Page 12 of A Game of Monsters (Realm of Fey #4)

Cassial entered the room, dripping in glory and power. His shield – the namesake of his position in the Nephilim, was held aloft in one hand. Creator’s Shield, protector of His word. I could hear Cassial say it, just as he had on the ship from Lockinge to Icethorn all those months ago.

He wore an armour set of pure gold and white – not a speck of damage to suggest he’d ever seen battle wearing it.

It was Rafaela who gave everything, not him. And she was now in the prison beneath my feet. Yet I couldn’t admit I knew that with Cassial here.

Volcanic fury rose in me, fierce and frenzied until I was trembling on the spot. Before I released it, spilling into the room in an undulating wave, Erix slipped his hand into mine and squeezed.

Everything unravelled beneath his touch.

Cassial’s midnight hair was swept off his face, shiny and slicked back with a thick salve. Everything about him was neat and tidy. Even his thick, dark beard was brushed and full, the edges sharp from recent shaving. Cassial’s ivory-white wings shivered, some downy feathers falling to the floor beneath him like snow.

“Robin Icethorn,” Cassial announced, the brightest grin plastered across his handsome face.

I stiffened beneath his inquisitive gaze. Unlike Erix’s silver eyes, Cassial’s were closer to white, giving his gaze an almost endless and all-seeing expression.

“Cassial,” I said in greeting, although my posture was anything but welcoming. I found my fists balled, my back straighter than it had ever been before. As if sensing my discomfort, Erix squeezed my hand until I felt his heartbeat in his palm, his leathery wings shadowing the room behind us.

“A little birdy has told me you have been dying to speak with me.” Cassial’s white-toothed smile came across as genuine, but it was no different to a dog licking your hand before biting it. “I am so glad you made it. I was beginning to think I would have to make the journey to see you myself.”

“No need for that,” I replied. “Although am I to read between the lines of what you are saying about Rafaela? Because if I am, it sounds like she is no longer with us, in this realm.”

She is well cared for in the hands of the Creator, and there is no better place for her to be.

It sounded an awful lot like she was dead to me. Even though the note in my pocket suggested otherwise.

“Rafaela is certainly still within this realm,” Cassial explained, laughing to the watching crowd. When no one returned it, he faltered, snapping his bright stare back on me. I was rooted to the spot.

“Where?” Was all I could manage.

“Not in Durmain,” Cassial said, “which I am sure is not the news you have been hoping for, considering your persistent requests for an audience with her.”

Not even a minute into his presence, and already Cassial was lying.

“So, Rafaela will not be attending the wedding?” Althea asked, voice sweet but even I could sense the distrust in her tone. “That’s a shame. I rather liked Rafaela.”

“I’m afraid not, Queen Cedarfall.” Cassial bowed his head to show respect, but not enough that his eyes ever left her. “Rafaela has returned home . The Isles of Irobel are the best place for her to reconnect with her faith and prove herself worthy in the Creator’s eyes once again. With many of the Nephilim here, we required someone of merit to care for our lands until the day these realms are secure, and we can leave them to return home too.”

“Liar,” I mumbled under my breath. If he heard it, Cassial showed no reaction.

In that moment I longed to tell everyone the truth. Rafaela wasn’t in Irobel, in fact she was beneath the very room we stood in. But I bit down on my tongue until I tasted blood, refusing to speak a word.

Yet .

If he was lying, it was for a reason. I knew that all too well.

“Is she not already worthy? After all, she did play a hand in saving the world from ruin,” Gyah said, hand never straying from Althea’s back. “Or am I missing something?”

My breath hitched in my throat, catching so suddenly I almost choked. I suddenly wanted that glass of sparkling wine. “Gyah makes a good point,” I added.

Cassial took his time to drink us all in, his height far taller than anyone who stood before him, to the point he had to look down his sharp nose.

“Rafaela’s sole purpose in life was to protect Altar’s keys and ensure they never were used to open Duwar’s gate. Instead, she turned her back on our task and had plans of her own – plans that, I am sure no one here needs reminding, backfired rather grandly.” Cassial settled his eyes back on me. I felt every inch of skin flay wide where his gaze touched. “On that matter, how is Duncan Rackley fairing, Robin? Zarrel informed me that he won’t be joining us in Lockinge, or for the wedding.”

