Once he was settled in bed, she kissed him goodnight and sat with him until he was asleep.
She yawned, feeling exhausted herself, and headed downstairs to join Blair and Callan.
“Made you a fresh one,” Callan smiled as she made her way into the kitchen. “Blair was just saying how well Zander did with the wards.”
“Yeah, it’s crazy how quickly he gets them in place,” she said absently, leaning against the worktop with her mug. “Were you kidding about the whole island or will he really have to do that?”
“No, not kidding, I’m afraid,” Blair said, apologetically. “All the sites need to be reinforced eventually, too.”
“That’s going to take months! How will he find time for that?”
“There’s no rush,” Callan said with a glance to Blair. “We can do a small area at a time. They’re more of a preventative measure anyway. Provided the portals are secure, the rest can be done slowly.”
“But what about the sites? They need protecting from that lunatic,” she asked with concern.
“We have a Druid guard set on each, so they’re both protected and watched,” Blair reassured her. “Don’t worry. We’ve planned around it.”
Relaxing, she sipped her tea as Callan and Blair discussed work.
It’s so much responsibility for him. He’s a little boy. He isn’t even Fae. He could spend his entire life reinforcing wards and never get to live.
“Charlotte, Blair said goodnight,” Callan said as she snapped her head up.
“Sorry. We’ll see you tomorrow afternoon, Blair. Thanks for your help,” she said, kissing his cheek before he disappeared.
Callan took Blair’s mug and put it by the sink with his own “You look tired. Shall we go up?”
“Yeah, I’m knackered,” she said with a yawn.
“You should have said,” he said, pulling her in close.
So you can look at me like I’ve got two heads and rush me off to Houska for testing? No thanks.
“I didn’t want to be rude. Blair gave up his whole evening for this,” she said, pulling away and making her way up to bed.
In the darkness of their bedroom, she listened to Callan’s quiet breathing. His breath was warm on her neck as they lay together.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, tightening his arm around her waist.
“I hate waiting,” she sighed. “It’s been ten days since Houska and no word. I can’t stand waiting for news like this.”
“Konrad is doing all he can to locate the stone, Charlotte. As soon as they know anything, Dane will tell us.”
“I know. I just want it to end.”
Callan fell silent. She knew there was nothing he could really say to ease her anxiety.
“Why?” she asked after a long pause.
“Why, what?”
“Why me, Callan? Of all the girls at that festival, why me? Was it all just the shadow-fire?”
Flicking on the light, he turned back to her, propping his head on a hand. “Does it matter?”
“I suppose not,” she said, turning to face him.
“I was drawn to you, Charlotte, but that wasn’t what…that isn’t why I love you,” he said, stroking her hair. “That’s far deeper than any magic. I love you because we were made for one another. We were destined to find each other. I was fated to find you and wandered alone until I did.” His eyes held hers, shining in the low light as he studied her. When she lowered her eyes, he stroked the side of her face and continued. “You’re funny, you’re smart, you’re strong. You light up a room. The thought of you makes me smile; the thought of being without you destroys me. I love you for all of that and more.”
Her heart leapt. Not once had he said anything like that; never had he let his quiet restraint slip. “Is that why I couldn’t forget you?” she asked quietly. “Is that why I…” She didn’t finish. Couldn’t. She didn’t want him to hear it any more than she wanted to relive the heartbreak.
“We’re here now,” he said, running his finger along her arm.
Her skin prickled under his touch and she closed her eyes.
“You’re exhausted. Sleep, mo ghaol,” he said, kissing her.
She leaned into him and smiled. “That’s new. You never bother with endearments.”
“I’ve always said them in my head,” he admitted, sliding his arm back around her waist. “I love you.”
She kissed his chest, breathing in the scent of him. “I love you,” she murmured against his skin.
Only me. Only him.
He shifted slightly and turned out the light. Pulling her closer, he settled his arm in the curve of her waist and ran his fingers up and down her back.
I wish I knew what he was thinking. He’s always so guarded; careful to never upset me.
Sleep claimed her as she thought of him, of the mess they were in, of how far she was going to have to go to protect him as he tried to protect her.
Two
Their late night led to a very late afternoon training session.
Charlotte lay on the grass with her head on Callan’s lap as they watched the children when Dane arrived.
“Hiya, what’s up?” she asked, pulling in her brows at his expression.
“I’ve been to visit Byron again,” he said, flopping down on the grass before them. When she frowned, he explained. “The soft approach wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I had a good rifle around in his head. He was being influenced.”
Shit.
She immediately looked at Callan, he met her gaze and raised his brows. “Okay…”
“He’s free of it now. I dealt with it,” he assured them, “but if they’re influencing more of the council—”
“Call a meeting,” she said. “Check them all.”
Callan gave a surprised laugh. “We can’t do that.”
“Why?” she asked, sitting up. “If someone’s messing with the heads of the council, it’s a security risk. Get Markus over here and check them.”
“She’s got a point, Callan. We can’t trust any of them now. Every one of them is a threat.”
Callan sighed and took her hand. “Can you take the kids to Ma when they’re done?” he asked Dane.
