Page 5

Oleander

T he bathing chamber had been absolute bliss. Lilac had ushered me there with nary a word, then left me to the attendant, a young Fae woman, who stripped me and rinsed me, and set me to soaking in a near-boiling tub with oils. Eventually she came and washed and combed out my tangled braid. She let me soak until Lilac poked her head back in. At that point, I was dried and lotioned and wrapped in a sumptuous robe.

Lilac, silently, led me to a small room. I walked in, turned and heard the door shut and lock behind me. Ah, another cell.

At least it’s a nicer one, with a toilet and shower in a small bathroom stocked with towels and soap, a bed with feather quilts, a small table with writing instruments and a large window with pretty drapes.

I had immediately pounced upon the books, dying to read anything. I had curled up in the soft bed, nude, and read until late in the evening.

When I put down the book to sleep, Commander Lonan’s eyes had popped up behind my eyelids. I hadn’t been able to decide what color his eyes were. A rich, earthy red mayhap?

It had taken me much longer to find rest than I had expected.

THE NEXT MORNING HAD come late to me, tired as I was. I had found a tray of food on the small desk, and my cleaned dress folded on the end of the bed. I had quickly dressed and dug into the rich breakfast.

Once finished, I placed the very clean plate and utensils on the tray with my empty glass and placed it on the floor near the door. Settling myself back at the table, I quickly tested the wards on the window. Not that I was trying to escape. I was merely curious. It was solid, heavy enough to stop nearly all magic users. I pondered who Commander Lonan had in his arsenal that could ward so strongly. None that I’d heard of.

I pull out my journal and explore the pens of the desk. I have just decided upon one when the door swings open unceremoniously.

I turn, smiling, expecting a servant, but instead I am greeted with the sight of Lilac and Commander Lonan.

I stand quickly, eyes dropping to the floor. “Ma’am. Sir,” I murmur, “Thank you for these luxurious accommodations.”

Lonan snorts but Lilac answers, her purple hair in her eyes, “‘Tis nothing, maid. Was your previous master so cruel as to make you sleep upon raw straw?”

I sense that she’s asking what the Commander wants to know. So I answer, “The maids at RedWater mostly sleep upon open straw.”

I can feel the Commander’s eyes upon me and I turn to him, my eyes meekly upon his chest, which is easy as he is tall even for a Fae. “Please, Commander Lonan, what can I do to help you?”

He snorts. It’s Lilac that answers, though Lonan’s eyes—yes, red, I think—bore into me.

“What can you tell us of Alder? Does he truly have no offspring? He’s not keeping a young child safe in hiding?”

I smirk. “None indeed, though he scatters his seed far and wide. None has seemed to have taken root.”

They both nod, silent. Lilac asks, “Do his counselors truly hold as much sway as is said?”

I pause. A trick question. “Who says?” I shrug. “He seems easily biddable. An idea he believes in strongly in the morning is easily put aside by nightfall.”

Again, they nod.

“Who is his favorite concubine?”

Another trick. “None of his partners are concubines. They are all there of free will. But he currently favors the fire Fae Nora and the earth Fae Indi. Though it could change any day, for no obvious reason.”

They exchange a glance. Lilac says, “How is the best way to access the court gossip?”

I chuckle. “The kitchen of course.” I raise a brow. It’s obvious, isn’t it?

But Lilac merely taps her chin, thinking. My eyes turn to Lonan.

And he is staring directly at me. Of course he is. I look down quickly and I swear I hear a disappointed sound from him. Alright , I think, perhaps he does like a little fire.

Just as I find the courage to meet his eyes again, Lilac stands.

“Thank you, Allie,” she says as she turns towards the door. Commander Lonan stands slowly.

“Wait!” I cry out, “Will you... keep me? Can I be of service?”

She laughs softly, “That is yet to be determined.”

Anger floods me. “You’ll leave me locked up here? How long?” I demand. “I’d rather you just kill me now if I’m not useful enough for Misery’s Militia!”

No one will be killing me anytime soon. I made that decision many years ago, while those monsters tried to break me.