I faked confidence, pushing down every ounce of panic to the pit of my stomach, replacing it with my well-practiced demure nature. “He’s doing well.”

“I’m very pleased to hear it. It is not every day you face a demon-god and survive.” He laughed for a second time, and still no one reciprocated it.

Zarrel shifted where he stood just shy of Cassial’s back, carrying Rafaela’s hammer as if it belonged to him. If I got close enough to touch it, the truth would come spilling out. Everyone in this room would know my secrets, and the threat I continued to harbour – the threat to the peace everyone longed to enjoy.

“Now,” Cassial said, clapping his large hands together. “There is much to do in the next day. Althea, Gyah – plans have been agreed that tonight we will hold a feast and ball to celebrate your union. It will be before this ball that the treaty between the fey and human heirs will be signed and bound. Then, once those minor formalities are completed, we will arrange a convoy of travel for you all to be taken back across Durmain toward the location the wedding will be held. This procession, if you will, gives those who cannot make the wedding a chance to share in the excitement of it. I hope you do not mind, but I have personally seen to all these plans myself, saving you the worry and hassle.”

Althea’s genuine grin told me she was, in fact, pleased for his help, unaware that I could shatter her trust in him in a matter of seconds.

“You have already been so helpful, Cassial,” Althea said graciously. “All this assistance, I do hope you find time to enjoy yourself in the days to come.”

“Believe me, as soon as the legalities are finalised tonight, I will ‘let my hair down’ during yours and Lady Eldrae’s big day.”

“ Gyah ,” Gyah corrected, wincing at the use of her new title. “I may be marrying into royalty, but I would prefer my name to be used over my title.”

Cassial tipped his head in agreement. “Of course, Gyah. Forgive me for my transgressions, where I am from, royalty is but a concept. I trust that everything else is to your liking. Now, I regret that I do have a few matters to attend to for the rest of the morning. If you need anything, Zarrel will be close enough for you to call upon him.”

“Elmdew is it?” Elinor added, looking into her glass as she swivelled the liquid around. “Is that what is keeping you busy?”

He paused, a brow raised above his confused glare. “No, why do you ask?”

Elinor gestured around her, pointing out something I’d yet to notice. “Well, to start, I was expecting to see the representatives for young prince Jordin Elmdew. As of yet, no one has shown their face.”

Cassial relaxed his shoulders so suddenly, I hadn’t noticed they were tense in the first place. “Ah, yes. Jordin’s representative has been occupied, from my understanding. I’m sure she would have preferred to share wine with you over breakfast, but as you can imagine, the care of a young child is of most importance.”

Elinor rocked back as if struck, and I was the only one to notice it before she steeled her expression, painting it with a smile. “Yes, I do know that well.”

“If that would be all,” Cassial said, gesturing for Zarrel to step forwards. “I will see you all shortly.”

The idea of Zarrel watching over us was not a pleasant thought. As if he sensed my discomfort, he settled his eyes on me, sinking his attention through every layer of my skin until my bones itched.

“Before you leave,” Zarrel added, bringing Cassial to a quick stop. “Robin Icethorn has been persistent in his need to speak with you.”

“There will be no need,” I replied, considering I had the answers to my question in my pocket. “If Rafaela is not in Lockinge, my request is no longer required.”

“If you wish to speak on the matter further, you are welcome to join me.”

For the third time, Erix squeezed my hand, keeping me in place.

“With all this food, and being reunited with old friends, I would rather like to stay back for a while,” I said, to Erix’s relief.

Cassial looked to me for a few beats, then swept his gaze over the room. “If your desires change, please speak with Zarrel again and he can arrange the summons. My door is always open to you, Robin Icethorn.”

With that, he left. Zarrel may have followed, but as the doors closed, I knew he would be standing guard outside. Which was a problem, because I had somewhere else I needed to be.

“Erix,” I said, turning my back to my friends, hand flexing at my side the second he released it. “Cassial is lying. Rafaela is still here, in Lockinge.”

