Page 54 of Blood and Roses

"Do not concern yourself, Eli. I am here in an informal capacity. Ryn sent me through to check on preparations and ensure that you are still willing to treat with him."

"Of course I'm willing, Celyn, and so are the Lords of Albion. I'm looking forward to improving connections with the Seelie."

"Are you? Well, I suppose I'd best let Ryn know. I believe he is looking forward to your ball. We have been deprived ofentertainment for a long time, and your Unseelieoffspringare nothing if not entertaining."

"I'm glad to hear you say so. May I offer you some refreshment after your long journey?" Eli asked.

"At this late hour? No, no, I could not trouble you so." Celyn waved the suggestion away with his expressive white hands. "Besides, Ryn decided to imposeruleson me about accepting anything from you."

"It's not like you to allow Ryn to impose anything on you, Lord Celyn." Eli pulled a mocking face. "You can trust me, otherwise, what is the point of this treaty?"

"Excellent question. Whatisthe point of it all? You know we will never get along. It's like all families. Until we get a common enemy to stand together, we are bound to squabble with each other."

"At times, it seems like that, but I for one amtiredof the squabble. None of us gains any ground, so we are doing it for no other reason than boredom," Eli replied. "That is what's pointless."

"I wonder how bored you are underneath this glamor you put on," Celyn sneered. "Is the real Unseelie under there anymore?" Power licked through the air causing Balthasar's fangs to drop without warning. Eli started to laugh, and the spell was broken.

"Are you trying to peek under my covers, Celyn?" he asked. "Perhaps if you asked politely, I would be more inclined to oblige you."

"I meant no offense, Bleddyn. You used to be so much fun when you were young," Celyn pouted.

"Time moves much faster in the human world. It suits my temperament."

"Yes, well it does have its charms. That girl, she is one of your human pets, isn't she?" Celyn asked.

"She works for me and is under my protection," Eli replied. Balthasar tensed beside him.

"Hmm, she's one of them, isn't she? Those Wylts that you like so much. Rosa Wylt. I wonder if the rose is wild or wilting?" Celyn laughed at his own joke as Balthasar's vision swam red. "Oh, I can see by your face she is definitely the former."

"Is there anything else we can do for you, Celyn? Room for the night perhaps?"

"Stay alone in a house full of Unseelie hybrids? No, thank you, Bleddyn. As much as I respect your word, I cannot trust any of the others at this time. I will be heading back to Ryn and the queen now." Celyn bowed. "You know how they hate waiting."

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night, Celyn. It should be a grand occasion." Eli bowed in return.

Celyn smiled snidely before leaving the house. Balthasar took one step before Eli's hand shot out and gripped his shoulder.

"Stay," he commanded.

"But Rosa..."

"Rosa will be fine," Eli assured. "If you leave now, he'll be onto you. Don't worry. There's more protecting that cottage than locks."

Celyn walked slowlyacross the grounds, his boots leaving no mark where they trod across the frosted ground. He could feel the power in the real world, see the wards that Bleddyn had put up around the grounds. He sniffed out the woman's scent more keenly than any bloodhound. He found the cottage where Bleddyn had placed hundreds of protection spells. There was definitely something about the girl that they loved.

Celyn took a feather from his pocket, a stretch of red silk, a sliver of pearlescent bone, and the dry twig of an oak tree. He watched the woman's shadow moving about on the second floor, oblivious to the danger she was in. As his eyes followed her, he whispered his spell, binding the objects tightly together. When it was done, he tied it to a holly bush that was busily growing in the hedge surrounding her cottage.

"Until tomorrow, my little Rosa," he whispered before blowing a kiss at her shadow and disappearing back into the forest.

Rosa scrubbedher hand over and over, but she couldn't get the sensation of the faerie's kiss off the back of it. She wished she could tell Balthasar. Maybe Eli would be able to counteract whatever it was.

You could be acting psychosomatic, and you want an excuse to see Bal no matter how standoffish he is.

She thought of going up to the attic and digging out his portrait just to see his face but dismissed the idea immediately. Besides, that portrait wasn't painted for her to treasure, but for Jane.

She made herself a cup of chamomile tea and idly scratched at her hand as she looked at the picture above the fireplace. She couldn't leave it there for Cecily to see, so she carefully took it upstairs and propped it on the mantel in her bedroom.

As Rosa pulled back her covers, she found a letter that had been hidden from sight. "Another one? How many letters did you leave me, Bal?" She fetched her tea and settled into bed.

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