by C. T. Adams
David had to be feeling like hell. He’d been at death’s door less than seven hours ago. They were both upright, and technically healed—if not precisely well, and while it was miserable to be going through this, he’d do worse to get them the hell back home.
After fleeing the hospital ward they’d taken a short, but twisting, climbing route through the tunnels before exiting in a large room filled with catering supplies. One long wall was filled with crystal and china, the opposite with stacks and stacks of linen. Two large tables had rows of narrow drawers that he suspected were labeled as storing silver and cutlery, and each had rags and large tubs of silver polish resting on top.
Lucie had been the first to leave—taking off before their escape plan was hatched with a terse “What I don’t know I can’t tell them.” Brianna left once the plan was in place. Morguenna, the healer, stayed the full five hours until they left, determinedly making sure her patient was capable of the long hike required for their flight.
The plan was simple. Adam and Pug would guide Nick and David through the tunnels. They’d come up at a guard’s pub at the edge of the northwest side of the city, then go overland until they were clear of the ring that marked the edge of the area around the city where it was illegal to create an opening in the veil. Once they were in the clear, Kenneth would use his human magic to send Nick and David back home.
It was a good enough plan, as far as it went; although he would have preferred to have Brianna here. But she had to appear at the ball tonight celebrating her treaty with the doxies. And, as Kenneth had pointed out, it was good tactics. The nobles wouldn’t believe that Nick and David could, or would, leave without her. Her very public presence might be exactly the cover they needed to escape. Maybe.
Nick shook his head. Stop it. The decision’s made. This is our best chance of getting out of here alive.
He knew it was the truth. But he hated it passionately.
The first tunnel had been ten feet tall and wide enough to walk with arms extended and not touch either side. The next had been so cramped and narrow that Nick was forced to crawl and feared he might get stuck. He’d come out of it with deep scrapes on his hands and the injuries he’d sustained during the battle with the doxies giving him hell.
Their passage was stirring up the dust that lay, inches thick, on the floor. Cobwebs hung everywhere. Behind Nick, Kenneth stifled a sneeze; Nick had felt the same urge more than once. While he didn’t see any spiders, he glimpsed evidence of them in the drained husks of insects and skeletons of tiny sprites trapped in the hanging webs.
Adam stopped so abruptly that David tripped trying to come to a halt, running into Pug, and Nick into him. Nick opened his mouth to protest, but Kenneth’s grip on his arm urged him to silence.
“Is everything in place?” A man’s voice, and one Nick had heard before but couldn’t place without a face to pin it to.
“He suspects something.” A woman. Nick didn’t know her, and from the sound of her waspish, angry voice, didn’t want to.
“Of course he suspects. He’s king, and nobody’s fool.”
“If he finds proof…” Her voice shook slightly.
“He won’t.” The man’s confidence bordered on arrogance until, quickly as a thought, his voice took on a dangerous edge. “Unless you intend to give it to him. Do you, Elena?”
“Of course not.” She tried to scoff, but Nick could hear a hint of real fear in her voice. “I want the larger male. You promised him to me.”
“Only if you carry out your part of the plan.”
“It’s done. Maybelle and the others are in place outside the king’s study and in the tunnels, in case they try to escape through the king’s portal. Spells have been laid on the ring surrounding the city. If either of the humans so much as touch the stones of the circle, we will be alerted to their location.
“And immediately after the command performances, before dinner is served, Alaric will challenge Brianna to a duel.”
Kenneth’s hand tightened so painfully on Nick’s arm that he knew he would have finger-shaped bruises by tomorrow.
“Alaric was an excellent choice,” the man said. “He’s the best fighter of the Sidhe. She will not be able to find a champion who can best him unless she chooses one of the dragons—and even then he’ll have dipped his blades in dragonsbane. Still, I’m surprised he agreed. He has no quarrel with my father.” The words hit Nick and the others of his party like a blow, but they remained silent and still, listening hard for any details they could learn.
“Like the rest of us, Alaric wants the veil opened. We need new blood and new humans for mating and as servants. The king is putting his love for Brianna above the good of the kingdom,” Elena responded.
“True. But it is still a surprise.” The man paused. “What of the doxies?”
“Moash has refused to aid us. He will not move against Brianna or the wishes of King Leu.”
“Really? How annoying. What of his son? The prince has always been more amenable to our plans.”
“The doxie prince has been imprisoned,” Elena answered.
“On what charge?”
“General idiocy,” was the prompt reply.
The man laughed merrily. “Seriously?”
“That’s what the card on the cage reads.”
“He’s in a cage?”
“The bespelled carrier cage that Brianna brought with her from the other side of the veil.”
“Oh, my.”
At a gesture from Adam, Nick and the others backed carefully away, retreating a good distance down the passage. Finally Adam signaled them to halt.
“We won’t be overheard here,” he said. “We’ll have to change our plans. Pug, you know these tunnels well, can you get them from here to the Guardsman Tavern detouring around the paths under the city gates? The tunnels are very near the surface there, and we can’t risk our enemies hearing your passage.”
Pug nodded curtly.
“Good. I’ll go back to warn Leu.”
