Page 6 of The Poison of the Earth
I get out and dry off, forcing myself to read some correspondence and reply to fewer of them, but I mainly avoid work. I refuse to even look at my map table in the corner.
Near midnight, I stand and stretch, slowly walking out onto my wide balcony. I spare a thought on how uncommon it is that I haven’t been disturbed this evening. I can assume Lilac gave everyone a heads up, and neither Caspian or Kai are fool enough to bother me after my behavior at dinner.
I breathe in the cool air, the sounds of the village built around the keep floating up to me. My thoughts are tangled and I’m unsure of why. Perhaps the pressure is getting to me. I snort at that thought as I take a drink of wine. I’ve spent near a decade getting things in order, like I’d break now that we’re nearing the finish line.
King Alder is power- and glory-hungry. He doesn’t rule well, or on his own. Rumor mill says that he killed his father, but I doubt it. He’s too hapless for that. Evil and stupid and despotic. ‘Tis a terrible combination. He’s yet to produce an heir, much to his chagrin. Many others’ chagrin as well, because I imagine there are many within the power structure he’s set up that would happily off him if his bloodline was in place to keep the realm from falling into war.
My mind returns to the maid. Allie. I am confused as to why I immediately felt protective of her. Those bewitching almost-pink eyes of hers that she refused to lower when I locked gazes with her.
While I don’t generally kill civilian Fae, I have no qualms killing a likely spy. I’m protective of no one, save perhaps my inner circle and they are all dangerous Fae capable of protecting themselves. So why am I so concerned about this Fae woman? I drain my wine and head to bed.
THE NEXT MORNING, Isit at the long table in the hall. Lilac, Caspian, Kai, Tazi and Korben are already seated. We often, but not always, have council meetings over breakfast, before we all go our separate ways, getting things done. When we have important guests, we often invite them and keep the business discussions light.
But no one has thought to include Allie. Annoyance fills me but I tamp it down.What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ll simply go question her after breakfast.
Korben’s shaggy, nondescript brown hair is in disarray. He probably just arrived. Caspian is speaking with Tazi, her slight frame dwarfed by his. I know she’s swinging her legs under the table, as she is both too short to touch the ground and too high-energy to be still. She shoves food into her mouth whenever she’s not speaking. Very high metabolism.
I take a drink of apple juice, then bark, “Report out.”
Kai clears his throat, “We heard back from Monkswick. They are sending an Ordained. And the militias at all three locations are still in good order.”
I nod. Cas goes next. “I did another sweep of the Gaeba Ruins. No signs of life.”
A grunt escapes me. Something there is making me twitchy; I can’t put my finger on it though. “Another,” I say simply, “Take Tazi this time. She can get into smaller spaces.”
She tosses back her iridescent blue braid. “Damn right,” she mutters around a mouthful of potatoes.
Lilac speaks, “I’m chasing my leaves at RedWater Castle. I’ll return tomorrow, but I can’t break into any of gossip circles. Additionally, I’ve spoken with the Mayor and checked her list of stores. Thistle Grove is well stocked for winter.”
I arch a brow. “Stay after breakfast, you can question that maid with me.” She nods.
Korben perks up. “I’m out of time at Larkstead. They are speaking of alliances through marriage to help secure their position.”
Kai chuckles, “There we go Lo, you could marry one of their six sons.”
I glare at him. “Do you not recall how the last meeting where you all pressured me to wed went?”
Him and Lilac laugh as Tazi pertly says, “I still have a scar on my wing.”
She continues, “The workers along Stockmont Canal are ripe for rebellion. We should send wine, meat, and warm, willing bodies. Prime the pump.”
“Kai, make it happen.” I chew a bite of eggs before I continue. “The leaders of Centerhedge remain loyal. Guivre Shores wantsto speak in person. However, that old lizard wants me to come there.”
Sounds of disapproval escape my inner circle.
“I won’t be going during fall or winter, that is certain. Korben, how much time would you have there?”
He tilts his head back and forth, weighing it. “That far south, I can probably get away with another month.”
“Do it. Just don’t stay too late and go dormant. I need you.”
He gives us his silly, infectious smile and nods. “Got it, Boss.”
Chapter Four
Oleander
The bathing chamber had been absolute bliss. Lilac had ushered me there with nary a word, then left me to the attendant, a young Fae woman, who stripped me and rinsed me, and set me to soaking in a near-boiling tub with oils. Eventually she came and washed and combed out my tangled braid. She let me soak until Lilac poked her head back in. At that point, I was dried and lotioned and wrapped in a sumptuous robe.
