Page 53 of A Touch of Iron
“Exactly. What is it you humans say … Quid pro quo.”
I laughed. “How very human of you.”
Her voice sharpened, tiring of the banter. “The Unseelie King will stop at nothing until he gets rid of you. You hold too much power now. More power than he ever thought you’d have. He can’t handle it,” she said. “It’s why he sent those assassins after you.”
“What?” Ansel blurted out, looking slightly embarrassed. “Your Majesty, how did you know Violet was attacked? I only found out because I overheard her and Alec as they returned to the castle grounds from the village. Other than me, no one knows about their attack.”
And here I thought people were gossiping about us. It appeared Ansel only found out by pure happenstance. Other than him, it really was a secret, yet the Queen knew about it. How very interesting.
The Seelie Queen flipped her long hair over her shoulder and looked away. “Does it matter how I found out?” she replied absentmindedly. “What matters is that the Unseelie King is attacking you head-on.”
Or was he? Was it really the Unseelie King who ordered the attack, or was the Seelie Queen trying to make it look like something it wasn’t? More than ever, I was convinced the Seelie Queen was not on my side.
“I guess so,” I murmured, catching the glare the Queen stabbed toward Ansel. “I’ve made a lot of enemies during my time in the Fae realm.”
“Exactly. That’s why the only one who can truly protect you is me.” She smiled toothily.
“What exactly do you want me to do for you?” I asked, cutting straight to the chase. “I’ve learned help doesn’t come free around these parts.”
“Simple.” She shrugged as if what she wanted was inconsequential. “I want the orb.”
“You want my powers,” I clarified.
“Yes. I want your powers,” she said. “It shouldn’t be too much to ask. I mean, it’s not like you were raised in our world. Getting rid of it would simplify your life and make you practically human again.”
It almost made me laugh to learn how similar the wants of the Seelie Queen were to the rebels. Their goals differed slightly, but they both wanted to obtain the orb in some way.
Since entering this world, I’d never contemplated the possibility of removing the orb to get rid of my fae powers. While the idea of being human again was intriguing, I’d become used to the deference that came with being one of the most powerful beings around. Was I willing to lose that status? Where once I was a weak human with an iron band around my ankle, now I knew I was half fae and stronger than almost anyone—as long as I continued to master my elemental powers.
“What makes you think I want to give it up?” I asked curiously.
She motioned toward Ansel. “He’s mentioned that your dream is to live a normal human existence. Isn’t that what you want?”
First, I was stabbed by irritation because Ansel shared personal details about my hopes and thoughts with the Queen. Then I took a moment to consider her words. Wasn’t that what I wanted? I didn’t want to lie to the Seelie Queen, so I wisely remained quiet.
“This is a lot for her to take in,” Ansel cut in. “Maybe give her some time to process everything.”
“Yes … I need some time to think about this,” I agreed with Ansel.
“Of course.” The Queen shrugged. “But don’t take too much time. My offer only stands for so long.”
21
VIOLET
After my talk with the Seelie Queen, I was more confused than ever. She didn’t have good intentions, which was enforced by Ansel’s parting words —Don’t trust her. Even though he and I were on the outs, I still trusted him more than I cared to admit. Alec told me Ansel was motivated to do what he thought was best for me, and I finally saw it was true. Even if his methods were questionable at times.
I walked to my room and wondered if Creed would be waiting inside to attack again. I hesitated with my hand on the door handle and blew out a shaky breath, trying to calm my nerves. He could attack as soon as I stepped inside. I missed having silent, stone-faced Rook standing guard outside my room. Then again, did I need protection? I seemed to be doing a pretty good job on my own.
“What are you waiting for?” Alec emerged silently from his room and lounged against the wall.
I nearly jumped out of my skin. “Uh … nothing. Just thinking.”
He strolled toward me and leaned against my door, tantalizingly close. “Thinking about me, per chance?”
I chuckled. “No.”
He sighed dramatically. “Well, that’s a shame. Because I was definitely thinking about you.”