“Not Brianna?” David asked.
“No. She’s not actress enough to pretend ignorance. Her temper would get the best of her. And Leu needs to know just how high the plot has risen in his court.” He paused. “I don’t look forward to telling him. He’ll not be happy.”
That’d be putting it mildly. Nick suspected the king would be utterly furious. He shuddered, remembering the look on the man’s face after Brianna’s ordeal with the truthstone. Better Adam than me.
“Will she be all right?” David asked.
“Leu may not have as much control over his court as he wishes, but he’s certainly capable of seeing to his daughter’s safety,” Adam said reassuringly. “Now I must go. And so should you. Deities protect you. You’ll need it.”
Nick and the others watched Adam until a turning took him out of sight—and with that, the light from his lantern vanished. A faint shaft of light coming through a ventilation slot far above was their only illumination.
“All right then.” Pug’s voice was a rumbling growl. “This is going to be a much longer and more difficult trip than originally planned. We’d best get moving.”
He led them through a short passage before pressing a stone on what appeared to be a blank wall. Nick felt the faint stirring of air moving against his skin as the wall wavered, like a curtain caught in a heavy breeze, then vanished altogether, revealing a narrow staircase that descended steeply into cold and stygian darkness. At the top of the stairs a narrow niche held a bowl full of chunks of crystal. Pug grabbed one, muttered a quick spell, and blew on the stone, which began to give off a wan, reddish glow. It was barely enough to see by, and Nick knew without being told that this dim light would be less likely to be noticed as the group passed ventilation shafts and other openings where their enemies might be looking for them.
They traveled underground for hours without food, drink, and little rest. The silence all about them was broken only occasionally by snatches of conversation echoing from far away o
r by the distant sounds of a fierce thunderstorm that sent water streaming down the wall and along the floor. Footing grew treacherous.
Nick’s bladder began bothering him around dinnertime, its demands more urgent even than the hunger that was chewing at his belly. But he knew that this was not the time or place to relieve himself. In the darkest corridors he sometimes heard the faint scraping of claws on stone. They were not alone in these tunnels. Better not to leave a scent trail that would draw whatever hunted there to them.
Eventually, tired and miserable, they came to another staircase, one that wound upward. At a muttered word from Pug, the light vanished. The darkness was complete—Nick placed a hand on the wall for guidance and tried to extend his other senses. He could hear the ragged breathing of his companions, and beyond that, behind the wall, muffled movement; he smelled animals, and … manure.
There was no sound, no warning, when Pug opened the passage. Nick suddenly was blinded by light. His eyes immediately began to water.
When his vision cleared, he saw that they were in the tack room of a stable. Nick didn’t know much about horses, but he was able to recognize the bits, bridles, and some of the various implements hanging from nails driven into the wood plank walls. The lone window looked out on a pair of corrals, one holding horses, the other, dogs big enough to pass for ponies. They all were acting nervous. Nick didn’t blame them. The storm he’d heard faintly in the tunnels was roiling on the horizon. The clouds were thick, black and ugly, with the trace of green that usually means hail and strong winds. Nick had seen a tornado up close once. He didn’t want to see another.
“I don’t suppose there’s a bathroom handy?” David’s whisper was a little strained. Kenneth opened the tack room door, leading them quietly into the main stables. He gestured to a door. David hurried toward it with Nick right at his heels. As they pulled the door closed behind them, Nick did a quick inspection.
The room was a little bigger than your average gas station toilet with a toilet and a small sink, both linked to a single water tank overhead. A small square of chipped mirror hung above the sink; beside it, a strip of blue toweling hung from a nail. Through the door, Nick could hear Kenneth talking to Pug.
“Keep an eye on them. I need to talk to my uncle.”
“Your uncle?” Pug asked, his voice easily heard even over the sound of David using the facilities.
“He owns the tavern,” Kenneth answered.
“Won’t they be expecting us to come here then? Seems like the perfect place to lay a trap.”
David stepped aside, gesturing for Nick to take his turn, which he did with considerable relief. That done, he dropped the lid, sinking gratefully onto the toilet seat to just rest. David, meanwhile, sank into a sitting position in the small piece of floor between the toilet and sink. Leaning wearily against the wall he closed his eyes with a groan.
“You look like hell,” Nick observed. David was filthy, covered in dust, but more than that, his skin had an unhealthy pallor.
“I feel it. I can’t wait to get back home and into my own bed. Swear to God I may sleep for a week.”
“I can’t believe you’re sitting on the floor. This is a stable.”
“I can’t exactly get any more dirty,” David retorted, “and I’m too damned tired to care. Besides, you took the only seat in the place.”
“Guess I did,” Nick admitted.
There was a tap on the door. Pug inquired, “Are you two done in there? Kenneth has gone to get food, and I thought you might want to shower before you ate.”
“There’s a shower?” Nick perked up a little, and saw that David did the same. Rising, he extended a hand to his brother, and helped him to his feet. David opened the door revealing the gargoyle standing patiently, towels draped over his shoulder.
“Yes.”
“Where?” David asked.
