Crown of Betrayal (Wicked Kingdoms Book 2)

by Graceley Knox

  Dare pulls me a few inches closer to him with my belt loop before wrapping his arm around my hips. I look over to him. I’m not usually one for PDA, but after this morning I’d rather he not go he-man and choke or slam Kirin into one of the bookcases. I rest my hand over his on my hip and leave it at that.

  Dax clears his throat and I look to him. “Have you thought that maybe it’s greater than you think? It’s not just MECA but something else? Something more… celestial?”

  “Celestial?” I ask with a dry tone. “Like the gods and goddesses? What the hell would they want with me? Other than to smite me for all the gods-damns I say?” I cock my hip and laugh.

  Dare squeezes my hip. “Dax may be right. Cashel mentioned a prophecy, and we have yet to find it.”

  “Yeah because we need to find a damn Druid, who are apparently harder to find than a unicorn.” I look around as the door to the library slams closed. Kian and Anghus stroll around the towering bookcases and they each wear grim expressions. Their lips pressed into thin lines.

  “What is it?” I cross my arms over my chest and pray that the gods know I was just kidding when I asked if there was anything else they wanted to throw at me.

  “Teag and Tore would like a word with you, Ever. They’ve news.” Both stand with one hand covering a fist in front of them.

  I turn to Kian. “Well, I take it that’s not a request but an order? Eryn is with Dagan, and Doyle and Axel are out digging up some dirt on someone for me.” I shrug. “Will Kirin and I do?”

  Kian dips his head. “Aye.” He looks to Dare’s arm still around my hips. “I take it you go where she goes?” He smiles wide, but his tone sounds exasperated.

  “Aye, she’s under my protection. She doesn’t leave my sight.”

  “Thought so.” Anghus chuckles. “We heard about what happened this morning. I’m glad we missed it. Your shit list isn’t a place I’d like to be.”

  Dare’s words shoot a shard of glass to my heart and doubt creeps into my mind like a fog. Is that why he’s keeping me close? Because he feels the need to protect me? Not because he feels something more? Have I misread his intentions all along? Was his need last night born out of some misguided chivalry bullshit?

  I clear my throat and step out of his hold. “Right here guys. Also an adult. Let’s go.”

  I don’t wait for Dare to rise but step in front of Kirin and put him between us. I need a few minutes to sort through the thoughts spinning through my head like a top. I need for that little sting around my newly freed heart to lessen before I can let myself be seduced by his little touches again.

  Goblins typically say what they mean rather than play the word games other Fae did, but Dare wasn’t one for many words. I pick at my nail beds as we all follow Anghus and Kian toward Teag and Tore. Tension tightens my neck and a knot forms between my shoulder blades. Just more issues to add to the ever growing pile. Tore, who is convinced he’s my long lost father. A goblin King who wants me on his Royal Guard, and finding a Druid who can tell us where the hell my mother has gotten off to, if Tore is really my father, and gives us some clarification in regards to the prophecy in question.

  Nothing serious, but key information rests in finding a Druid who doesn’t want to be found. What could possibly go wrong?

  *

  We all file into the war room, as I call it, because every time I step foot in here I argue with someone and say shit I probably shouldn’t, and tempt a war between us and them.

  I take a seat at the end of the table where it meets the wall and Kirin sits next to me, blocking Dare from me. Dare looks over Kirin’s head at me and tilts his head. I meet his stare with a cold one of my own. He scowls and glares down at Kirin’s bent head. Equal parts anger and dark amusement bubble in my stomach but I squash them both. I don’t have time for the up and down. I don’t have time for guessing games, not when my life is in tatters and I’m stretched so many different ways. My arms and legs ache as though I’m actually being pulled in all of those different directions.

  Kirin looks up and smirks at Dare. “I think there’s an open seat over there.” He points across the table from us and stands his ground.

  I love Kirin for that. He doesn’t care who you are. He doesn’t take any shit, and he always knows when I need space from people. Like right now. I nudge his shoulder as we watch Dare make his way around the table.

