Page 17 of The Kingdom Cursed By Iron

“I had other things on my mind,” Ruskin says.

I don’t miss his glance in my direction. Destan just tuts.

“She’s been acting like his shadow ever since the Cebba incident,” my flamboyant friend tells me. “Anyone would think that witch wasn’t actually dead.”

“And anyone would think you want to give Dawnsong’s enemies another opportunity to finish what she set out to do,” Halima says.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, my voice sharp with concern. “Have there been other attacks?”

“No, because I won’t allow it,” Halima says firmly.

“She’s just paranoid,” Destan explains, “and annoyed she didn’t spot that lunatic hiding in plain sight. There’s nothing to worry about; all Cebba’s lackeys are locked up in the dungeons by now.”

I shake my head. “I agree with Halima. It would be reckless not to watch your back in this place.”

I might’ve missed Destan and Halima’s bickering, but I certainly have no love for the danger woven into this court. Yes, Cebba is dead, but that doesn’t change the nature of the Seelie High Fae—the way most of them always seem to be watching, waiting for you to expose the slightest vulnerability.

“Then you will be glad your visit is only temporary,” Ruskin interrupts coldly. “Speaking of which, shall we proceed?”

In spite of myself, I’m stung by his businesslike tone—and then I silently scold myself for feeling hurt. I should want him to be businesslike. It’s safer for me than the alternative.

“Fine, let’s get started.”

I’m certainly in no mood to linger. And anyway, it’s natural that Ruskin is eager to help his mother. I stare at his back as we proceed to his quarters, wondering if that’s what he’s really feeling, knowing better than to expect him to admit it.

Destan catches up to us and leans in to me, his voice low.

“I thought you might have changed your mind,” he says.

“About what?”

He nods towards Ruskin’s back.

“Why would I?” I ask under my breath. “He hasn’t changed. He only came to Styrland because he needed something from me.”

Destan gives me a look like I’m being deliberately obtuse.

“He went looking for you every day you were gone. He’s barely been here, Eleanor.”

I shake my head. If he truly wanted to find me sooner, I have no doubt he would have. No, he chose his moment—though I don’t know why he picked that one. Was he waiting for when he could come to my rescue to put me in his debt before asking for a favor? Maybe. Maybe not. There could be a whole other reason that hasn’t occurred to me yet.

I sigh. This all just proves how the man I’d thought I’d loved will never be knowable to me.

Destan knocks his shoulder against mine.

“Don’t leave without saying goodbye,” he says, then peels off down a different hallway. I watch him go, sad this reunion can’t be in better, less complicated, circumstances. We approach the entrance to Ruskin’s quarters, and I’m aware of Halima at our backs. I turn towards her.

“Nice to see you too, Halima,” I say.

She gives me a nod, not realizing I’m making the point that she hasn’t yet spoken a word to me, and even that makes me want to laugh. Same old Hal.

She stops at the archway that leads to Ruskin’s rooms, stationing herself there. Destan was right—she really is on the alert. I catch her eye as we pass and she seems to want to say something, so I stop.

“Is everything all right?” I ask, searching her serious face.

Her expression takes on a strained look. “I’m sorry I didn’t detect Cebba before she attacked you. I failed in my duty.”

It’s clear this idea is truly devastating to her. I can imagine she’s been stewing over it ever since I left. I cautiously reach out and pat her arm, even though it’s shrouded in armor.

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