His eyes widened a fraction. Unlike many others might have done, Erix didn’t tell me I was wrong. “Tell me what you need me to do, and I will help.”

Althea walked up behind us, stopping the conversation. “Cassial has been so attentive.”

I snapped around to her, just in time to see the spark of distrust as she narrowed her amber-hued eyes on me.

Althea rested a hand on her hip and leaned into it. “Oh, come on, Robin. Do you think a fancy breakfast, talk of precessions and the promise of a ball, was enough to blind my sense of judgement?” Althea said. “Go on, you two, spit it out. What are you whispering about?”

I held my tongue, wondering if giving Althea a half-lie would suffice, or if it would lead to more questions. Concealing the truth with my genuine concern for Rafaela was iron-clad, so I decided to not keep this from her. At least it would lighten the load of lies, making it easier to sift through them.

“Cassial lied to us about Rafaela’s whereabouts,” I said with a low voice, aware that anyone could be listening. Of course, Gyah and Eleanor heard – Gyah being the only one who didn’t seem entirely surprised.

“Bold accusation,” Althea said.

“Bold, yes. But she isn’t in Irobel.”

“And you are sure?” Althea asked. “Or is this just a hunch? You have never been very good at trusting people.”

“I trusted you,” I said, hurt by the very true accusation.

“Because I’m special.” Althea clearly didn’t believe me from the nudge of her shoulder into mine, as if we were two friends joking around.

“Robin is sure about this,” Erix added for me. “Listen to him.”

Althea drew her eyes to Erix, reading into his protective stance and close proximity. She didn’t need to say it aloud, but I could see in her expression alone that she was wondering what was happening between us.

In truth, I was wondering the very same thing. My hand still throbbed with the way he held it, but that feeling wasn’t entirely uncomfortable.

“Do you remember Aldrick’s encampment beneath the castle?” I asked.

Althea winced. “How could I ever forget.”

“Well.” I was breathless, and yet I hadn’t moved a muscle. “Rafaela is currently occupying the Below as we speak. Altar knows for how long she’s been down there.”

Althea stepped in close, her entire demeanour hardening. “And you are confident of this?”

I nodded. I may have let them into this secret, but I wasn’t about to break my promise to Seraphine. “I am very confident.”

I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable question. How do you know? They didn’t ask.

“I really did not want to have to go back there,” Althea said, but I could see she would if required.

“Nor do you need to either,” I replied. “I’ll go. I’m familiar with the Below. It would be easier for one of us to slip in and out, than a group.”

And from one glance to Elinor, the horror on her face, I’d never want her stepping foot near that place again.

“I won’t agree to this.” Erix’s deep voice rumbled across my skin. “Robin, think.”

“I am, Erix” I snapped, fixing desperate eyes on him. “In fact, it is all I can do right now. Think and think until I feel like my skull is going to shatter apart. I’m sick to death of thinking, it’s time I do something.”

His lips parted, but another refusal didn’t come out. Erix bowed his head, took a step back and retreated.

“What I don’t understand, is why Cassial would lie,” Althea said. “He has been incredible thus far. I just don’t see why he would need to pretend Rafaela is in Irobel.”

“Only one way to find out,” I replied, practically buzzing with the need to go immediately and find out our answers.

“Sounds like another prison break,” Gyah added with a smile. “It’s certainly one way to spice up the pre-wedding nerves.”

“As I said, I’m going alone. But there is something you can help with.”

Elinor had kept silent, gaze lost to a spot on the floor as her own thoughts consumed her. I worried Cassial’s comments about babies had stayed with her, taunting Elinor for all she’d lost.

“Go on,” Althea encouraged, hand reaching to her belt on instinct. Usually she kept a blade there, but now it was only a beaded belt.

“I need a little distraction,” I said. “Something that will keep Zarrel busy whilst I slip in and out.”

“I don’t like this,” Elinor finally spoke up. When she looked up at me, it was not with fear in her eyes, but something else. “Robin, I don’t want you to ever go back there.”