Pug pointed a claw to a door just next to the one where they stood. Nick wondered why anyone would design the facilities in such a way, and got his answer when Kenneth strode in. “The shower was added after my aunt complained one too many times about her sons’ condition coming back into the inn after cleaning the stables.”
“Makes sense to me,” David said. “I get first dibs.”
“Yeah,” Nick grumbled, “just don’t take all the hot water.”
* * *
They ate at a small wooden table in the corner of the stables. It was battered, but clean. David took the only chair, Kenneth a milking stool, which left Nick an overturned bucket. Pug stood as he ate.
The meal was bread and honey, with a hearty beef stew that was both filling and tasty. Being clean, rested, and fed helped them all both physically and mentally. Nick was relieved to see that David’s coloring was nearly back to normal.
“Wait here. I need to go tell our escort we’re ready to go.”
“Escort?” Nick couldn’t quite manage to keep the suspicion from his voice—but David put a hand on his arm. His little brother had an odd smile on his face. “It’s okay, Nick. This is our best chance. Really.”
“David…”
Kenneth gave the younger Antonelli a long, appraising look. “You have your grandmother’s gift, don’t you.” It was almost an accusation.
David nodded; his eyes were unfocused, as if he was looking into the distance or at something that wasn’t in the room with them.
“What do you see, human?” Kenneth’s voice was harsh. “Do we die tonight?”
Lightning flashed across the sky, followed by the boom of distant thunder. David answered, “I’m not sure. I don’t think so. But someone will.”
27
KING LEU OF THE SIDHE
Leu stood in the turret, the wind whipping his hair and clothing. A lightning bolt blasted, connecting earth to sky by way of the ancient oak that stood between the palace and Abracham House. The tree exploded, chunks of wood flying, deafening thunder simultaneous with a pillar of blinding blue-white light.
Leu fought down a wave of fury. He must control himself tonight. He must. His plans depended on it—plans that had to succeed, for the sake of his kingdom. But the news from the Diamond King had ignited a rage within Leu that only barely covered the pain beneath it.
One of his sons was a traitor. All evidence pointed to that conclusion. But which son? The Diamond King had not recognized the voice—hadn’t even been certain that the speaker was one of the princes until he’d used the words “my father.”
He needed Chang’s report now. He needed to know.
His people were on the brink of civil war. His own death might well be imminent. He had to know that his people would survive. He’d done all that he could for them. But it would all be for naught if he chose the wrong successor.
So many mistakes: So much undone and unsaid. Tonight might well be the last time he saw Brianna. And tonight, to save her and his people, he would have to publicly humiliate and hurt her, to wound her, knowing there would be no chance for forgiveness.
He would do it.
He had to. He was king.
28
BRIANNA HAI
Don’t worry. They’ll be fine, Brianna told herself. She didn’t believe it. Not really. She wished desperately that she could be the one escorting David and Nick to safety. But it wasn’t practical. They were much, much safer going without her. Too, by now her message would have been given to her father.
She’d tried to see him in person, but he’d been locked in the throne room with orders that he was not to be disturbed for any reason. So she’d left a note with his secretary. It was the best she could do, under the circumstances. But she still didn’t feel good about it.
Her father had to have gotten her note by now. As king, Leu had access to resources Brianna couldn’t even dream of. If it was possible to get to the Antonelli’s home safely, her father was the best bet to do it.
And even if he didn’t … Adam, Pug, Kenneth … she couldn’t think of any group of people more trustworthy and skilled—
&nb
sp; Don’t think about it, she told herself sternly. You’ve got enough on your plate just getting through tonight.
She always gave herself such great advice. Why was it so hard to follow?
In this case the reason was simple. Worry. David was one of her best friends, and Nick … was undeniably attractive. She didn’t really know him yet, but she wanted to. It wasn’t just physical attraction, either. He’d impressed her with his courage, his loyalty to his brother, and the fact that he hadn’t cracked under the stress of learning about magic and the world of the Fae. Assuming they both got through the next twenty-four hours alive she was definitely going to see what she could do about seeing where the potential she sensed between them led.
If they survived.
He’d impressed her—but she wasn’t sure the reverse was true. She couldn’t completely discount the angry words he’d used against her in the infirmary. Yes, he and David had come willingly, but not with full knowledge. It had been her responsibility to see to their safety, and she’d failed at that at every turn.
Still, it was a shame he couldn’t see her right now. She looked good. Rather than risk being completely out of fashion she’d chosen a classic dress that had “old Hollywood” style. Long-sleeved, with a scooped neck, it was heavily beaded with crystals shading from silver at the neckline to jet black where the hem skimmed the floor. A slit ran from that hem all the way up to her upper thigh, allowing her mobility and making her legs look sexy as hell in the process. She wore simple onyx and diamond jewelry.
She would not be allowed to duel, she was on the list now, after all. Still, she wasn’t foolish enough to believe that a place on the list would guarantee her safety. Vanity aside, if push came to shove she wanted to be able to defend herself both magically and physically. To that end she’d armed herself. Her up-lifted hair was held in place by a pair of silver chopsticks with dagger-sharp points. A dagger was strapped to her upper thigh, and there was a Derringer tucked with a comb in her little black purse.
