Page 26

Lonan

I glower at the orange-skinned Fae standing in front of me outside the Keep. The two griffons he holds by a measly little leather line balk, tossing their heads back and prancing.

Lilac is at my side, clearly frustrated. “Our stablemaster will manage them, Lord...?”

He tosses back his gray hair. “Flamestaff. Lord Flamestaff. And my daughters,” he gestures to the three Fae behind him, each with the same bold skin color as him with varying hair colors, each holding onto the leather leash of two griffons.

The tall Fae continues, “And, as I’ve already told you, only myself and my daughters can handle these griffons. They were bred by the Larkstead game keeper. You must simply, quickly , gather your people and we’ll leave immediately for Larkstead Castle.”

I spin on my heel, too angry to speak, leaving Lilac to deal with that prick. I still cannot believe Ollie got us to agree to this. This is asinine.

I make it to Nell’s office but she’s not there. I turn, headed to our apartments when Kai finds me.

“I just finished giving orders to Fane,” he says, falling into step beside me. Fane is one of our top soldiers and will be acting as Lilac’s second-in-command while we are gone. I had floated the idea of Kai staying to manage Thistle Grove, but Ollie and Kai had quickly shot that down.

I nod. “Good. The youngest Daven sister is going to act as messenger if needed. We need more wings,” I say, frustrated for the first time about how small I have kept my inner circle. Small is safe. But now, with things exploding on all sides, we need more people.

We’re about to go to the apartments when Korben calls from down the hallway. “Yo, we leaving or what?” He smiles, his unkept hair in disarray and his small sword strapped to his back. He’s not much of a fighter but he’s incredible eyes on the ground. We’d had to promise we wouldn’t make him marry anyone before he’d agree to come with us. I need another set of eyes, with Kai and I both concerned about Oleander’s safety. Especially since we haven’t had much chance to see the extent of her magic.

I shake my head. A Toxa. Incredible . There hasn’t been one born in centuries. And none are alive, as they tend to be used to poor ends. I frown. Not Oleander. We won’t let that happen to her again.

Korben has a pack over his shoulder. “Ollie is downstairs.”

Kai and I turn, headed back downstairs.

When the three of us get there, Nell and Cook and Lu are standing outside with Ollie. Lilac is still haggling with that pretentious ass. I sense Kai’s worry. He wasn’t raised around many fire Fae, given that his mother was dead and his father was a high ranking officer in the High King’s army, he was surrounded by mostly water Fae. After the attack, when we ran, we had a chance to get to know Fae of all varieties, and I know Kai found most fire Fae difficult.

Cook’s big brown eyes are full of tears and she throws herself at me, floury apron and all. I pat her back. “We’ll be fine.”

“Oh aye, I know ye will, it’s Ollie I’m worried about.”

“Thanks Cook,” Kai says archly.

“Uff, hush you,” she says chuckling.

Ollie hugs Lu, who also looks near to tears. I see Lu hand Ollie a package with a watery yet mischievous grin. Ollie drops her pack and shoves it in, hugging Lu again.

Nell rolls her mossy eyes and holds out my leather pack. She has added an attachment under the straps. I raise an eyebrow.

“A gown of Oleander’s. Her clothes take up significantly more room than yours. Kai has one too.”

I snort.

“Quite the spoiled creature,” Kai says fondly as Ollie turns. She’s in blue breeches that Dana made her and they lace high at her waist and are tight on the ankles, billowing between. I know she has an under layer beneath, as we had been worried about the temperatures flying. Ollie has her nice leather boots on that she prefers even under her dresses. A luxe green blouse, with a pale blue corset with straps over it. I hold out a thick brown wool sweater to her. She tugs it on and pulls her long, tight braid out. Kai, Korben and I all don warm sweaters too before readjusting our cloaks. Kai helps Ollie put hers on and pulls the hood up over her pointed ears.

“You’re quite sure you don’t want to ride with one of us?” I ask again.

She smiles, “I’m sure it would be more entertaining to ride with one of you, but no. I’ll be fine. I’m a good rider.”

Korben guffaws. “I’ll fucking bet.”

My arm snaps out, backhanding him in the gut.

I finally turn to Lord Flamestaff. “We’re ready. Give us the quick version of how to control these animals.” I eye the nearest griffon. Its eagle eyes are intelligent and it cocks its head as it takes me in. I get the uncomfortable sensation that it is sizing me up.

