Page 47 of A Game of Monsters

“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 beensohelpful, 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.”

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