Page 77 of A Kingdom of Monsters

Ambrose’s grin widened. “I was barely more than five, I hadn’t yet realized what she’s like.”

“What happened?” I asked, glancing between them.

“She lectured me on the meaning of moon cycles for over an hour, before forgetting what we were talking about at all and leaving to play croquet. Raewyn isn’t malicious she’s just–”

“Stupid?” Scion suggested.

“I wouldn’t say that either,” Ambrose said thoughtfully. “Self-absorbed feels more accurate. She cares only for herself and her own ambitions.”

“In my opinion, we should go to Nevermore next,” Ambrose said.

“Do you say that because you know something, or is it just a feeling?”

“Both,” Ambrose said. “I think that while the family might be reluctant to help overtly, they will defend the castle if Idris decides to storm it.”

“Is that likely?” I asked, aghast.

“It’s not impossible,” he answered vaguely. “As of this moment, I don’t believe Idris knows where we are or what we’re trying to do. He’s arrogant enough to just assume we’ve given up and gone into hiding somewhere. He also believes he’s done a much better job influencing us than he really has.”

“What do you mean?”

“I believe you were right. He said something to me during our first meeting that made me ignore obvious signs. Now that I’ve realized that, however, his influence has weakened significantly.”

“It was like that with Penvalle,” Scion interjected. “As a child he could influence me to an extent, but once I grew older and realized what his power was, it didn’t work anymore. The entire court was aware of his talent, and therefore mostly immune. That’s why he focused on human servants. I think we should send a message to Gwydion in Overcast warning the family. If they know Idris has the power of persuasion, they won’t fall victim to it if he contacts them.”

“That’s a good idea,” I agreed.

“I’d send the message to someone other than Gwydion, though,” Ambrose said.

“Why?”

“Because Gwydion is exactly like his mother, though he hides it somewhat better. If it doesn’t affect him directly, he won’t care enough to remember. Why don’t you send it to our mother instead?”

Scion raised an eyebrow. “Mother doesn’t talk. How is she supposed to warn anyone?”

“I think the threat of more persuasion magic might give her enough incentive to tell someone. Trust me on this. Send it to mother.”

Scion watched Ambrose for a long moment, then shrugged. “Fine.”

“So we’ll go to Nevermore first, then?” I asked.

“I think so,” Ambrose said. “The Nevermore diamond is likely to be the most difficult to get, despite the fact that I know exactly where it is.”

Scion looked sideways at his brother. “When was the last time you traveled to Nevermore?”

“Oh…”Ambrose suddenly looked deeply uncomfortable, and dragged a nervous hand through his hair. “Nearly forty years ago now.”

Scion smirked. “That should make this an exciting reunion.”

I glanced between them. “What are you two talking about?”

“We have a history with the court there, that’s all,” Ambrose said vaguely.

“We don’t,” Scion corrected, looking happier than he had all morning. “You do.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Ambrose growled, though with little real anger behind his voice.

“Well, I’m not looking forward to going either,” I said, sulkily.

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