Page 27 of A Touch of Iron
“Are you sure you don’t know who he is?” I pressed.
“I’m positive.”
I had no reason to doubt him. If he said he didn’t know Creed, then I believed him. I wasn’t sure when I started trusting Alec, but I trusted him with my life and so much more. Then again, I’d trusted his brother at one time, too.
He shook his head and tried to get us back on track. “Listen, we’ll deal with this Creed fellow whenever he comes, but for now, we have bigger fish to fry.”
I groaned. “The King?”
He nodded. “He’s summoned us. His words were, ‘the instant she wakes up.’”
I laughed dryly. “Of course. He probably wants to revel in my misery.”
“I’ll send Rosemary in to help you change.”
When he tried to step away, I held on tight. “No,” I said hurriedly. “Don’t go. Don’t leave me alone.” I hated how clingy and needy I was all of a sudden, but I couldn’t bear to be alone. I didn’t want to wake up and lose who I was again. With Alec there, maybe I wouldn’t.
“You won’t be alone, Vi, Rosemary will be with you,” he clarified.
I grimaced, feeling stupid and juvenile for holding him back. “Just … stay.”
Several silent minutes ticked by as we gazed in each other’s eyes, Alec’s searching for an answer within mine. I wasn’t sure if he found it, but he nodded and agreed to stay.
“Fine.” He placed his hand over mine. “I won’t go anywhere.”
I slowly unwrapped my fingers from his arm and he helped me climb off the bed. Hands clasped, we walked to the armoire and picked out a pair of dark trousers and a blue tunic for me to wear. Without a shred of self-consciousness, I pulled my nightgown over my head and stood there in my undergarments. Then Alec helped me dress.
I thought I’d feel uncomfortable with his hands gliding up my legs as he slid my trousers to my hips, or every brush of skin as I slipped into the tunic and he buttoned it, but it felt natural. Normal. We watched each other intently, but no words were spoken.
Once I was dressed, I stood in front of the mirror. Alec stood behind me and brushed my hair up into a ponytail, taking care not to yank or tug. Our eyes maintained a steady vigil through the mirror. Still, no words were spoken. Finally, he stood by my side and slipped his hand in mine.
“Are you ready?” His voice was soft and kind.
I nodded.
“All right. Let’s go.”
* * *
Hand in hand,we traversed the hallways on our way to the throne room, Rook flanking us. The Unseelies who roamed the castle watched us with wide eyes, openly shocked at my sudden reappearance after being gone several months. They knew I’d endured a trial, but they weren’t allowed to know what occurred in my trial until after my visit with the King. I was sure the rumor mill was in full effect.
We reached the throne room and waited while Rook pushed open the double doors. I was surprised when my guard entered with us, standing slightly behind us as we walked across the throne room and stood before the King. His faithful servant Kazimir stood beside him on his right side.
“Well, look who has returned!” the King crowed as we approached. “I thought you’dneverreturn.”
I barely held back my eyeroll. He was hoping I would be killed so he would be rid of me. Unfortunately for him, I survived.
“It seems you’re stuck with me,” I remarked, my tone icy and teetering on the edge of insolence.
“Hmm … is that so?” he murmured. “Well then, you’ve completed your trial—”
“I want to see my mother,” I interrupted. “She’s supposed to be free now.” I glanced around the throne room in search of her.
“Have no fear, Lady Violet. She’ll be here shortly,” he chided. “Oh! I was sorry to hear about Calypso. She was a wonderful fae.” His face was a mask of feigned sympathy.
“She was thebestfae there was,” I quickly corrected. “No one could match her.”
The King’s face tightened and he sneered. “Well, I guesssomeonewas able to match her. Do tell …” he rubbed his chin consideringly, “who took the final blow and ended Calypso’s life?”