“Yeah, no problem. I’ll meet you at the palace.”
Callan ported them over to the children and Charlotte said, “We have to go and see Grandad. Dane is taking you to Nana when you’re done here. Everything’s fine; just Daddy’s work stuff.”
“Okay,” Enya said, smiling and unconcerned, and turned back to Blair. Zander nodded and smiled.
Fair enough. I’ll just go then, shall I?
“He won’t be pleased,” Callan said quietly as they approached Taran’s study.
“I don’t give a shit. I’m done with it. We’ve taken all the risks. I’ve been treated like some sort of terrorist by them, and Byron of all people goes and gets himself possessed by god knows who? Nope.”
Despite her scathing tone, Callan chuckled.
She stopped, glaring at him. “What?”
Lowering his voice, he pressed close to her ear and said huskily, “I love it when you get all feisty.”
He wrapped a hand around her waist and kissed her neck.
Stop trying to calm me down. I’m pissed off.
“Whatever,” she said, squirming free of his embrace and knocking on the door.
Callan grinned at her as she pushed it open and allowed her to enter first.
Not waiting for Callan and giving no greeting, she blurted, “Taran, there’s a problem. Byron was under the influence of…well, whoever had me.”
Taran sat back in his chair, deep lines furrowing his brow. “Byron?”
“We just left Dane. He fixed it,” Callan confirmed. “Charlotte wants the whole council to be screened.”
“Screened?” Taran asked, perplexed.
The kids are at risk. They must be kept safe.
“Checked by Dane and Markus. If one of them can be messed with and it go unnoticed, the others are at risk an
d none of us are safe. The kids, Taran,” she pleaded.
Taran was silent for a few moments, weighing everything she’d said, then took a piece of parchment from a stack on his desk and began to write.
Callan squeezed her hand and she looked up at him. His lips twitched in answer to her silent question and she breathed with relief.
Knew I could count on Taran.
After a few long minutes, he looked up and said, “Callan, take this to Houska. Charlotte, stay here with me, please.”
What? No. I go with Callan. I always go with Callan.
Avoiding her wide-eyed glare, Callan took the wax sealed parchment and left without a word.
Charlotte looked to Taran, and asked, “What can I do?”
“You, Charlotte,” he said starting another letter, “will head the council meeting.”
Shit.
“Me?” she squeaked. “Taran, I can’t. They won’t listen to me.”
“They have no choice. Their presence has been requested.” He folded the letter, sealed it with wax, and it disappeared. Putting down his pen, he sighed. “Their places on the council are dependent on their cooperation.” He rose from his desk and offered his arm.
She recognised the room as the family dining room they’d used for breakfast when they were all searching for Zander. Dagda was already waiting when they arrived. He cast a concerned glance to her but spoke directly to Taran. “What’s happened?”
“Byron was under the influence of the warlock’s new companion. Dane managed to oust them, but the council is no longer trustworthy.”
Sitting back in his chair, his brows lifted in surprise. “Shit.”
“That’s one word,” Charlotte mumbled, sliding into a chair.
Dagda smirked at her and asked, “Why the meeting?”
Taran chuckled. “Charlotte would like them all, how did Callan put it? Screened.”
“Screened?” Dagda scoffed. “They’ll never agree to that.”
“Markus is on his way; Dane will follow shortly, and Charlotte is here. If the three of them aren’t persuasive enough, I don’t know who is,” Taran said with a smile.
He’s changed his tune. What’s he doing?
“So she’s the muscle?” Dagda asked, clearly amused.
“Yes,” he said, nodding a subtle greeting to the three servants filing into the room. “They know, and fear, her power. Whether she will use her power against them is irrelevant.”
Charlotte remained in her seat as the table was laid with glasses and refreshments, struggling to think of what she was supposed to say. The servants left to be replaced by four guards.
Dagda sat beside her, covering her hand with his, and glanced to Taran before saying, “Relax. If they’ve nothing to hide, they’ve nothing to fear.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement. “Dad knows what he’s doing.”
They fear me. Not that that bothers me, but they think I’m some sort of threat to them already. This isn’t going to help relations, is it?
Anxiety knotted in her stomach as she waited.
“Dane,” she whispered in relief as the door opened.
With a nod of greeting, he took the seat at Charlotte’s other side. “I came as quickly as I could. Are you okay?” he asked, sensing her unease.
She gave him a weak smile and nodded. “I’m fine. Just waiting for them to arrive. Callan went for Markus.”
“Do you have any idea what you’re going to say?” Taran asked.
Dane grinned and asked, “She’s heading the meeting?”
I don’t want to, Dane!
I hope you wipe the floor with them, pompous pricks. They’re due a dressing down. Don’t back down.
“Yes, it’s time Charlotte took on a role in our court. This was the perfect opportunity,” Taran explained. “It was her idea.”
She opened her mouth to protest, then closed it again and picked at her finger nails. Taran laughed and patted her shoulder.
Dane smiled as Markus strode into the room beaming. Greeting Taran warmly, their exchange reminded her of how close Callan and Dane were becoming.
They’re old friends. I didn’t even think of it. Where is Callan, anyway?
