Page 20 of Swords and Curses

"Someone else can teach her how to use it," Saul said. "I'm not letting her anywhere near me holding an edged weapon."

"Chicken," Rosa teased.

"Next time, you won't be so lucky."

"We'll see."

"It's a shame Lily isn't here. She is excellent with a blade," Balthasar said.

"I will teach her. Wearing a faerie sword is not like a normal weapon," Eli said, patting her hand. "You will have to think of a name for it."

"Doesn't it already have one? You would think the Autumn Queen would've been all over that," Rosa said, pushing the food around her plate. All the talk of training and magic made her appetite waver.

"Ryn used to call itQueen's Justice,which goes to show how much of a groveler he was," Eli replied. "But it's yours now. You must name it so it can become that to you."

"The name will become its essence," Eldon remarked. "Choose wisely."

"Can't we talk about anything normal over breakfast?" Rosa complained half-heartedly.

"Welcome to the family," Balthasar said, kissing her cheek.

"Well, if I'm part of the family, I want my own room, seeing how Eldon has the cottage," Rosa said, ignoring the look on Balthasar's face and staring at Eli.

"Of course, Rosa, name the spot and it shall be yours," he said, smiling indulgently.

"I want the north tower. It's empty, apart from some neglected rugs, and I want a door built so that it opens onto Bal's attic staircases," she replied.

"I can't risk human workmen at the moment, but if you will allow it, I can do it using magic," Eli suggested.

"Really? No arguments? You'll let me have it?"

"Why would I argue? I always feel better having my children under my roof," Eli's green eyes flicked across at Eldon, a question passing between them. Eldon shook his head. Eli ignored it, turning back to Rosa. "I didn't expect you to move into the attic with Bal. It's his workspace, and you'll need one of your own. I'm sure you two can find a happy medium."

"Can I watch you use magic to change it?" Rosa asked.

"I was hoping Bal would help. He knows your tastes, and it would be a nice surprise for you," Eli smiled. "A present, as compensation for all the hard work we are going to make you do."

"Why am I worried all of a sudden?" she asked.

Saul laughed. "Because you need a lot of training to ensure you don't become faerie food."

"You can talk. What is your area of expertise again?" Rosa asked glibly.

Saul's smile was infectious as he licked his fork suggestively. "Diplomacy."

"Which you will do much of on your trip to London," Balthasar said pointedly.

"What trip?"

"The one we are sending you on today," Eli informed. "I need you to go and speak with the clan leaders. If the Seelie are on the move, I need them to be ready to defend themselves and the humans if they have to."

"You are throwing me to the dogs," Saul pointed out.

"They were the ones that asked for you. Balthasar makes them uneasy and defensive, and I have no patience at the moment. Gwaed Lyn needs me here, and I need you to go and dowhat you do best. If anyone can convince the Gwaed Gam to get it together, it is you."

"You are powerful enough to destroy them all if they try to attack you," Balthasar said smoothly. "I have every confidence in your abilities, baby brother."

"Besides, they all adore you, so it won't happen," Eli added. "I need you to do this for me, Saul."

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