“If he does, why would he allow Kevighn to dispose of the pieces in the mortal realm? Wouldn’t he keep them and use them for himself?” James rubbed his chin in thought.
“Perhaps Kevighn lied.” V’s voice went sharp and his eyes narrowed.
“Kevighn doesn’t lie,” Noli snapped. Not about that. He’d promised.
“Yes, he does,” V retorted.
James held out his hands. “Knock it off. We need to figure out why Kevighn would take Elise to the dark king.”
“For the same reason Brogan wants her. Elise is the high queen’s only daughter. She’d make a good hostage or pawn.” V’s shoulders fell in defeat. “I’m supposed to protect her. Now the dark king has her—that’s even worse than her being in the hands of Brogan or Tiana.” The hand not holding the sword fisted around his sigil, knuckles white.
“I … I’m pretty sure she’s safe. Kevighn sent a wood faery with a message for me to find him at the Thirsty Pooka.” Noli’s voice shook. She liked Elise and didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. “Perhaps he truly just happened upon her and wishes to return her to us.”
V’s face contorted in anger. “Not likely.” He marched off, sword in hand. “Coming?”
“Um, V. We can’t just march into dark court territory.” James ran after him.
“V, wait,” Noli called. Usually, he was the one calling for her to wait while she charged off to do something without a plan.
“Why?” V halted, giving them a scathing look.
“We’re earth court. Also, our mum is the high queen. They’ll probably kill us as soon as we enter their borders.” James shrugged. “Also, do you know where the place is? Because I don’t.”
V held out his palm. “We have the sigil.”
“And what good will that do us when we’re attacked for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is it really that smart to blindly traipse across dark court territory?” James rolled his eyes. “Think, V. I’m tired of having to be the brains of this outfit.”
“Yes. We need to think,” Noli echoed. “We have to get her back. What should we do?” But she knew what she had to do.
“Maybe we should return to the big house and figure out where we’re going?” James suggested. “Also, we may want to get Tiana involved. If Ciarán has Elise that might be best.”
“I’m not getting her involved. Not yet.” V’s face and voice went tight. “Elise thinks our mother is dead. Also, I’m a little afraid of what Tiana might do when she realizes Elise’s potential. She’s just a little girl now, but she will be a threat soon. Very soon. We all know what Tiana does to her competition.”
James’ expression went grave. “Oh.”
If anyone were capable of harming their own child, it would be Tiana.
V put his sigil back around his neck, then raked his hand through his unkempt hair. “I don’t like the idea of Kevighn having her.”
“I don’t either, but we can’t just barge into the dark court. We’re of no use to her if we’re dead,” James pointed out, putting a hand on his shoulder.
V shook his head. “As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right. Let’s return to the big house and see if we can come up with a plan. Preferably one that doesn’t involve Tiana.”
“I like that idea very much,” Noli replied, grateful V was thinking rationally again. Tonight she’d get Elise back herself.
Noli waited until the light in V’s room went out. Boots in hand, she crept down the hallway, wishing she had a better weapon than her little knife. From what the boys had told her, and the little she knew about the dark court, the Thirsty Pooka was probably dangerous and filled with creatures who wouldn’t hesitate to kill an earth court prince on sight.
She, on the other hand, wasn’t exactly any court. Therefore she had no enemies. At least she hoped not.
Well, except for Brogan.
Still, they had to get Elise back, and she didn’t know what else to do.
“Where are you going?” James blocked her escape.
Startled, Noli nearly dropped her boots. “I … ”
“Where are you going, Noli?” James grinned.
Noli hid her boots behind her back. “Um, nowhere.”
While she didn’t think James would wake V, she didn’t want to push her luck. V would stop her from going alone, and James had a point; the boys couldn’t walk in with her.
“Sure.” James turned and went the opposite way. He stopped and gave her a look. “Coming?”
Her insides quivered. “Where?”
“Don’t go all V on me. Come on.” James walked down the hall.
Noli trotted after him and found herself in his messy room, which teemed with memories of Charlotte. The dressing screen, cosmetics on the bureau, a ribbon lying on the floor. James opened the wardrobe and brought something out. He set a long, gold object covered in jewels in her hands.
“I found this earlier today and thought you’d like it,” he said. “If you’re heading into dark court territory, you’ll need it.”
“What is it?” It was heavy—and beautiful. Even V’s sword, the one that had belonged to his father, wasn’t this ornate.
“It’s a girl’s sword. Don’t start any wars. Remember, you stab people with the pointy end.” James slung it over her back and grinned. “Don’t worry about V. I’ll take care of him. Be safe—and bring her back. I believe in you.”
Noli smiled. Someone believed in her. These days, she’d felt like such a liability, but James’ statement made her feel lighter, braver. “I appreciate this.”
Oooh, it’s pretty. Can we go now? I want to see the tavern. They’re fun, right? the sprite said perkily.
Shush, we’re going for work, not play, Noli admonished. We need to get Elise. You like Elise, remember?
Yes, she’s good at tea party.
