Page 103

Kieran snorted.

Exhaling heavily, I looked over at him. He was watching Poppy, his features soft in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Have any updates for me?” I asked. He’d returned in the middle of my storytelling and hadn’t interrupted.

“Things are calm in the city for now. Several Descenters have come out and helped with that.” He scratched a hand over the shadowy growth on his jaw. “Dozens of Ascended have been located—maybe even hundreds. I don’t have the exact number. Still waiting on that.”

“And?”

“And they are all basically under house arrest, as was ordered.”

“How did that go?”

“From what I understand, many did as requested.” His stare was grim. “Some did not, and they met an unfortunate end.”

That wasn’t something I would stress over. “We are giving them a chance. That’s more than many of them would have given us.”

Kieran nodded. “A Descenter, I think her name is Helenea? Not sure. But anyway, she went to Emil and warned him about the tunnels and how the Ascended use them to travel during the day,” he told me. We expected that, but it was still good to know that we had supporters here in the city willing to help. “Hisa is leading a group into them now.”

I felt myself nodding as my hand clenched at my side.

“I know it’s hard,” Kieran said. “Not being out there while our people are taking risks. It’s hard for me, but you need to be here.”

“We need to be here.” I forced my hand to relax. “Any news on Malik?”

“Not yet.”

Gods, where the fuck was he? Wherever Millicent was, which was anyone’s guess. I didn’t doubt that Naill would eventually track his ass down, but I hoped it was sooner rather than later. That would be one less thing to worry about. At least for now.

“Your father and the others were likely delayed at Padonia, but they will be here,” Kieran said. “You should rest, Cas.”

“Have you rested?”

“We’re not talking about me.”

I smirked. “I did rest. While you were gone.” I picked up Poppy’s hand. Her skin was still cold. “I fell asleep for an hour or so. I didn’t walk in her dreams.”

“That’s not why I’m saying you should sleep.”

“I know.” I brought her hand up and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I’m fine.” I found his gaze. “You?”

He nodded. The thing was, though, if either of us managed to sleep more than an hour or two, it wouldn’t be restful. Not until Poppy woke up. Not until we knew.

“When was the Rite?” Kieran asked. “From that point in your story?”

“Hell. About…two days, I think.” I tipped my head back, delving into my memories of that time. “Miss Willa.”

Kieran’s brows rose.

I looked down at Poppy. “Her diary.” My lips split into a smile. “But there was also the meeting with you.” I briefly glanced at Kieran. “And the night before that.”

HOT, HEAVY WANTING

I strode forward, entering Penellaphe’s chambers before her after her evening stroll. The space was empty and chilled despite the crackling flames in the fireplace.

“Will you also be checking beneath the bed?” Penellaphe asked as I crossed the chamber. “Or in the bathing chamber?”

Grinning, I nudged open the door to that exact room. “I’m very thorough when it comes to my duty, Princess.”

“Uh-huh.” She clasped her hands loosely in front of her. “There’s no one here but us.”

One quick glance at the darkened bathing chamber confirmed as much. Not that I expected anyone to be in here. It was just the perfect excuse to ask her a few questions in private and spend some time with her.

I faced her, noting that she’d partially closed the chamber door, leaving it open a scant few inches. Which meant no one would be able to see inside the chamber unless they put some effort into it. The door was supposed to be left open, and each time it had been closed, I did it. This was progress.

“Your chambers are always so cold.” I went to the fireplace and picked up the poker.

“I never noticed that,” she replied dryly.

“I imagine it’s those windows.” I nodded in their direction as I knelt by the hearth. “The stone around them is degrading.”

“I suppose that is one of the many causes. There are many drafty sections along the outer wall.” Her veiled head tipped back as she looked. “The high ceilings also don’t help, but I like them—the height. It makes the chamber seem more…spacious.”

I was sure she did when she spent most of her time in here. I moved the logs around, creating air pockets. “There must be more spacious chambers in the newer wings of the castle.”

“There are.”

I looked over my shoulder at her. She’d inched closer. “Is there a reason they would place you, the Chosen child of the gods, in the most decrepit part of the castle?”