Page 54 of A Blaze of Fire
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I’d just finished writingup my reports and sending them to the Queen when I decided to stretch my legs with a walk on the beach. I needed the fresh air and time to clear my head. Since my lunch encounter with Sage, I’d been stressed and full of pent-up rage. It was affecting my work, and it wasn’t like I could go talk to Violet about it. I didn’t want to worry her or make her think I doubted her.
Leaving my shoes on the walkway that led to the shore, I stepped down and onto the sandy beach toward the ocean. Just across this body of water lay the Seelie Court. I was homesick and I missed my family. They didn’t understand why I wanted to take on the job as the Seelie representative for the Unseelie Court and I didn’t know how to explain it to them. The Queen knew some of the reason why, but even she didn’t know the full story. I knew better than to reveal my relationship with Violet. It would be a death sentence for us both. Or maybe just me, for not following protocol.
I sat on the sand and looked out across the ocean. I’d just closed my eyes and inhaled the salty air when someone sat beside me.
“I’m not in the mood, Alec,” I mumbled without opening my eyes.
“Guess again,” a deep voice said.
I snapped my eyes open, whirling my head to see who it was.
Kazimir.
The Unseelie General with dark, cold eyes stared at me with a penetrating gaze that could put icy tendrils of fear in anyone. His shoulder-length ebony hair was pulled back away from his face, which made his piercing eyes even more unsettling. I couldn’t hide my stunned expression.
“So you’re Alec’s little brother,” he stated.
“Yes,” I answered, my voice strong and assertive, sounding far more confident than I actually felt.
“You look alike.” He nodded and turned his attention to the undulating waves. He casually pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. “That boy is something else.”
I cleared my throat. “Is there something you need?”
Kazimir laughed. “Hmm … there’s a lot I need, but I don’t think you’ll be able to help me.”
I wasn’t going to insist. I didn’t really want to help him, anyway. “Oh, okay,” I offered lamely.
Kazimir smiled as he gazed out into the ocean. “You see, I’m looking for Lady Violet’s mother … per the King’s orders, of course. We must find the Seelie or Unseelie who fathered her. I tasked this job to Alec, but he’s been stalling. I wonder ifyoucan do a better job.” He turned to stare at me.
I frowned. “Why would you ask me? I—”
“Let’s cut the shit,” Kazimir snapped. “I know the three of you are close. Closer than anyone—specifically the King—knows.”
I gulped. It was true what the rumors said; there was no point trying to hide anything from Kazimir. He always learned the truth.
“Do you know where her mother is?” he asked.
I kept quiet and stared at him with a blank face. I refused to show any fear. If this was the hill I died on, then so be it.
Kazimir smirked. “Ah, so you do. Where is she?”
I shook my head. “I won’t tell you.”
Kazimir’s grin widened. “You’re loyal. I’ll give you that. Does your brother know where she is?”
I shook my head again. “No, he doesn’t.”
“Hmm … that’s probably why he’s not trying hard enough,” Kazimir murmured. “Does Lady Violet know?”
I took a moment before responding carefully, “She has a general idea, but not a specific location.”
Kazimir laughed. “Soyou’rethe mastermind. Interesting.”
“Are you going to tell the King?” I asked, unable to hold myself back.
He shrugged and turned his impenetrable gaze back to the ocean. “I don’t know yet.”
