Page 88 of Crown of Ashes and Awe

His gaze shot to mine. He chuckled and shook his head. “Let them panic a while longer. But if you will go to the kitchen just down the hall, someone has left—completely unattended—a cake made of farcláid and morning berries. There is more than enough for an old king and his new friend.”

42

DON’T GET MAD, GET EVEN

King Aristaeus and I enjoyed our purloined cake in relative silence, both of us keeping only a loose grip on our secrets. I was constantly tempted to show him the key and ask him what he knew of Demius, but each time I thought I might succumb, I had cake in my mouth. And by the time I’d swallowed, my resolve was back in place.

He, too, seemed on the verge of some disclosure, but then he would smile and take another mouthful.

At the bark of distant laughter, I quickly took the partially eaten delicacy to the kitchen, then returned to the old king just long enough to smile and press a kiss to his forehead. It was less about affection and more about appreciation for the burdens he carried.

With a nod as farewell, I scurried to the staircase before anyone saw me.

* * *

The next morning,I woke to the sound of someone in the outer rooms. “Tearloch?”

A hand pushed the curtain aside and a servant gave a cheery wave. “I’ve just brought your morning meal. Would you like it on the bed, or on the table?”

“On the table,” I said, and decided not to ask how she’d gotten through a locked door. Obviously, she had a key.

“Big day today,” she sang. “They’ve announced that the celebration for the prophetess will commence this afternoon!”

“Do you happen to know if Tearloch has returned?”

“Oh, yes. Returned in the night. Royal family kept him up ‘til the wee hours.” She poked her head around the curtain. “Must have slept in his own bed. I reckon he didn’t want to wake you.” Then she took her knowing smile and was gone.

It was reasonable. He was probably worn out and wanted to sleep before I needled him with questions. If he was up so late, I might not see him for hours.

Completely reasonable.

When another woman came an hour later to collect my tray, I arranged for a bath. I was floating in a sea of bubbles when a small person marched into my bedchamber. Thankfully, it was only Minkin. It was rare that she wasn’t cheerful.

“What’s wrong?”

“Men.” She began to pace along the side of my tub.

Relieved, I laughed. “Men are wrong?”

“In general, yes. More specifically, Sweetie.”

Lennon came through the curtain. “What has he done?”

“It’s what was done too him that’s the problem. I’m wondering where I might find someone who can give him back his horns.”

I gasped. “What? Why?”

“Because he’s back to being a handsome devil, so I no longer have him all to myself.”

Lennon flung herself on the bed. “All right. Start from the beginning.”

Minkin threw her hands out, then let them fall to her sides. “We found Moire’s daughter. One look at Sweetie and she was happy to come along.”

“Moire’s daughter,” Lennon’s eyes lit up. “Her name wouldn’t happen to be Thessa?”

Minkin spun around. “No. Rowena. Why? What is it you know?”

“I know that on Earth, Thessa’s father, Ghloir, gave her his powers over Fertility. But you don’t have to worry about that. I think Rowena was given Life and Death. But those powers were taken away again. Still, don’t piss her off.”

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