  “Move.” Dare grunts the words to Ferghus who’s sitting directly across from me.

  Ferghus looks between Dare and I and vacates his seat like it suddenly caught fire. Wimp.

  Tore and Teag enter together and situate themselves at the opposite end of the massive wooden table. Tore smiles down the table at me and I give him a tight-lipped smile in return. I’m not happy with anyone today, but I really don’t have time for the whole ‘are you or are you not my dad’ situation.

  Teag clears his throat and everyone’s attention turns to him. “Now that we’re all here, we’ve news of the Druid’s whereabouts.”

  I sit up straighter in my chair and lean my forearms against the table. Excitement thrums through my limbs at the same time anxiety tightens my chest. The possibility of actually talking with a Druid is unheard of.

  “Where?” I can’t hold back the question even though I tried to.

  Teag and I lock eyes. “We’ve found someone who says he is the only one who knows where they are. He won’t tell us anything else unless he talks with you first.”

  My jaw drops and shock courses through me. “Me?”

  “Yes, you. I’ve arranged a meeting in the human realm so you will be on neutral ground for the meet.”

  “Father, I thought we had discussed this?” Dare asks the question at the same time I ask mine.

  “And when does this meeting take place? My crew and I will need time to prep the area so we can all be in place.” I ignore Dare’s question and continue on. “Kirin, call Doyle and Axel back. We can all go digging after we talk with this dude. You have any other information on him, Teag?”

  Teag looks to Tore who shakes his head and answers for him. “That is all we have at the moment.”

  “Nothing other than I’m meeting a strange guy some place?” Wicked helpful.

  “You will not be going anywhere without a group of guards, Ever.” Dare’s tone is dark, his voice deep. “Father, he must be brought here. There are too many unknowns out there for us to account for to keep them all safe.”

  Kirin stands and leaves the room and I look across the table to Dare. “This isn’t one of those times where you get to make the decisions. He won’t talk to anyone but me. You can get on board and help us make sure everyone comes out on top, or you can stay here. I don’t have time for this he-man bullshit. Stow your pride.”

  Dare rises and leans across the table. “I will always make the decisions in regards to your safety. This isn’t negotiable.”

  I stand and plant my hands flat on the table. “I know. I’m under your protection, so I don’t leave your sight. You’ve made it clear that you are only close to me so long as danger is knocking on my door.” I lean forward another few inches and snarl the rest. “News flash, Darrow, danger has always been and probably always will be knocking on my door. She and I are not strangers.”

  With that, I push my chair back and grab the scrap of paper Teag holds between two fingers as I walk by. I stop for a moment. “Your help in this regard is much appreciated.” I don’t thank him. Because to thank a goblin is to be in their debt, and I don’t like owing anyone anything.

  I stalk from the room and Kirin falls into step with me as soon as I clear the door.

  “You got the location?” he asks.

  “Yeah, I got it.” I look over my shoulder to find Dare, his brothers, and our four new guards standing in a circle as they organize themselves. “Let’s go. They can catch up. This is my op. They can bug out.”

  I shove the heavy front doors leading into the bailey of the castle open and stride forward. I square my shoulders and th
row off the cloak of guilt that shrouded me the minute I snapped at Dare. I’d let my heart control my actions, and it had been a mistake, one that I’m not going to rush into making again.

  Ain’t nobody got time for all this mushy feelings bullshit anyway.

  CHAPTER

  SEVENTEEN

  The location Teag had scribbled on the scrap of paper turns out to be an abandoned warehouse overrun with waist high grass and cracked pavement. I look around and take stock of the location for the hundredth time as I pace back and forth in front of our SUV. I wring my hands and squint each time I pass in through one of the headlights.

  “Coms check?” I whisper the question out of the corner of my mouth and keep my pace. I don’t want to alert anyone that’s watching that we’re prepared for anything and scouted out the area hours ago.

  “Team one – set.” Kirin’s low voice is followed by the click of his gun.

  “Team two – check.” Eryn’s voice is steady as she reports in.