Flamestaff manages to look down his nose at me, which is difficult as we’re of a height. “You sit in the saddle and hold on, much like a horse. We’ll attach the straps before we take off.”

“Straps?” Korben asks.

“In case of aerial maneuvers,” one of the women answers.

As Korben starts to argue about whether or not he believes ‘aerial maneuvers’ should even be an option, I step closer to the griffon near me. It has the head and front legs—and wings, obviously—of an eagle, its hind end is the lush tawny fur of a lion. It tilts its head as I get near. I hold out my hand for it to smell.

The woman holding its leash yanks its head back just as it extends its neck to smell me. “Ya fool man! She’ll bite your hand off!”

I glare at the black-haired woman and as I do, her eyes take me in and her gaze turns hungry. My almost-friendly glare turns into a glower.

“Ohhh, what a good bird,” I hear Ollie coo and I turn to find her.

The woman holding the leash of a light blonde griffon is arguing with Lilac and Oleander has... more or less snuggled up to the griffon. It’s butting her gently with its head as she scratches it.

“Real dangerous,” I mutter, but at that moment the Fae holding its leash sees Ollie and jerks the griffon away. Ollie looks put out.

“What’s her name?” I ask the black-haired woman holding the griffon I imagine I’ll be riding.

She snorts. “They don’t have names.”

Ollie makes a noise of outrage.

“She’s gonna have names for all of them by the time we land,” whispers Kai.

I grin.

Lord Flamestaff turns, apparently having had his fill of Lilac. “Mount up and we’ll be off. It’s about four hours to Larkstead, so we’ll be there in time for you to settle in before dinner.

I watch Ollie swing herself up, wanting to help her, but knowing we need to keep our relationship hidden if this is to work. The female Fae starts helping with her leg straps and I reluctantly tear my eyes away. I approach the griffon again, hand out and it sniffs me.

“Can I get on your back, pretty creature?” I ask softly. She eyes me again, then prances her back end towards me. I smile and climb up into the saddle. I grab the buckles and start doing them up myself, lest that Fae try to touch me. I suppress a shiver. Bizarre . Before Ollie, I would have been throwing her heated glances, even though I adore Kai. But now? Now the thought of anyone but them touching me damn near turns my stomach.

Flamestaff’s griffon takes off first and the rest of them follow. I was expecting it to feel similar to a horse taking a jump but it’s much more violent than that. The griffon throws herself forcibly into the air and as her wings beat, her entire body drops rather concerningly. Once we get to a height though, the flight is smoother, as she holds her wings open and glides with only the occasional wingbeat. We head northeast. The speed at which we travel is surprising even if I knew how long it would take. Faster than I would expect we’re out from the dense forest of Thistle Grove and headed over Lake Woe. My heart clenches. Kai and I used to swim there–the northern end—every summer on a camping trip with our fathers. I look over at Kai, on a russet griffon. He looks a bit ill, gripping tightly to the saddle horn. I swing my head, surveying the Flamestaff family. Korben is in the middle of them, looking distinctly ill. But Ollie. Ollie is laughing, her arms thrown wide. The sight of her makes me grin. I wonder why she is so comfortable flying. Perhaps it’s just the freedom.

The hours pass quickly; the rush of the wind in my ears is hypnotic, and the adrenaline from the fact that I’m strapped to a griffon’s back high in the air steady. We pass the edge of the Pinwood Desert. I can just see tiny dots that must be the famed Giant Ivies Cacti. They are said to be too large for five men to touch around their trunks.

Soon I can see the Quiet Mountains in the distance. My griffon makes a cawing noise that sounds happy.

“Glad to be home, girl?” I ask as I lean forward. Her head ducks. Did she just answer me? The Larkstead family took over the griffon stables of the previous fire Fae rulers when they came into power and, as tradition dictates, are the only Fae allowed to own the creatures.

The Quiet Mountains span the top of the lands of Faery, a dividing line across the northern land, separating the rest of Faery from the Backveld Tundra, a wet, frozen, unsteady land that extends into the Gelid Ocean. Nothing above that has ever been found, most explorers having never returned. It’s a cold, desolate place, and I expect the Larksteads to be similarly cold and hard, even though they are the leaders of the fire Fae.

Larkstead Castle approaches quickly, once I determine that’s what I’m looking at. Two tall stone bell towers stand next to each other at the front of the town. From there, the walls of Larkstead extend at right angles back and are built directly into the mountain. The magic used to carve the mountains’ sides into the walls was surely earth Fae done.

