That didn’t answer his question,” Cinarra pointed out. The flames had spread up Nasrin’s arm, but her body didn’t appear to be affected by the destructive heat.

  Cinarra glanced at Indric. This had to be Ametto’s boss. Had he made the connection or was he too focused on the present threat? His gaze was fixed on Nasrin, his expression lethal. A throng of people buzzed about in the ballroom and the transparent doors were even propped open. Should she call for help, or had Indric already summoned his security team?

  “He just wants to talk to you,” Nasrin told Indric. “We found out something we think you should know before you put any more time and energy into a relationship with this woman.” Her gaze shifted to Cinarra and animosity sparked within her eyes.

  Is this Ametto’s boss? She carefully pushed the thought toward Indric.

  “I’m Queen Na
srin of the Fire Islands,” the stranger informed her. “And I’m a strong telepath, so don’t bother trying to reach out to anyone else. I’ll block the transmission. As for Ametto, I wasn’t sure if he’d betrayed me or not. Thank you for confirming my suspicion.”

  “Let her go.” Indric’s voice was infused with compulsion, but Nasrin didn’t seem to notice. “I have no interest in anything either of you have to say.”

  “The choice is simple. Come with me now or watch her burn.”

  An odd breeze ruffled Indric’s hair and the rings in his eyes began to glow.

  Nasrin laughed. “Go on. See if you can blow out the flame before I char half her body.”

  Cinarra jerked her arm away, but Nasrin lunged, grasping Cinarra by the nape of the neck before she could escape. Nasrin held her burning hand in front of Cinarra’s face. The flames were so hot now they made her eyes water.

  Indric raised both arms and summoned Air to him, pushing the fire away from Cinarra’s face and minimizing the size of the flames.

  Nasrin countered with a sudden burst of Fire. Cinarra gasped and blocked her face with her arms, crying out as the flames crawled across her skin. She poured energy into the burns, silencing the pain and slowing the spread of the injury. All of Cinarra’s gifts were passive but strong. Still, she’d give anything to be able to knock the black-haired bitch on her ass or switch off her mind.

  “Enough!” Indric closed the distance between them and reached for Nasrin’s arm. Half a second before his hand closed around her wrist the flames blinked out. “I’ll come.”

  Stunned and frantically working to counteract the pain, Cinarra nearly missed the significance of Nasrin’s actions. The Fire Queen didn’t want to hurt Indric. He might view her as an extension of his half-brother, but Nasrin’s interest in Indric was separate from her association with Eagin.

  “Good choice.” She motioned toward the stairs at the end of the verandah. “He’s in the garden.”

  “Tell him to come up here,” Cinarra snapped as she rubbed the lingering sting out of her arms.

  Nasrin watched with speculative interest. “You heal really well.” Then as if she heard her own comment, her expression cleared and she added, “That could make this even more fun.” Nasrin tried to insinuate herself between Cinarra and Indric, but he forced Nasrin back with a burst of Air.

  Indric slipped his arm around Cinarra’s shoulders and gave her an encouraging squeeze. “Go back inside. Find Ametto. This shouldn’t take long.”

  “Not a chance.” Nasrin raised her chin and smoothed back a lock of hair dislodged by Indric’s protest. “You both come or we’ll create such a spectacle it will be picked up by every intergalactic news outlet in existence. I don’t think High Queen Charlotte would appreciate her gala being tainted by your dirty laundry.”

  Dirty laundry? Was it possible Eagin had learned about the Mystic? No, she was being paranoid. They’d probably figured out Cinarra was a cover when she retreated to Ontariese and presumed Indric didn’t know about her double life. Well, they were in for a rude awakening. Indric knew all her secrets and loved her anyway.

  Nasrin stared at Indric for a silent moment, then Indric made an impatient motion toward the stairs.

  “After you,” Nasrin countered. “I insist.”

  Indric took Cinarra by the hand, interlacing their fingers. He didn’t form specific thoughts, but reassurance and affection flowed into Cinarra’s mind. She responded with a hint of anger and then purposeful calm.

  The garden wasn’t large, but firestones had been inset in the decorative stone path, creating a soft, slightly red ambiance. Floral scents drifted in the breeze, the air cool against Cinarra’s face. Indric led her between the meticulously manicured flower beds toward the statue grouping in the middle of the garden.

  Dressed in a black tuxedo, a tall Bilarrian man lounged against the half-naked statue of a female warrior. Though his hair was short and the rings in his eyes were more bronze than gold, his resemblance to Indric was obvious.

  “You’ve come a long way to pick a fight.” Indric positioned himself directly in front of Cinarra, but she moved far enough to the side so she could see Eagin.

  “I’m not here to pick a fight.” He pushed away from the statue and sauntered forward, insolence evident in every step. “In fact, I’m here to warn you that potential danger is closer than you can possibly imagine.”

  “That sounds very dramatic. Do you honestly think I’ll believe anything you tell me?”

