Page 36 of The Poison of the Earth
Their high pitched voice says, flatly, “Lovely to meet you Lady Oleander.”
I nod, not trusting myself with words yet. The memory of their rough tongue is enough to tighten my throat.
Lonan leads me to the table and seats me next to him. I look down, feeling overwhelmed for a moment.Thiswill take me to where I need to be.If I cannot do this, how will I rule Faery?
I smile at Tazi, who is in her half-shifted form, and she grins back, wings fluttering. “Oleander, hm?” She arches an eyebrow. I feel bad lying to her. I’ll apologize next time we’re alone.
“Yes. My friends call me Ollie. I’d be honored if you all did too.” I pointedly do not look at Achlys.
As Lu brings in our plates, I lean into Lonan’s space. “With Achlys here, I do not feel right asking about things I’d like to know.”
He nods and whispers, “Yes. We’ll all meet later, without him.”
I flash him a small smile and he leans in, as if to kiss me. I pull away as quick as is polite.
Kai speaks, ignoring my existence, “I sent word to Favorsham and Centerhedge, as requested.”
I suppose if they talked naught of policy, that bat would get suspicious. We all dig into our food, leaving little need for chatter.
“So...” Caspian drawls, leaning back in his chair, “From a maid to a consort, ‘tis a quick jump.”
I quirk an eyebrow at him at the same moment that I place a hand on Lonan’s leg. I had felt him tense, ready to be insulted, but he settles at my touch.Men are so easy to handle.
“Lonan and I spent enough time together to realize how... compatible... we are.”
I know enough about castles to know that the walls have ears, even if Achlys knows the truth. Lonan may trust the people around him, but I do not. Not yet.
Caspian smirks and I have a feeling that him and I are going to get on fine.
Breakfast is over quickly, conversation mostly focusing on how they will need to show me, and the Ordained, how lovely their annual Mabon Festival is.
As we stand after finishing our meal, Lilac paces past me, brushing me with her shoulder. I frown.I do not want an enemy.Lonan’s most trusted Fae must become my most trusted. Perhaps when she knows more of the truth she’ll warm to me.
“Have a lovely nap, Ordained,” Lonan purrs insincerely.
We all disperse, Lonan holding my hand tightly in a way that feels sincere. He considerately leads me to his rooms. But I am nervous to go, afraid he’ll try something, but before we are even up his private stairs, the door behind us opens and Tazi runs up the steps.
We make it to the reception room and I turn, holding out my hands to her. She takes them. “I am so sorry I lied to you Tazi. It was unkind of me, and I apologize.”
She grins, tugging me in for a hug. “It was to keep yourself alive, I reckon. No harm done. But I do expect the full story.”
I nod, my eyes prickling with tears. I’ve made a few friends over the years since my escape, but I still count myself lucky for every true friend I make.
Caspian, Lilac and Kai all hit the stairs at about the same time. Lonan is at his sideboard, pouring drinks. I spend a moment feeling out of place before I shake myself. I walk over to a large armchair and sit slowly, looking between them. I want them to be my trusted advisors, friends even, but they should understand that I will be running the show.
Kai levels a hard look at me before looking to Lonan. “And why,exactly, are you fucking the spy?”
Chapter Thirteen
Lonan
My bold, but obviously wounded little mate pulls herself straight in her chair and answers before I can even respond.
“I am not a spy, as you heard Achlys verify.General.”
He looks at me, eyebrows raised as I rub the back of my neck, feeling a bit sheepish.I didn’t really have time to talk to Kai about it before breakfast or I would have given him a heads up.
“No,” Kai says, “I heard him say you weren’t attempting to disrupt the rebellion. Those are not the same thing.”