Markus is oddly jolly, considering what we’re doing here.
“Hello, Charlotte,” Markus said cheerily. “Muddying the waters again?”
“Mark, leave her be,” Taran said and laughed, indicating the seat opposite Dane.
Markus chuckled and moved around the table, taking his seat.
Callan opened the door, and with a nod crossed straight to Charlotte and stood behind her.
“Where have you been?” she whispered, twisting to look at him.
Looking between her and Taran, he said, “The children are with Ma. Alayna is on her way down and I’ve asked Blair to attend.”
Taran nodded.
“Blair and Alayna? Why?”
“Security and medic.”
“What do we need a medic for?”
“I wonder,” Dagda drawled, smirking at the answering sniggers from the others.
“I’m not…shut up…” she sputtered, her face heating.
“Come and sit up here,” Callan murmured in her ear, moving along the table. He stopped at the head, pulling out a chair. “Ignore Dagda. Don’t give him a rise.”
Perfect. They’ll walk in here and see me at the top of the table and—
A knock at the door made her stomach drop. She took the seat quickly, Callan taking the one to her right.
The door swung open as Taran took the seat on her left and said, “Arthur, the others should arrive shortly.”
Arthur glanced along the table, noting the seating arrangements, and snapped, “This had better be important, Taran.”
The atmosphere shifted as Taran gave him a piercing look.
Oh, it’s important. Arrogant prick!
Charlotte watched him, anger building, as he sauntered around the table. Choosing a seat as far away from her as possible, he didn’t look her way again.
“Don’t get angry. If you’re pissed off, they’ll use it against you,” Callan whispered. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “We’re watching. Tell them what’s happening; don’t back down.”
The council filtered in slowly, Alayna and Blair the last to arrive. Byron sat beside Arthur, looking nervously over at Markus.
Why’s he so edgy? Dane helped him.
Taran tapped a glass with a knife and nodded to Charlotte, indicating she begin.
Some of the council looked at her with curiosity, while others did little to hide their contempt.
You hold more power than all of these people combined. You outrank them by title. They serve you and your family. Command their respect, Princess.
Somehow, Markus’ support gave her a brief surge of confidence and she rose, looking around the table.
“My Lords. Thank you for coming,” she said clearly, sounding far more confident than she felt.
Remember, the angrier you became, the easier it was to pinpoint the problem. Rankle them.
It’s a game. Play the game.
“What is this, Taran?” Arthur demanded, ignoring Charlotte entirely.
“A meeting, Art,” he said dryly. “Princess Charlotte’s meeting.” He turned pointedly away from Arthur and gave a smile of encouragement.
She continued, focusing on Arthur. “We recently tracked the warlock to Ossian’s Cave. We managed to retrieve Zander, destroy a small army of demons, and kill the witch he had working with him. Before we could bring the mountain down on top of him, he was rescued. Whoever that was managed to leave a trace of their power in my mind and—” she paused as her gaze wandered up the table, to Arthur. He watched her with disinterest. “Well, it wasn’t pleasant. Dane and Markus removed the intruder a short time ago.”
Another lord cleared his throat and said, “You’ve brought us here to discuss your lack of defensive ability?”
Recognising him as Leland, she pursed her lips as quiet chuckles
sprang up around the table, fanning her anger further.
Command their respect, Charlotte.
I can do this. I took down those Daeva. I got Zander back. I can handle a few prissy faeries.
Shadow erupted from her, plunging the room into savage and impenetrable darkness. The lords fell silent.
After a few seconds pause, she said in a silvery tone, “I share the same weakness with one, or more, of you.”
Small, violet fires appeared at each place along the table, illuminating the faces of each lord in turn. The glow they provided displayed their mortified expressions. They pressed themselves back into their seats, trying to put a subtle distance between themselves and the shadow-fire.
With a smug smile, she went on. “One of you has been under the very same influence. One of you betrayed this court. One of you”— she looked to Byron—“failed to defend themselves so completely they put us all at risk. I believe that more of you are compromised.”
She flicked her eyes to Markus. He sat with his fingers steepled beneath his chin, watching her with a lupine grin. Withdrawing her shadow, extinguishing her flames, she tilted her head and looked to Arthur.
“Markus has agreed to examine each of you in turn,” she went on, looking around the table again. “It is necessary to ensure that no one else is harbouring a threat. Dane has volunteered to help him; we should get through you all more quickly that way.” Finally, she looked to Arthur. A challenge. “Have you any questions?”
None spoke as they sat in horrified silence for several moments and she took the opportunity to look around the table. Dagda flashed his brows at her as her gaze passed over him; Alayna’s expression was one of nonchalance. She daren’t look at Callan or Taran.
After a tense pause, she sighed and said, “Well, then, if there are no questions, I suppose we should begin. Dane? Markus?”
“I object.”
Leland.
She didn’t know him well, but they’d been introduced.
“Sorry?” she asked, brows raised.
Markus straightened, his eyes suddenly hard. Dane cleared his throat.
“I object. I will not submit to such a violation,” he said firmly, holding her in a cold stare.
Riftkeepers: Reckoning Page 2