The sprite did enjoy a good game of tea party.
Now, Noli told her, let’s go get Elise.
All the confidence drained from her as she eyed the tavern on the other side of the trees. She had felt like invisible eyes had born into her back the entire time she’d trekked through the Blackwoods, setting her on edge.
A little purple light landed on her nose.
“Oh, hello there.” Noli recognized her as one of the wood faeries from Creideamh’s tree house—although not one who’d been there earlier today.
The faery chirped.
“What?” Noli concentrated, and the chirps faded into words. “Oh, Kevighn sent you? Yes, I know he has Elise. I appreciate you finding me.”
The faery nodded. This must be the one he’d sent with the message.
“This place is frightening.” Noli watched as two creatures—she wasn’t sure what they were called—ambled inside. They were large, hairy, and ugly, with axes slung across their backs. They made air pirates look like members of a ladies sewing society.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” A large man in black with a crooked nose stood behind her. A dagger hung from his belt.
“I … ” Her belly sank as she turned and took a step back.
The ugly man with him elbowed him. “I think she’s here for us. Why else would a sweet little sprite come to a place like this?”
The first man leered in a way that made her squirm. “Kiss me, you pretty thing.”
Grabbing her, he mashed his face to hers, trying to shove his tongue into her mouth. She struggled against him. When she opened her mouth to scream, his large, wet tongue entered her mouth and she recoiled. Her fingers found the knife in her boot. She stabbed him with it, then wriggled out of his grasp.
“Hey, what was that for?” the man yelped.
“I’ll give you something shiny.” The other man grabbed her and shoved her to the ground, ripping her sword from her and flinging it aside. A shriek tore from her mouth as he ripped
her dress. She kicked and screamed. He smacked her across the face. “Shut up.”
“Let go of her or I’ll tell my father,” a small male voice ordered.
The man sneered. “And who’s he?”
“Me.” A deep, commanding voice reverberated through the forest. “Aodhan, you’re not supposed to be out here at night.”
Noli couldn’t see who’d spoken, but that voice demanded respect.
“The little faery said she needed help,” the boy replied, coming into her line of sight.
“Leave,” the voice told the man on top of her.
“Of course, I … I’m sorry.” The man climbed off her and ran as fast as he could away from them, as did the other, both clearly afraid of whoever was with the boy.
A boy with pale blond hair and a bow across his back bent down and picked up her knife and sword. He handed them to her as she sat up. “I think these are yours.”
“I appreciate your assistance.” She put the sword back around her and tucked the knife into her boot. “You … you saved me.” That man could have done horrible things to her. Noli shook. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
“It’s all right. You’re safe.” The boy crouched down and smiled, all the way to his yellow eyes.
Something about that boy’s smile reminded her of Kevighn. It was probably the bow and quiver on his back.
A tall man in a cloak, the hood shadowing his face obscuring who he was, offered her a hand. “Are you all right?”
Gulping, Noli nodded, allowing him to help her stand.
“Why are you here?” His voice dripped with authority.
There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t quite place it.
“I … I’m Noli Braddock.” The little purple faery landed on her outstretched hand. “I … I’m looking for Kevighn Silver. He sent me a message and told me to come here.”
“She’s Elise’s friend,” the little boy added. “I’m Aodhan.”
“Do you know Elise?” Noli’s heart skipped a beat. Maybe this would work out after all. She didn’t relish the thought of returning to the big house without Elise.
The boy nodded. “She’s my friend, too.”
The man held up a hand. “Aodhan, go inside, please.”
Her belly churned; she wasn’t sure she wanted to be left alone with him. “I need to take Elise home.”
“No one will hurt you. Just come with me.” His voice was far from soothing, yet not actually ominous. Several men in dark clothing came up beside him.
Aodhan put a hand on her arm. “It’s all right, Noli. My father will protect you.” With a smile, he scampered into the darkness.
“How do I know that you won’t harm me?” She tried to keep her voice from trembling.
“Because I know who you are, and I have no wish to start a war. However, we need to talk … ” The man gestured toward the tavern.
Noli didn’t move. He knew who she was? That didn’t calm her nerves one little bit. She peered into the dark hood, trying to see who he was. “I don’t even know your name.”
“You may call me Kyran.”
The air hissed from her teeth, and then Noli curtsied. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
She was in the company of the dark king himself. He had Elise.
Unseen eyes bore into her back as Ciarán ushered her into the tavern and sat her at the bar. She’d never been in a place like this. Her nose wrinkled at the stench of beer and unwashed bodies. Creatures she’d never seen before watched her in ways that made her skin crawl. The two creatures she’d glimpsed earlier, the ones with the axes, threw knives at a dartboard.
A very short woman stood on a box behind the bar. She looked at Ciarán and her eyebrows rose. “She’s a little young.”
Ciarán, hood still up, shrugged. “This is business.”
“’Bout time you hired a nursemaid for the brat.” She grinned. “Though Luce might not like it. Also, keep her away from you-know-who.”
He gave the woman a sharp look then turned to Noli. “What would you like to drink?”