It’s Lonan’s rich voice that speaks. “Easy, little maid. You’re safe.”

My skin erupts in goosebumps and irritation—at the idea that my body finds his voice soothing—runs through me.

They both turn to leave and desperation flows over me.

“Wait! Please, do not leave me here, alone and bored. Let me be useful. I can work. I’ll be happy not to be cooped up. Please.”

Lilac’s green eyes flick to Lonan even as he raises an eyebrow.

“Not yet, little maid.”

And they both stride out.

The door closes heavily behind them and I hear the lock click.

“Fuck me.”

IT’S THE NEXT DAY AND I’ve read all four books that were here, and taken three very long, very hot showers. And napped. Which, I must admit, was a luxury. The food that was brought was a huge step above what was served in my little gaol cell, and after the second meal that I sent back a licked-clean plate, I started getting larger portions. Goddess bless cooks.

When the door opens in the early evening, I assume it’s dinner. I’m laying on my belly, re-starting a book, my legs in the air, enjoying the chill coming in the open window.

“Thank you,” I say without looking up, feet slowly paddling in the air.

When several beats pass without the door closing, I set my finger on my place on the page and look up.

And there, dark brown hair in artistic disarray, is Commander Lonan, a small smirk upon his chiseled face. I gawp at him for a moment before scrambling to my feet.

As I shake out my skirts, he chuckles softly. “Don’t worry, little maid. I’m not one for ceremony.”

My gaze immediately flicks up to his. “Is that so? I have heard you’ve had soldiers beheaded for not showing proper deference.”

Another laugh and he cocks a dark brow. “Do you not see the difference between soldiers and maids?”

I glare at him. “No. Both are sworn. Both see no other way through their circumstances. Unless of course, you’re speaking of conscripted soldiers or indentured servants?

His gaze narrows. “And are you either, Allie?” He steps closer to me and I back up.

“No,” I say quietly, his eyes boring into me.

I feel the back of the bed frame hit my legs as Lonan advances upon me, eyes intent and hand rising.

“Stop, my lord, please!” I cry in a falsetto. “You are frightening me!”

My words register and he immediately steps back. Far. And he looks at the window, apologetic. “I’m sorry if I startled you, Allie. It was not my intent.”

And then, Commander Lonan, most feared Fae of all the realms, spins on his heel and flees.

Perfect .

THE NEXT MORNING, JUST as I place my tray near the door, it opens. Lilac walks in, purple hair slicked back and a navy blue cloak tossed over one arm. In her hands are a stack of books. She stops and studies me where I stand frozen near her.

“I brought you these at the Commander’s request,” she says quietly as she holds out the stack.

I grin and bound over, “Thank you so much! I’m bored as stones.” I take them out of her hand and her intense green eyes bore into mine.

I smile again, hoping, wanting to win her over. She merely studies my face and quirks an eyebrow at me before nodding. She turns and slips out of the room, the door locking behind her.

Bollocks , I think as I turn and bring the books to my desk. Is she Lonan’s lover? Or merely a suspicious and cautious advisor? My intel had said the Commander frequented many beds, but rarely the same twice.

Well, either way, I’m sure I can win her over given some time. I grab the top book and curl up in the bed.

Honestly, I’m torn because this is the plushest, laziest time of my life and that’s kind of delightful. Pretty much the opposite of my early years. Unfortunately, I really do need to be getting on with things and that’s damn near impossible here, locked up alone.

I lose myself in the thick tome, a human book smuggled over before the Veil Stones went silent around fifty years ago. A lunch is brought and my breakfast tray taken out. I smile at the young Fae who comes in to switch them, then carry the tray to my bed to nibble and read.

As the light lengthens, I stand and stretch, pacing my small room so my legs don’t get weak again. I had been in Guivre territory for years, formulating my plan and testing the bounds of my magic as I regained strength. My body still revolts, weakening quicker than it should when I use heavy magic, so I try to stay active.

My mind shifts to Vale, and the friends I had made there. I frown. It had to happen , I tell myself as I curl up in bed. As my pillow is dampened by the rogue tears that slip out, I fall fast asleep.