The set up leaves the town shaped like a large trapezoid, and at the back, partially carved from a mountain itself is the castle. The castle has several wide open turrets and Flamestaff leads us to one. The town below looks to be in good standing. That’s a plus; I consider a run-down, ill-taken care of town to be a failing of the rulers. My griffon veers gently and backdrafts its wings for a surprisingly smooth landing.

I lean and unlash my legs and slip off. I see Kai hurry over to help Ollie so I step to the front of my mount.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say softly, scratching above her beak. She headbutts me gently and it makes me smile.

Kai quickly steps back from Ollie once she has her feet. We must maintain the ruse that we are not bound to each other.

“Come,” commands Lord Flamestaff as servants swarm us to take the griffons. We follow him into the building and down a dim curving staircase. Ollie seems stiff in my periphery. Probably from the long ride, I think.

“The steward,” Lord Flamestaff directs us towards a gray skinned man with flame-red hair. “Dinner is at sundown. Downstairs and to the right.” And he storms off.

The steward bows and my eyebrow rise. I don’t have our staff show such ridiculous deference. Like Nell or Cook would anyway , I think, amused.

“I have rooms ready for the four of you,” he says, eyes downcast.

“Sweet!” yells Korben. “Where’s mine?”

The steward straightens and paces down the long dark hallway. The one side of the hall is obviously the mountain itself, while the opposite wall has doors along it.

He stops, “For Commander Lonan,” he gestures as he opens the door.

He points to the next door, “For General Kai.” He clears his throat, “Lady Allie and Captain Korben are on the floor below.”

“No,” I snap, “My contingent will be housed on the same floor. I see other doors on either side of ours. Move other guests if you need to, I don’t give a fuck, but we will be on the same floor.”

My tone must be serious enough for the steward bows again. “Apologies, my lord. I did not realize this would be an issue. If the Captain and the Lady might stay with the two of you, I can have rooms on this floor ready by the end of dinner?”

I nod, placated. “Come,” I say, gesturing to both of them as Kai strides to his door. I shut the door behind us and my eyes take in the guest suite.

The room, like what we’ve seen of the castle so far, seems cut from the mountain. Large open arches seem to separate the sections of the space. The entry has a small fireplace and several couches on an ornate red rug. The fire is blazing but the air is still chill.

“Wow, fancy,” Korben mutters.

The bedroom also has a gorgeous red rug on the stone floor, and a low bed upon the floor, piled with furs and pillows. A huge fireplace is blazing near the bed. The window shapes mirror the arches and the panes are framed with wood. They overlook the city. Ollie steps into the room and stumbles to the fireplace silently.

I frown as I pace into the room to make sure it’s empty. There is a large closet at the far end of the room and a bathroom with a large tub. Huge, ornate candelabras covered in candles hang from the ceiling. Easy to light when all the servants are fire Fae, I imagine. I drop my pack near the bed and return to Ollie’s side.

“Sweetheart,” I start, reaching out to touch her face. Her skin is chill, and her eyes turn to me slowly. Fuck .

Kai knocks sharply and Korben turns to unbar the door for him.

“Kai, warm Ollie. She’s frozen, the wretched beast,” I growl.

He crosses to us swiftly and puts his hands on her face. Her teeth chatter.

“‘S fine,” she mutters, “Just a little chilled. You two are... so overprotective.”

He snarls and scoops her up, headed for the couch near the larger fireplace. He sits and makes her straddle him. My eyes are upon them and I’m currently considering how much time we have before dinner.

“Awkwarddddd,” Korben says, looking at the ceiling.

I chuckle, “Why don’t you spore and scout? Unless you think it’s too chilly inside the castle?”

He grins, “You got it, boss.”

“Be careful!” I add quickly as he dissolves, already flowing to the crack under the door.

I turn back to my mates. Kai has removed Ollie’s sweater so she’s now in that pretty blouse and corset. She already looks more alert.

“Mmm,” I say as I sit next to Kai, who is radiating heat, “I like you in pants.” I tug her breeches gently.

She giggles, “But then I can’t just pull up my skirts for a little fun.”

We both groan. I add, “Are you feeling better?”

Her skin is much better colored now.

“Yes, of course, I told you, I was fine.”

Kai grunts, “You’re riding back with me.”

“No way! I told Feather I’d love to have her take me home.”

We look at each other before dissolving into laughter.

