Page 31 of A Touch of Iron
“But you made that decision yourself,” I said. “You chose the Unseelie.”
His eyes were conflicted. “Yes, you’re right, but some of us … didn’t have a choice,” he murmured.
I wanted to pry and ask why, but he looked uncomfortable with the subject so I left it alone. I sighed. “Listen, I don’t know if I stand a chance against him, but I promise to do my best.” I hesitated before adding, “The Seelie Queen will also be there.”
Jon’s eyes widened. He obviously hadn’t heard that part. “What?”
I nodded. “I just found out. I think it’s supposed to be a secret, but I thought you should know in case you need to … prepare.”
He nodded gratefully. “Thank you. That’s good to know. Now I understand your hesitation. Just know that whatever decision you make, you have our full support.” With a slight bow, Jon departed my room and left me with my swirling thoughts.
* * *
Before I started preparingfor the duel, there was something I had to do.
Calypso’s death was two days ago and her funeral was being held today. I wouldn’t miss honoring her for the world. I owed her my life. Plus, I needed to say goodbye.
“Vi, are you sure about this?” Alec adjusted his mourning attire. Instead of black, it was the fae custom to wear white to celebrate the life of someone who’d passed.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I said, fidgeting with the sleeves of my white dress. “Even if it means I may run into Creed.”
“You think Kazimir was lying? That he really didn’t take care of him?” Alec asked.
I shook my head. “Creed was definitely a disgruntled Air villager, so that part was true. But Kazimir was vague and the King didn’t ask any follow-up questions. I just want to know what Kazimir’s version of ‘taking care of’means.”
Alec nodded. “Yeah, that was clever. Kazimir must know more about Creed’s motive, which is why he’s covering it up.”
In weighty silence, we left the castle grounds with Rook. With a wave of his hand, Alec opened a portal to Air Village. Mesmerizing swirls of orange and gold spun around the gate, which opened into the forest outside my empty cottage. We stepped through the portal and it closed behind us with a pop.
“How … how did you know?” I furrowed my brows and pointed to the cottage that was my home during the months of my trial.
Alec smirked. “You didn’t think I came back to check on you once in a while? I was here almost every day to make sure you were still alive. I didn’t know what tricks the Unseelie King had up his sleeve, so I had to make sure I brought a few of my own.”
I nodded but didn’t say a word. Instead, I followed Alec toward the heart of the village where Calypso’s funeral would be held. I knew the way by heart. We arrived in Air Village and I gasped, shocked and moved to find every shop, store, and home blanketed in white shrouds. Villagers draped in bright white clothing slowly made their way to the center of the village to witness the burning of her body through a cleansing rite. Air fae from all over the Unseelie Kingdom had come, many openly weeping over Calypso’s death.
I tried to remain stoic and contain my emotions as Rook and Alec walked alongside me to the pyre. But the instant I saw Calypso’s body wrapped in a white sheet lying on top of the funeral pyre, I could no longer hold back the deluge of tears. I choked on a cry and stumbled, then felt Alec’s reassuring grip on my shoulders to keep me upright.
“It’s okay to cry, Vi,” he whispered in my ear. “You have as much right to be upset as the rest of them.”
Did I? I caused her death. If any of the villagers knew that little tidbit, I could almost guarantee I wouldn’t be welcomed.
I watched them ignite the logs that made up the pyre. Her body was quickly devoured by flames. “She’s really gone.”
“Yes … but she won’t be forgotten,” Alec answered. “You will avenge her death.”
* * *
After another sleepless night,the next morning dawned faster than I hoped. My mind was consumed by thoughts of Calypso and Creed. I was nervous about the duel today, and after tossing and turning all night, I still hadn’t decided what to do. I would just have to figure it out in the moment. Not the wisest strategy, but it had worked for me so far.
Alec arrived at my room just after lunch. As soon as he showed up, my mother made herself scarce, unwilling to be in the same room as him. I had no idea why she hated him so much. Did something happen while I was away?
“The Queen is here,” Alec announced. “Did you know she was coming?”
“Yeah … Ansel came by yesterday and told me.”
Alec rolled his eyes. “It would have been nice if he’d said something to me,” he murmured.
I chuckled. “Yeah, probably. Anyway, I have a favor to ask.” I grabbed his hand and ushered him to a corner where my mother couldn’t hear.
