Page 42 of The Cursed Crown

"Anything of note?"

Havryll's eyes scanned the missive. He snorted, handing it to Rydekar.

He immediately identified the florid hand who'd written it.

It has come to our notice that the king may feel forlorn, and in our capacity as the ladies of the keep, we'd like to extend our invitation to our private gathering…

Was sheserious?

The words may be interpreted in different ways, but Rydekar knew Siobhe. She was inviting him to an orgy.

"She might have a point. You need to get laid."

Havryll wasn't entirely wrong. Rydekar needed a release. The problem was that the thought of bringing anyone to his bed was as appealing as the prospect of jumping in a river full of alligators.

At least, anyone here.

It had been three days since Rissa's departure and Rydekar ought to be delighted. The seelie lords here were finally paying attention to what he was saying. Missives had flown everywhere throughout Denarhelm since Rissa's departure, andhis spies reported that the armies from the lower courts were moving south in great numbers, along with caravans of civilians. Like he'd suggested for months, all of the seelie courts also sent hundreds of soldiers to their eastern borders to create a wall beyond which their enemies couldn't easily penetrate. That move required a degree of trust and cohesion the thirteen courts hadn't seemed capable of. They did it all the same.

His plan was working. The seelie had moved at the first hint that their queen supported him.

If only she were here, where she belonged, all would be well.

Rydekar also missed Khal, though he loathed admitting it. His cousin was always at his side, a presence he'd grown to rely on so much he didn't pay attention to it half the time.

"When the lords come in an hour or so, you'll show them our progress and let them know we've moved to fortify the borders. I'll take the guard, and we'll be back in three to four days. I trust you can run things here."

His latest intel suggested the Antheosan army had progressed to Braon, in the White Court. That suggested they'd travel through four of the thirteen seelie courts. They avoided the royal keeps, to steer clear of the bulk of the forces, but they still killed and pillaged their way through the lands. They had to be stopped before they went any farther. Now that the seelie had finally dispatched their forces, it was time to intervene.

Havryll tilted his head. "Is that advisable? With Khal gone, my authority may be questioned."

"If anyone questions it, inform them I'll deal with them upon my return." He was itching todealwith someone. He might even draw a sword, rather than playing with their mind this time.

Havryll laughed. "All right. Have fun."

He intended to.

* * *

Rissa had never visitedthe Court of Bones. Southwest of the Autumn Court, one of the most central lands in Denarhelm, it was known for the strong coven of bone hags who sustained their magic with sacrifices. They killed anything, from little critters to great beasts, and used their essence to power their spells. In the old days, they'd even used the bones of folk, but that practice was now forbidden.

The Court of Bones was entirely matriarchal—for centuries, the women of the line of Roaryn had ruled it. Rissa had read about their history and knew the name of the current queen: Sura. She'd had seven daughters—no one bothered to record the boys—and every single one of them had been killed before they came of age. Rumor had it that Sura killed them herself, though Rissa had never believed it. At least, not before her chat with Teoran. Perhaps parents were capable of such deeds. She shouldn't assume everyone was like her father.

The fortress of Deanon didn't disappoint. Built in the shape of a skull made of red stone, carved beneath a solemn peak, it was positively monstrous.

"You seelie have interesting tastes in decor," Khal remarked casually as the ominous dwelling came in full view.

Teoran huffed, but there was little heat to his annoyance. He seemed otherwise concerned.

"What is it?"

"It's smoking."

Indeed it was, though Rissa had barely noticed. It stood to reason that a building designed to look like an immense skull exhaled smoke out of its nostrils and eye sockets. "Isn't it usually?"

Teoran shook his head. "Perhaps it would be wise to ride on. We could make for the Autumn Court."

She shook her head. "We're here now, and it'll be night before long."

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