“What?” Ollie asks, confused. “What?”

I’M JUST WASHING MY face for dinner when I hear Korben’s voice. “Ohhh buddy, this is gonna be wild.”

I wipe off and step out of the bathroom. “What is?”

He shakes his head, “The Lord here seems like an utter jackass.”

“If what my father said of him is true, he is,” Kai says, buttoning his vest.

Korben grabs a change of clothes and enters the bathroom.

Ollie emerges from the small closet. She’s in a velvet gown that matches the green accents of her hair. Its neck dips straight down to button to the waist. Ollie has a wide leather belt over it; it flares a bit as it drops in heavy folds. The sleeves are loose but the cuffs lace tightly around her forearms. She has her hair braided very loosely and draped over her shoulder. She looks exquisite. I’m really going to let another man touch her? I’m a fucking idiot.

I can feel waves of jealousy rolling off Kai so he must be thinking similar thoughts. Korben emerges from the bathroom, looking almost put together.

Ollie chuckles. “Would you like me to tie up or braid your hair, Korben?”

He blinks at her. “That’s really nice to offer, Ollie. But, nah. I like it like this.”

She just nods.

Seeing the light fading quickly, I say, “C’mon, let’s go.” I sigh. This is what must be done. To make the lands safe. To keep shifters from being persecuted. To give Ollie the throne.

We head down the hall and down a wide set of stairs into an open room. A servant is waiting and pushes open large metal doors etched with flames.

Standing at the head of the table, opposite the open doors, is Lord Larkstead. An older Fae given the gray threading his black hair, he’s a bit heavy set. His skin is a pale ivory and he has a chiseled jawline.

“Welcome, Commander Lonan,” he says, smiling. “Come, sit, eat. Let us talk.” He gestures to the open chairs along one side of the table. We head into the room and sit, Korben helping Ollie with her chair. Opposite us sit five younger male Fae.

“It is good to meet with you, Larkstead,” I answer.

“Please, you must call me Leland,” he smiles.

I nod and he greets the rest of the party. Food is brought in by silent-footed and eyes-downcast servants. I take a sip of wine.

“My sons,” Larkstead says waving his hand. “Adrian, Blake, Chase, Dante, and Ellis.”

Said sons look very similar to him, same aquiline nose and defined jaw. Two of them have the striking red skin you see in some fire Fae. One son with gray skin and bright orange hair smirks at me. The one with short black curls tosses me a small smile.

“My wife and youngest son are down in town, tending to some business. You’ll meet them soon.”

I can taste the lie but I just nod agreeably. “Good, that’s good.” I take a deep breath. “Lord Larkstead, I have something to tell you but it must not leave this room. I need your word that this room is safe from prying eyes and ears and that none of you will speak of this to anyone else, until and unless we come to a treaty agreement.” I look at him intently.

He blinks his yellow eyes at me as he takes my measure. “I do so swear, with the caveat that I can speak of this with my wife in private.”

“Fine,” I nod. “May the pain of oblivion find you across the Veil do you lie,” I add, wanting the most serious oath of Faekind.

His eyes narrow but he repeats it.

I nod. “We’ll agree to the marriage in exchange for financial support, troops, and a griffon contingent.”

He chuckles. “Well, well. That’s quite the ask. We had previously only discussed financial support in exchange for your hand in marriage to one of my boys.”

I nod. “It won’t be me. Allow me to introduce Oleander Stonesthrow. Younger sister to King Alder.”

The silence is enough to make your ears ache.

“Bullshit,” one of the sons spits.

Ollie straightens. “Not bullshit. I’ll swear it in front of your Ordained and soothsayer. And watch how you speak to me, good sir, as I’ll be choosing my husband and future King-Consort myself .”

A fork clatters to a plate. Ollie smiles sweetly as all five of the Fae across from us look her over with renewed interest. I grit my teeth. Trust my mate , I repeat to myself.

Larkstead clears his throat and his sons resume dinner. His keen eyes are upon me. “If our soothsayer verifies this, I will agree. But I would prefer you and I chose her husband.”

I shake my head. “No. Oleander, the soon-to-be Queen of Faery, will choose her own partner. It is not up for debate or haggling. We’ll take this offer to Clan Narisa. I hear they have several unmated dragonkin in the family.”

He straightens. “Fine. One of my boys, sworn and consummated and to sit upon the throne, for gold, troops and a flight of griffons.”

I nod, torn between smugness and despair.