Page 36 of Lady for Embers

“We have the High Witch’s son, who is also part-Avonleyan,” Sawyer reasoned. “Perhaps he can bring down the wards.”

“These are not just any wards though. Avonleyan magic is different from what we had on our continent. Scarlett’s gifts are proof of that. They will be stronger, impenetrable,” Rayner argued.

“I thought she was the one who was in contact with this Lord of Night,” Azrael cut in. “Are we not sailing there with the assumption he is there and will let us in?”

“Yes,” Sorin answered. “But even if we are let in willingly, we still must be prepared for the various ways we could be received. Scarlett may be Avonleyan, but that is all we know.”

“For all we know, her family could be on bad terms with the rulers,” Cyrus said with a shrug. “Maybe that’s why they got her out and sent her to our continent.”

“To be raised by an Assassin Lord,” Scarlett said ?atly.

Cyrus shrugged again. “We’re walking in blind here, Darling. We have no idea what to expect. That’s why I’ve been focusing on what I do know—our enemies back home.”

“That is incredibly helpfulright now,” Scarlett drawled.

“I’m glad you think so,” he volleyed back with a smirk, “because I’ve been thinking we need to ?nd a way to drop the enchantment in the mortal lands so we can access our magic there. I know you dropped the wards around the Witches and Shifters that kept them sequestered, but do you think we can do that too?”

“Sure. I’ll add it to my list of pressing matters that need to be dealt with,” she retorted.

Sorin glanced side-long at her, his arm slipping around her waist and tugging her gently into his side a little more. Something in her chest loosened. Just having him touch her seemed to ease her stress. This was new. He’d always had an effect on her somewhat, but not an instant reaction like this.

No, this hadn’t started until their twin ?ame bond had been anointed. Everything was more intense. She could feel his emotions more clearly. Could sense his location more accurately. And his physical touch? The sex had been good before, but now? Gods. There was a reason they’d spent the afternoon behind closed doors.But even the simple act of a hand resting on her knee could bring comfort or have her clenching her thighs, the bond seeming to know exactly what it needed to elicit at the time.

“And what of the newContessa?” Auberon sneered down the table. “What are your plans for her?”

Scarlett stiffened, any comfort she’d felt from Sorin’s touch instantly evaporating. Her eyes slid to the vampyre, settling onto his blue gaze. “Nuri will be dealt with as I see ?t.”

“Is she under your jurisdiction?” he countered.

“No,” Scarlett replied. “Technically, one could sayyouare underhers.”

Auberon’s cheeks ?ushed with anger. “She killed my Contessa,” he said, tone going eerily soft.

“Which, as I understand it, is how the changing of leadership takes place in the Night Child lands, is it not? Is it any different than someone challenging one of the Fae Royals for their title?”

“Are you saying you condone her actions?” Auberon demanded, pushing slowly to his feet.

“I am saying how she is dealt with is not your concern unless you plan to challenge her yourself,” Scarlett replied. “But I can assure you, you will not win that ?ght.”

“I served Rosalyn for centuries. You would do well not to underestimate me, your Majesty,” Auberon said softly.

A smile lifted on Scarlett’s lips, her head tilting to the side. “You served her for centuries, and yet Nuri snatched her from right underneath your blood-sucking little fangs. Perhaps it is you who should not underestimate her.”

Auberon jerked back as if she had struck him. “Are you telling me you plan to leave her in power? Plan to allow her to rule the Night Children territory?”

Scarlett casually lifted a hand, shadows forming above her ?ngertips. She let them curl around her ?ngers, drifting down her palm. “I will not repeat myself again, Auberon Isra. I will decide how Nuri is dealt with, and when I have made that decision, I will let you know. Do not ask me of it again.”

“That is not how this matter should be handled,” he argued.

The shadows drifting before her grew as her temper frayed. “Enlighten me then, Auberon. How do you wish me to handle her?”

“She should have to answer for her betrayal!”

“Betrayal of whom? Because she was not loyal to Rosalyn. She had never pledged her loyalty to her.Iwas betrayed by Nuri. Not Rosalyn. Therefore, one would stand to reason thatIshould get to deal with her. Do you not agree?”

Auberon clenched his jaw tighter but didn’t respond.

“I think this is a topic we can return to later if needed,” Sorin hedged carefully. “After Scarlett has had more time to think on how she wants to handle the situation.”

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