“Um, do you have any honey wine?” She had a feeling no one drank tea here.
He signaled the bartender and she handed him a bottle and two glasses. “I made this myself.” Ciarán poured two glasses.
She looked at the bottle. “You gave this to Kevighn Silver.”
He raised his glass. “I did. So you are Magnolia?”
“I am. I’d like Elise back, please. I appreciate you caring for her, but I need to take her home.” Noli took a small sip, allowing the sensation to roll over her tongue and explode down the back of her throat. Ah, summer in a bottle. She could think of no better description.
“I’m surprised a sprite would come here alone.” His eyebrows rose.
“I wasn’t always a sprite,” she retorted. She had little patience for verbal games.
“Indeed.” He took a sip of wine.
It was unnerving how he kept his hood up, which was probably the point.
“How did you know? Spies?” she asked. According to James, both the high court and the dark court had spies everywhere. Tiana and Brogan had even had spies in the big house.
He shrugged. That would probably be yes.
“Kevighn sent me a message telling me to come here.” Shivering, Noli pulled her cloak tighter around her. “Is he here?” If he’d lied … so help him. She’d smacked him before and wasn’t afraid to do so again.
“No, he isn’t. However … ” He gave her a pointed look. His eyes were a peculiar color, golden brown like a piece of amber her father had shown her once. They were quite different from Kevighn’s yellow eyes.
The following silence weighed heavily in the air of the pub; words that weren’t there whirled through her head, making her nervous.
Noli broke the silence before she screamed in frustration. If Ciarán wouldn’t speak plainly, then she would. “May I please have Elise?”
“The girl is safe. She shouldn’t be roaming the Otherworld unattended.” Slight disapproval tinged his voice.
“It’s not as if I’m the one who lost her.” Noli tried to keep her temper in check. This wasn’t how she expected the dark king to be.
“True.” He took another sip.
The silence was the worst part—which was probably his intention.
Noli’s belly dropped. “Are you keeping her here? There are people who won’t appreciate that.” Like V. Like the queen.
“I’m keeping her safe. The last thing you need is for her to fall into the wrong hands.” Again, the slightest hints of disapproval set her on edge.
“I know.” She’d classify him and Kevighn as being the wrong hands.
For a moment Ciarán studied his glass and the liquid within. “It’s such a pretty color, don’t you think?”
“May I please have Elise back, Your Majesty.” She mimicked her mother in a way she hoped was “forcefully ladylike.”
His lips twitched. “What will you do with her once you have her back?”
Noli blinked. What would she do indeed? It wasn’t as if they could leave Elise at the big house—or take her with them. The last thing she wanted was to put going to university on hold to raise a little girl. They weren’t about to ask the high queen to babysit, either. Quinn was gone. What else could they do?
“Either keep her with us or send her to school in the mortal realm where she’ll be safe,” Noli finally said. Yes, V’s family probably had enough money, and her mother would help find a suitable place. Elise could go to school near wherever she and V went. Her mother also liked Elise. Perhaps she could be the daughter Noli could never be … at least for a little while.
He nodded. “Not, say, take her to her mum or uncle?”
“No.”
The dark king folded his hands in front of him. “
I propose a trade.”
“She’s not yours to trade.” Anger bubbled inside her. She had to get Elise back. Now.
“Now, what is that mortal saying? About possession and the law?” He gestured to the pub. “This is my territory. You’re just one girl, and a sprite at that.”
Noli crossed her arms over her chest. “What if I just tell her mother? She won’t like this.”
“Do you think she’ll be pleased that she’s here to begin with? Who do you think she’s going to blame, hmm?” He toyed with his glass. “Perhaps not you, but your friends. Do you really want to do that to them? You’re in love with the elder one, aren’t you?”
Her heart skipped a beat. That’s exactly what Tiana would do, too.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
“You stole a gem from the museum in Los Angeles. Bring it to me and we’ll talk.” Ciarán polished off his drink. “Now, I think you should leave before you get into more trouble. You’ll pass to the portal unharmed, as long as you go directly there.”
No, a voice said. It was the same voice she’d heard before. Don’t give it to him.
How did he know about it to begin with—or that she had it?
“What gem?” Noli asked. “I don’t have a gem. You must be mistaken.”
“I suppose you don’t want her back, then. I assure you, she’ll be safe and well cared for. My son is quite attached to her.”
Son? That must be the boy with the pale hair and the bow. The dark king as a doting father was also something she hadn’t expected.
No. She couldn’t give him the jewel. But at the same time, they had to get Elise back. Perhaps V had an idea, not that she wanted to leave Elise here.
The dark king gave her an expectant look.
“Why should I trust you?” She eyed him, trying to see him through the shadows of the hooded cloak.
“Can you really afford not to? Besides, I might be able to help you.” His look remained bland, yet expectant, as he leaned his elbow on the bar like they were exchanging pleasantries.
“You know where my father is?” The words just leaked out. As soon as she said them, she realized he was probably referring to her other issue.
Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) Page 11
