Page 63 of The Shadow Path
“And what of the fae?” Godrik spoke through a clenched jaw. “Do you not needpolicingof your own?” Godrik glanced at Carys. “Cadell’s lady was not killed by a wolf.” He looked at his mug of ale. “Formerlady, of course. No offense intended, Lady Carys.”
“None taken.” Carys lifted a wine goblet to her lips and reminded herself to sneak in some better wine next time along with her coffee. “I like to think that my Shadowkin’s spirit is still very alive in the world.”
The fae woman, whose name was Ruda, examined Carys as if she were a bug under a microscope. “Surely you are not implying that Princess Seren’s death was anything but a tragic accident.” She glanced at the head table where King Harold was leaning toward Dafydd. “Accidents happen.”
Whatwas she implying? Was King Edgar’s death not an accident after all?
Say nothing.
She glanced across the table at Cadell.I wasn’t going to.
Your eyes are the size of walnuts. Compose yourself.
“Ruda, how did you travel to Anglia?” Laura was quick to jump in and redirect the conversation. “We arrived by fae gate from the Brightlands, but I understand from the Kheta Inwe in my home country that fae often choose other ways of travel even though the gates seem like the quickest way to us.”
Throughout the dinner, Ruda had conducted herself with obvious superiority, condescending to everyone but Cadell. She alternated between subtly insulting the wolves and openly insulting mundane humans in ways that she appeared to think the humans were too dull to perceive.
The fae woman’s smile was indulgent. “We have magic that speeds our travel in much more elegant ways than the old gates. But your naivety is delightful.”
Ruda wore her dark curly hair in a pixie cut that showed off the many richly jeweled rings she wore in each pointed ear. Her clothing reminded Carys of silken armor embroidered in a deep plum that brought out a rose flush in her light brown skin.
She was stunningly beautiful. And so patronizing it made Carys want to puke.
“Oh, that’s great to hear.” Laura’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “I’d hate to think I brought grating sophistication to the party.” Laura turned to Carys. “How embarrassing would that be?”
Ruda wore bright crystals in her hair and an air of glamour shared by the half-dozen fae on her end of the table. She and all the fae seemed oblivious to Laura’s sarcasm.
Cadell cleared his throat and offered Ruda a stiff smile. “Laura is a trained mage in Pauwau Aki. She’s remarkably talented at reading runes and connects with elemental magic.”
Ruda smiled. “Then she’s unusually talented for a Brightkin.”
Carys was starting to see why the wolves hated the fae. The arrogance was on another level. Interacting with Dru and Naidahadn’t prepared her for any of the fae party they’d met that night.
Godrik rose to his feet. “Lady Laura, would you honor me with a dance?”
Laura glanced at Cadell briefly before she smiled at Godrik. “I’d love that, but be aware that I’m not very familiar with many of the dances here in Briton, so I may step on your toes.”
“Fortunately I’m wearing boots.” Godrik held out his arm and Laura joined him.
“And Lady Carys” —Ruda offered Carys a coy smile— “what about you? Would you honor me with a dance?”
Cadell’s eyes locked with hers.Careful, Nêrys.
Carys did a dozen quick calculations in her head, but she couldn’t figure out if she should accept or not.Should I refuse?
She’s a fae noble of equal station to you. You can refuse, but she will be rightfully insulted.
“I would be honored.” Carys smiled brightly. “I’ll offer the same warning though. I’m still learning the Anglian dances.”
Another condescending smile. “I am an excellent leader.”
Ruda held out her hand for Carys’s and led her toward the crowded dance floor. As they walked, Carys glanced up and noticed that Queen Orla’s eyes were fixed on them.
“My queen would like a word with the human indebted to the Crow Mother.” Ruda’s voice dropped to a low murmur as the music started and the dancers began to move. “But as she cannot dance this evening, she has sent me.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Carys said. “I’m not in debt to anyone’s mother.” She didn’t even want to admit she knew who the Crow Mother was to this fae woman whose hand gripped her fingers like cold iron.
“Don’t play the fool.” Ruda turned Carys to guide her backward through a double column of dancers. “We know what you are.”