  “Team three – clear.” Axel’s mic picks up the whispers of the two goblins with him and I hear him tell them to shut the fuck up through his com.

  I rub my mouth to hide the smile twitching my lips from any onlookers.

  “Team four – we’re a go.” Doyle sounds confident.

  His voice sends a blanket of calm over me and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Doyle and Dare are in the back of the SUV behind me, hunkered down in the back seat and the trunk. I’ve got a glamour thrown over the entire vehicle so they won’t be seen. The rest of my crew is scattered around me. Eryn in the warehouse watching our six, Axel on the rooftop, rifle at the ready, and Kirin is hidden in the tall grass, ready to rush forward at a moments notice. They all wear a mic, but the goblins had refused them with looks of disgust. We’d all laughed at them for their hatred of technology. Just knowing they’re here to keep my crew safe while I meet with an unknown in an unfamiliar place keeps me level headed. It also keeps the rush of thoughts running through my head in the background, rather than the forefront.

  Bright lights momentarily blind me as a car turns into the abandoned area and parks on the other side of the lot. They flash their headlights twice. I roll my eyes.

  “What do they think this is? A movie?” Kirin’s snide comment matches the thoughts in my head so I don’t shush him.

  “Showtime.” I breathe the word and my com goes silent. No more background noise, no more shuffling of clothing from the others, no more whispers of the grass. Silence. Total silence. Weight fills my chest and I wave the car forward.

  The car creeps forward at a snail’s pace, and I bounce on the tips of my toes, impatient to get this over with. I push down the pesky butterflies fluttering around in my stomach and try to slow my breathing.

  Calm. Confident. Composed.

  This isn’t my first op, and it sure as hell won’t be my last. No matter what happens, I’m getting what I came for. Information from the Druids so I can find out where my mother disappeared to, who my real father is, and whatever the hell the prophecy is or isn’t.

  Tires crunch over the loose gravel and debris littering the pavement as the car comes to a halt across from our SUV. I hold my breath and raise a hand to shield my eyes from their headlights. Spots fill my vision as their headlights blink out. My heart stops when the headlights on our SUV go dark as well. Fear tightens my chest. I chance a glance back to check that my glamour is still covering the SUV. It is. My heart starts a pitter patter rhythm. Whoever is in that car is powerful. Powerful enough to break through a part of my illusion and turn off our headlights. Can they sense my glamour too? I rub three fingers on my right temple to let my team know to stay back but be on red alert.

  A tall man in white robes steps out of the back of the car. I can’t make out his features in the darkness, but his aura pulses a vibrant violet and a pure yellow. Power. Sheer power and ability. That’s new. I don’t know how I can see his aura, but I can. The driver’s side door opens and another figure steps out. I can’t make out his features other than he is of average height and build. Finally, a third door opens and out steps a familiar figure. His features are sharp and angled and his devilish smile stretches across his face. He moves his lean body around the trunk of the car until he stands next to the man in the white robes.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me right now.” I step forward a few paces until I’m only inches from their front bumper. “You? This is your doing? I should have known this meet came too easy.”

  “I told you I’m here to help you, little Ever.” Puck spreads his arms wide. “Here I am, helping you get what you want.”

  I take a deep breath and weigh my options. Trust Puck is here to help me, or give the order to capture them all for further questioning. My gaze slides to the bright aura of the man in the white robes again. So weird. I don’t get the feeling of any malice coming from any of them so I breathe deep and try to control my temper.

  “Well, I know Puck. You two gentlemen care to introduce yourselves?”

  White robes steps forward. “I’m Amren. And this is my son, Brodie.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” I look Brodie over closely. He looks to be about eighteen or so. He’s young but he’s powerful.

  “Well now that those pleasantries are out of the way, why don’t you tell your little band of misfits they can come out and join us.” Puck clasps his hands together in front of himself, a smug smile twisting his lips.

  I feign innocence and give them all wide eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here alone. As specified.”

