Page 67 of Blooms of Darkness

Ian cracked his fingers, tapping his foot in frustration. “I did ask that.”

“And?” I cocked an eyebrow.

“We took turns following the kitchen kid for over a week when we noticed he left town more often than other staff,” Kade said.

“He’s a grown man,” I snapped.

Kade opened his mouth to continue, but Storm slammed a hand to his chest.

“Enough,” Storm said. “Princess, if you tell us exactly what it is you and Ian are asking, we’ll be able to make a decision if we’ll help.”

“There was one more thing I wanted to know from you beyond how you knew the way to contact us. Why were you asking for supplies from the Hidden Henchman in the first place?” Ian asked. “And why track the dark ones after?”

“We have people we care for, like everyone, who has requested aid,” Kade said.

Storm ran a hand over the side of his face. “We may have seen more of the dark ones than you have, but that hasn’t given us much to go on,” he said. “We wanted to get in touch with the Hidden Henchman, knowing the rumors of the aid you offered. We thought you’d have more information, but apparently, we were wrong.”

I shook my head. “I’ve tried listening in during meetings, or gatherings to what the advisers tell my father, but even then, everything is done in hushed tones, or I’m rushed out so I cannot overhear.”

“You must have something more,” Ian said. “Even the smallest details could help. Do you know where they seem to gather?”

Kade shifted against the doorframe. Storm simply looked at Kade, waiting for his response, instead of offering one up of his own. “Starhaven and Valeford have always seemed to have activity, with Demarva a close third.”

I tensed, glancing in Ian’s direction.

“What?” Kade asked, sensing there was something we weren’t telling him.

“Demarva is where we’re sending more soldiers. Apparently, it’s been overrun again,” Ian answered, a grim expression on his face.

“Are the soldiers not questioned upon their return? It seems the men on the front lines would have even greater insights.” Kade paused as no one spoke. “Captain?”

Ian stretched his neck. “Even being Captain of the Guard does not afford me the knowledge of all the world’s affairs it seems.” He flexed his hand, barely able to contain his frustration. I already knew he felt like the general and the king were keeping important information from him. Every time we talked through the darkness, it became more and more evident just how much.

Ian questioned if it meant he wasn't good enough. Whereas I knew it had nothing to do with his ability. A dark part in the corner of my mind told me Ian remained uninformed because of our friendship. He could slip and share his knowledge with me at any time.

What could possibly be so horrible it had to be kept under lock and key? Other than our people not being safe, which had become more and more obvious. My destiny led to the throne, which meant I would have to know eventually.

“Besides,” Ian added, “the soldiers aren’t returning.”

Kade and Storm were stunned into silence, evident by the way Kade's mouth opened and closed twice before slamming shut into a thin line. Storm leaned his head against the wall and sighed once more.

“We’re sending twenty more men to Demarva sometime in the next few days,” I added, jumping in to make it seem like I knewsomething. “I overheard Andras and my father talking at the first trial.”

“So,” Kade said, “no one knows anything, and whatever it is, is slowly eliminating the entire guard you have.”

“That about sums it up,” Ian responded, glancing toward the balcony doors. “Our associates are waiting for us, but I leave it up to you two,” He gestured to me and Kade, “if we continue talking or not.”

I studied Ian carefully, attempting to gauge what he really thought. He’d invited Kade and Storm here and must have trusted them thus far. As for me, Kadehadkept me safe, saving me in more ways than one now.

At the rate things were changing, if the darkness grew stronger, there wouldn’t be much of a choice. We needed more fighters, and the pair of them were damn good.

I walked up to Kade, standing so close I had to tilt my head to meet his gaze. “If I let you in, if we take you to meet the others, you’re in. You keep our secrets safe. You play by our rules. Do you agree?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “And what do we get in return for our assistance with your little project?”

I moved even closer, the cool scent of fresh rain and sweet summer air swirling around. “You get to live and continue on in these ridiculous trials.Yourtreasonous thoughts and activities are also safe with me.”

“I’ve never been good at playing by the rules, Little Rebel.”

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