Page 95 of The Poison of the Earth
The other answers, “I really don’t understand what the benefit to our province is, throwing behind the rebels.”
“Better than Alder. He’s gone too far.”
The second nods in agreement.
I’m pleased that Lady Larkstead has had the godsdamn good sense to maintain my cover, as we had required. She looks like her lips flap more than clothes on a line in a thunderstorm.
“What can I do for you, Lady Oleander?” Eliska asks softly.
I tilt my head. “Who’s missing? And why?”
Her big blue eyes flick up to the dias. “Adrian and Finnick. As to why...” she spreads her hands.
I bark, “C’mon now, you need to give mesomething.”
She chuckles. “A favor for a favor, my lady?”
Lonan makes a noise of concern but I nod. “Done. Tell me.”
She steps closer, “Blake, the favored son and the one expected to eventually take control of the house, is sworn in marriage to another.”
Lonan makes an unimpressed noise. “Why were we not told?”
She smiles, “Because it happened last night.”
Kai and Lonan look outraged but I forge ahead, “And the other?”
Her face softens. “Finnick. The black sheep. They don’t want you to pick him.”
“Thank you, Ordained Eliska. I will remember this.”
She nods. “You’re expected to go speak to each, after which, they can step down and mingle. Watch out for Adrian. He’s after you.”
“One more thing,” I say urgently, a thought hitting me, “Are any of them shifters?”
She shakes her head, “All are essentials.” And she melts into the crowd.
“Unacceptable,” I declare, eyes searching the crowd. Finding Larkstead, I march up, the boys trailing me.
“Lord Larkstead,” I say loudly, not waiting for him to finish his conversation.
He sees me. “Uh, excuse me, chaps,” he says to the Fae he’s speaking with. They wander off, looking put out.
“What can I do for you, Lady Oleander?” He asks in a very congenial uncle kind of way.
“I must be allowed to meet with all your sons to make a decision,” I say, saccharine but firm.
“Oh, uh,” he looks around, probably for Lady Larkstead to save him, “You see, child, Blake is promised to another.”
I smile, “I will take that into consideration.”
The nervous smile drops off his face.
“And the other?” I ask, annoyed.
“Oh, mmm, I think he’s not feeling well,” he lies.
“Best get him a healer and send his ass out,” I hiss, struggling with my magic.Odd, that’s the first time since I bonded with Lo and Kai. I need to ask them about that.