  Nasrin moved forward, angling herself so she could see both men. “He didn’t uncover this information. I did.”

  “And you’re any more credible than him?”

  Currents of Air swirled around Indric. Cinarra couldn’t see his face, but his body was tense, his stance wide, ready for action.

  “Rumors about Madam Mazodie have been rampant since you moved her to the palace,” Nasrin began.

  “I never listen to rumors.”

  “I understand your attitude, but I’m not repeating rumors. My interest was piqued by some of the things I’d heard, so I launched a full-scale investigation.”

  “What possible interest could you have in my personal life?” His tone was dry, revealing little more than annoyance, but the currents of Air became stronger and swirled faster. “I have never been, nor will I ever be, your concern.”

  Her lip twitched and nostrils flared. His barb had obviously found its mark. “I consider you a friend and I don’t like to see my friends suffer needlessly.”

  Eagin scoffed, but speculation narrowed his gaze. Wasn’t he aware of Nasrin’s infatuation with Indric? “Just spill it, Nasrin. We don’t have all night.”

  “This might be hard for you to believe, but I have it from a dependable source that Cinarra Mazodie doesn’t exist. The person behind you is Aneezka Emiel, a Rodyte spy.”

  Aneezka Emiel. Was that the Mystic’s real name? They had to locate Nasrin’s source.

  Indric laughed. “Wow. I had no idea you had such an inventive imagination.”

  His reaction didn’t seem to surprise or upset Nasrin. She looked at Eagin and signaled him with a subtle nod. Then, without changing her expression, she went on. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. That’s why I brought proof.” She held out a data crystal, but Indric didn’t move.

  Trepidation crept across Cinarra, making her skin prickle and her muscles twitch. Something was horribly wrong. This felt artificial, as if they were going through the motions, playing predetermined parts. Eagin reached under his sleeve and activated some sort of trigger.

  “Get down!” She tugged on Indric’s arm, but instead of ducking, he turned and tackled her, covering her with his body.

  “No! Move!” Nasrin dove for Indric, frantically trying to pull him off Cinarra.

  The rest happened in a blur of light and sound. Two small objects arched into view, light from the firestones gleaming off their metallic casings. One dove directly for Eagin, following his agile movements until it had a clear shot. With three precision blasts the drone fired and Eagin dropped lifeless to the gravel bed surrounding the statues.

  “Don’t move.” Indric’s tone was commanding, leaving no room for disobedience or discussion.

  Understanding washed over Cinarra in an icy rush. She closed her eyes and used Mystic sight to locate the other drone. It hovered above them, unable to lock on to its target. Indric was still breathing, and Nasrin had signaled the attack, so that only left one possible target.

  “If you don’t move. It will shoot through you,” Nasrin warned, her voice tremulous. “I’ve seen it happen before. You don’t have to die for this whore. She’s deceived you, Indric. She’s a Rodyte spy.”

  “She’s not the one who has a Rodyte attack drone pointed at my back!” Indric carefully levered himself off the ground, yet he remained on his hands and knees, shielding Cinarra with his body.

  “You are not the target. Just move and it—”

  Cinarra couldn’t see what shut her up,
but she sensed other people moving closer.

  “I can hold the drone in position. Can you destroy it?” She had no idea who Tal addressed, but she recognized his familiar voice.

  “It’s too close to them. Anything I do will cause them harm.”

  Drakkin. She was relieved for a nanosecond then his words sank in. If Lord Drakkin couldn’t help them, they were screwed.

  “On three, I will give you more room,” Indric said as he looked deep into her eyes. I love you and always will. “One. Two. Three!”

  His body shuddered as he used a concentrated blast of Air to propel the drone away from them.

  Drakkin flowed into her peripheral vision, his right arm raised. The drone exploded in the night sky, showering them with sparks and debris. Indric remained above her, refusing to budge until the last fragment landed.

  Then Indric leapt to his feet and turned around, advancing on Nasrin with obvious malice. “You will pay for this with your life,” he sneered.

  Charlotte was suddenly beside Cinarra, helping her up from the grass. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  Tal had one arm wrapped around Nasrin’s throat and the other minimized her struggles. The areas of his body near her flaming hands fluctuated between solid and incorporeal, allowing the Fire to pass right through.

  “I was protecting you,” she yelled at Indric. “Eagin meant to kill you, so I turned his own weapon on him. Don’t you understand? I did this for you!”

  “You targeted my fiancée.” He snarled and only Drakkin’s hand on his shoulder kept him from lunging for the Fire Queen. “Attempted assassination of a royal consort is still punishable by death.”

  “I am a regional queen. It would take an act of the High Command to sanction such a sentence.” Even secured within Tal’s restraining arms, she managed to look haughty.

  “As Indric and I are two of the five votes, and another is my son, I don’t think it will be a problem.” Drakkin’s calm statement finally brought fear to Nasrin’s eyes.