Elinor had spent years in the dark belly of Lockinge Castle. What she’d experienced during her imprisonment had left scars so deep that no time could heal them.

“I’ll be fine, Elinor,” I said, offering her a smile I hoped she believed. “I promise.”

“Then listen to Erix, and let him go with you. Please,” Elinor practically begged.

“If we are both seen missing, it will lead to questions no king should need to answer. I have to do this alone. Not only to keep the Nephilim from getting suspicious but because… if anything happened to her, whatever this punishment has been, it was my doing.”

“Hold on,” Gyah added. “I’m not one to care about paperwork and treaties, but would this jeopardise what has been agreed, let alone the relationship we have cultivated with the humans?”

“Nothing has been signed yet,” I said. “Anyway, this is Nephilim affairs, and has nothing to do with the humans. What problem is it going to cause if Rafaela is in Irobel… right?”

Cassial couldn’t punish us for being caught out in a lie, not when he needed us to put ink to paper and sign the treaty he’d worked tirelessly to draft.

“And if he has lied about Rafaela and you find her, what then?” Erix asked the question that was likely on everyone’s lips.

“That will be a discussion we can all have with Cassial, but first I need to see what is happening in the Below.”

Althea’s nervous mask lifted back into a light smile. “If anyone can get away with it, it would be Robin.”

I didn’t know if that was supposed to fill me with confidence or dread.

“Now, about that distraction,” I added. “I need something to keep Zarrel occupied enough that he won’t follow me.”

“All right,” Althea replied, fingers scratching her narrow chin. I felt her eyes search every inch of me, trying to discover what I was hiding from her. “Any suggestions?”

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. After finding out where Rafaela was being kept, there hadn’t exactly been a lot of time to think.

I was glad when Gyah spoke up. “Erix, want to test out which one of us is more durable, Gryvern or Eldrae?”

“You have got to be kidding me,” Althea said, rolling her eyes at the suggestion. “Sparring just before our wedding? It’s a recipe for disaster.”

“As is breaking Rafaela out of prison,” Gyah reminded her. “But alas, Robin is fixated on the idea. Don’t worry, my love,” Gyah wrapped a hand around Althea’s shoulder, planting a kiss upon her cheek. “I intend to beat our favourite berserker and come out without a single bruise.”

“Is that so?” Erix said, cocking his head from side to side, elongated fingers flexing to claws at his side. “Do Eldrae not bruise? Now I think that is a theory I would like to test.”

Gyah chuckled. “I suppose we will find out.”

Althea’s eyes gestured toward the dais at the back of the room. There was a door there, the one I’d been brought through during my last visit, and the same I’d escaped through with Duncan, Kayne, Elinor and Seraphine when Doran and his Gryvern attacked the castle.

Althea wrapped fingers around my forearm, stopping me in my tracks. “Please try to stay out of trouble, Robin.”

“Depends if trouble finds me,” I replied.

She released me, although not with hesitation. “Make sure Rafaela is okay. If she is, best to leave her where she is, until a proper plan can be formed.”

“And if she is not?” I asked, dread squeezing my lungs at the possibility.

“Save her,” Althea glowered, then turned away.

If Seraphine was right, and I found Rafaela, I had no intention of leaving her. Treaty or wedding, Rafaela’s life was more important in the grand scheme of things.

I gritted my teeth, body buzzing with unspent energy. Everything was leading up to this, and I could almost not wait.

“Hey,” I called over to Erix and Gyah. “Go easy, okay?”

“I shall, little bird,” Erix replied.

“I wasn’t talking to you,” I added, eyes flickering to Gyah whose skin was melting into shadows as her shift began.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Erix added with a wink just before his wings flared and the serpentine, obsidian-scaled wyvern uncoiled where Gyah’s fey form had stood.

Seeing her, for a brief moment, took me by surprise. Perhaps it was my previous trauma, but she looked more like the Draeic than I’d ever noticed before. Just smaller, more compact – but equally as deadly as she settled golden eyes on her opponent.

If anything, this distraction was less about being seen leaving, and more about making sure I wasn’t followed.

When the air ruptured with the roar of two monsters, and bodies clashed, I took my chance and ran.