  Amren coughs to hide a chuckle and his eyes sparkle with mirth. “You don’t trust us?”

  “I trust very few people.” I shrug. “No offense.”

  “None taken.” Amren closes the distance between us.

  “Father–”

  “Hush. She won’t hurt me.” Amren waves Brodie off. “Now let me get a look at you, lass.”

  I cross my arms over my chest in reflex.

  “You’re powerful, but you’ve only just begun to understand what powers you truly possess. It will all make sense in time.” He walks around me in a circle as he speaks.

  I dig my nails into my palms so I don’t lose my shit with the riddles spilling from his lips.

  “I can feel your friends here with us. Would you like to drop your glamour, or should I shatter it?” His words are strong, and his meaning is clear, but his stance remains open and calm.

  Force him to show me what he’s working with or play nice? I drop the glamour around the car and look over my shoulder. Both Dare and Doyle are watching intently from the SUV, weapons aimed. “Guns down, boys. You heard the man, he knows you’re all here so you might as well come out.”

  I keep my focus on the three men in front of me while car doors slam shut and grass rustles. A few moments later, everyone’s there. Seven goblins and five leath cine stand across from two Druids, and whatever the hell Puck is.

  “Here we are, so let’s get down to it. I’m told you can tell me who my real father is and you can shed some light on a certain prophecy that may or may not pertain to me. So it’s your turn. Can you help me, or did I waste my time coming here?” I send a mental prayer to whatever goddess is listening.

  Please don’t let this be a waste of time. Please for once in my life make things easy.

  “You have no respect for the danger we’re facing just being here right now, do you?” Brodie snaps the question.

  I laugh humorlessly. “I know what danger you’re in. The same danger I’m in. If you’ve come to compare dick size, I’ve got no use for you. I need answers, and to know what is going on so I can make sure no one’s hurt in the cross fires. So wars don’t start. I’m not here to tread lightly.”

  “Tha–”

  “No. I’m no longer speaking to you.” I look away from Brodie to his father. “Can you tell me what I need to know, or at least point me in the right direction? It’s a yes or a no. I don’t have
time to waste here.”

  “Aye. I can help you. But not here. We are too out in the open.”

  “Where do you suggest then? My options are limited.”

  Thanks for that one, MECA.

  Amren taps a finger on his chin and looks to Puck. “Do you have a place?”

  “I’d say the Goblin Kingdom is the safest place for us. They had no issue with you before you were forced into hiding, old friend.” Puck shrugs a shoulder. “The decision is yours, but Ever and her crew have taken over an old wing in the castle and we should be able to keep you relatively hidden there.”

  Someone moves up behind me with a crunch of gravel. “How do you know they have taken over the old wing?”

  Dare. His voice sends shivers through me even though I’m still mad enough to strangle him.

  “Yes, how do you know that, Puck?”

  “I told you. I’m magic.” Puck smiles wide.

  I roll my eyes. “We’re all magic. So are we going to Goblin? Will that work for you? I’m assuming you can get in and out whenever you’d like to so I’m not worried about your safety. No offense.”

  “None taken, lass. I’m ready when you are.” Amren turns back toward his car.

  “Let’s head out then.” I walk backward keeping my eyes on them as my crew piles into our SUV.

  Puck and the Druids climb into the car before they back up and wait to follow us.

  I open the passenger side door to the SUV but Dare’s hand on my arm stops me from jumping in.

  “I am not completely comfortable with this, little álainn.”

  “If you’re not comfortable you don’t have to be there. Your father searched for this Druid and it so happens that they wanted to meet with me. It’s not your choice to make.”

  “It’s my choice to make if it involves your safety.”

  I bristle at his words. “Yes, I know. It’s all about my safety for you. Nothing more.” I yank my arm out of his grip and jump into the SUV. I chance a look at him through my lashes. He looks like I’ve struck him. I stop myself from crumbling and apologizing for my words. He’s made it clear that us being together had nothing to do with feelings and everything to do with convenience. I wrap another layer of protection around my heart and turn to look straight ahead.