Page 51 of Vicious Fates and Vast Futures
When I emerge, throwing on a long dress with high slits and leggings underneath—in case I get into any compromising positions—Ossy is dressed and in front of the mirror off the kitchen, speaking with someone. I strap on my thigh sheath as he talks. I realize it’s Maudey.
I stand next to Ossy, leaning against his body for comfort.
“Adi, lass. Come down. Now.”
The mirror blanks. I look at Ossy questioningly.
“She has some intel. Let’s go, baby.”
I guide us along one of the many backways to the kitchens while he keeps me firmly behind him, his greatsword out and ready.
It takes longer than I’d like, but we make it safely and without notice to the kitchens.
As soon as we push the stainless steel doors open, Maudey wraps her arms around me, then lets go partially to throw an arm around Ossy’s waist, and tugs us to her round body. Some tension in me eases at her motherly touch.
“Oi, I’m so glad to see ye!” She's holding back tears.
I touch her face softly. “We’re here, Maudey. What the fresh hell is going on?”
Many Fae servants are milling around. No one is bustling, working on their next task, or worried about what needs to be done. But their eyes gleam as they land upon me and Ossy.
“What is going on, Maudey?” I ask again, letting my voice project so everyone knows I want this out in the open.
“That right bitch Olwyn has claimed queenship. Says you aren’t fit, that she was the original heir, that you would wipe out their lines.”
The anger inside me escapes as a growl. “Well, I fucking will, if they are abusers and rapists and sycophants.”
The mirror in the corner makes a clarion call, more like a wild bird than an alarm.
“Thank Goddess!” Rory’s voice emerges as one of the kitchen workers answers.
“Rory?” I squeal and run to the mirror. “Where the fuck are you?”
“We thought it safest if I stayed at a random inn. Orla and family are at a different tavern.”
That explains why I couldn’t get in touch with either of them.
Rory speaks again before I can say anything else. “I’m coming home. See you in a minute.”
Everyone stands silently, turned towards the doors, waiting. Not a minute later, Rory pushes open the doors, striding in from the nearest community mirror in the castle.
He runs to me and wraps me in his big goofy embrace. As he presses me to him, I start to cry.
“Wey is with Bryn, but I’m here, Adi. I can help.”
I snuffle and try to get myself together. My grandmother dead and open rebellion on my hands wasn’t on my bingo card, but here we are.
