Page 9 of The Poison of the Earth
Bollocks, I think as I turn and bring the books to my desk.Is she Lonan’s lover?Or merely a suspicious and cautious advisor?My intel had said the Commander frequented many beds, but rarely the same twice.
Well, either way, I’m sure I can win her over given some time. I grab the top book and curl up in the bed.
Honestly, I’m torn because this is the plushest, laziest time of my life and that’s kind of delightful. Pretty much the opposite of my early years. Unfortunately, I really do need to be getting on with things and that’s damn near impossible here, locked up alone.
I lose myself in the thick tome, a human book smuggled over before the Veil Stones went silent around fifty years ago. A lunch is brought and my breakfast tray taken out. I smile at the young Fae who comes in to switch them, then carry the tray to my bed to nibble and read.
As the light lengthens, I stand and stretch, pacing my small room so my legs don’t get weak again. I had been in Guivre territory for years, formulating my plan and testing the bounds of my magic as I regained strength. My body still revolts, weakening quicker than it should when I use heavy magic, so I try to stay active.
My mind shifts to Vale, and the friends I had made there. I frown.It had to happen, I tell myself as I curl up in bed. As my pillow is dampened by the rogue tears that slip out, I fall fast asleep.
Chapter Five
Lonan
Ihave been avoiding the wing that Allie is being kept in. The maid held almost some type of magic sway over me. I was quite sure it wasn’tactualmagic, but Gods above, I was drawn towards her. Cleaned and in a fresh dress, her near white hair in a loose braid, the pretty fern green streaks peeking in and out, she had been breathtaking. Her eyes sparkled like polished coral and suddenly I was imagining liberating her some jewels from the next rich, Stonesthrow-supporting Fae’s home we raided.
I cannot act like a thirty-something boy, cunt-struck for the first time.Absolutely ridiculous.I ought to get out to the Disappointing Fiddle, stretch my legs so to speak, but I know any of my inner circle that found out would read me the riot act about being unprotected in a ‘vulnerable state.’ I’m not sure why I’m so drawn to her; I am really hoping a roll between the sheets with her will clear up my obsession.
After four days, I’m in the hall, taking breakfast with Caspian and Tazi, who have just returned, when Kai strides in, looking flushed.
“Kai,” I nod and he nods back at the three of us, very congenial for him.
“Morning all,” he says, obviously rushed but upbeat.
I raise an eyebrow and his gaze slides away.Alright.
I look back to the others. “So, nothing? You’re quite sure?”
Tazi nods, mouth stuffed with eggs. She swallows hastily, “Made sure of it, Lo. I zipped under even the smallest formations with any kind of space.”
I lean my hand in my chin while I mull that over.If any of the Gaeba line survived... well that would make this much, much easier. But their castle has been in ruins for nearly forty years.
Cas starts speaking with Kai while Tazi shovels more food into her mouth. I frown,I shouldn’t have sent her in this cold snap. Perhaps I’ll see if Cook can make her some a treat.
“She’s still locked up then?”
I can tell Caspian’s question is directed at me but my mind is running in so many directions, I respond stupidly. “Who?”
Kai chuckles as Cas raises a sardonic eyebrow. “Like you’ve forgotten her. EvenIsaw the way you looked at her.”
Caspian has never taken a lover. Says the thought of doing something with his body that sounds like Cook’s cheesy pasta being stirred makes him violently ill.
“Oh,” another brilliant response from me. “Yes, Allie. I was thinking to keep her in her rooms until Lilac returns, see what she can verify about Allie’s intel. After that, hopefully she could find work around the keep. Kitchen perhaps.”
Keeping her locked up is the logical choice. It’s what I would do with anyone else. But I’ve been feeling guilty about her being cooped up.
Kai clears his throat as he runs a hand through his curls. He looks like he just rolled out of bed. “I think you ought to leave her imprisoned. She’s a wild card. Not worth the risk.”
I gaze at him for a moment, hoping he’ll elaborate, but that was a bit of a big speech for him. I prompt, “Explain.”
He tilts his head, obviously confused by my softness. “Despite her moving speech the other evening, she really—on the rather large assumption that she was an actual maid for the Stonesthrow family—has very little information of value. If wetruly need intel from a maid, we could kidnap and-or bribe a maid that we are certain works at RedWater. But I don’t believe we do.” He crosses his arms over his chest, probably trying not to call me a hapless twit.
I finish my glass of juice and stand. “I deeply appreciate you all trusting me enough to share your true thoughts on my actions.” I nod to Kai. “But. Get bent. Respectfully.” And I stride from the room.
I UNLOCK THE DOOR ANDenter and Allie is sitting at the little desk, holding a pen to a notebook. She’s half turned, with a lush, white eyebrow raised at me.
“Allie,” I say softly, not wanting to frighten her like I did the last time. Her name rolls off my tongue and I want to enjoy the feel of it in my mouth but something feels wrong.What a silly thing for me to think.
