Page 56 of A Deception of Courts

“You sound sure,” Rafaela said, disbelief evident in her tone.

“Seraphine isnotbehind this. I – I can vouch for their whereabouts, and it is not anywhere near here.”

This was the moment to tell them that, as a condition of giving Seraphine and her vipers Imeria Castle as their new nest, it was actually a place of retirement. They got my stronghold, as long as they never accepted a job again.

“It’s too messy of a kill for an Asp,” Gyah said, golden eyes coiling with contained power. I sensed a beast lurking within, one wishing to be freed. To hunt whoever did this and bring Gabrial to justice. “If they’re smart enough to conduct this atrocity, they will have the sense to never return to the scene of the crime.”

“We will see,” Rafaela snarled, her red-stained eyes filled with tears of fury and pain, landing back on Kayne. “The moment your little bird returns, I wish to see it.”

“What if Lucari is dead too?” Kayne swallowed hard, unable to conceal the fear on his expression. “Has anyone contemplated that the same thing that killed Gabrial, has hurt my… my Lucari?”

Duncan drew the broken man to his side. “Lucari is a smart creature.”

Elinor cleared her throat. “And Lucari is not the only creature with claws.”

“What are you suggesting?” Rafaela paused, her eyes narrowing on the Oakstorm queen.

“Wychwood is home to many monsters. Some I’m more familiar with than others.”

I knew exactly what Elinor was suggesting. “Gryvern. Do you think they…”

“I do not know what to think,” Elinor said. “Doran’s creatures have disbanded since his death, but they are still monsters. We should not ignore the chance that there is a flock nearby.”

“If there is,” Gyah growled deep in her throat. “I will find them.”

All this talk of deceit, murder and monsters had me worrying for an entirely different reason. Had Aldrick found a way of getting control of Doran’s creations? It would made sense – or was it easier to point the blame in any other direction than Kayne’s hawk?

“Rafaela, I invite you to stay with us in my court,” I said, demanding her attention. “I think we all agree this is Aldrick’s doing. Until we can root out the infection among us, it isn’t safe for you. Our focus must remain on him until we determine what our next steps are to be.”

“What is there to determine, Robin Icethorn?” Rafaela shouted, her voice booming across the tent, the heavy canopy material flapping as though she’d brought on a gust of storm winds. “Aldrick must die.”

“And he shall,” Lyra announced. “But decisions of war cannot be rushed, nor is it decided between such limited company. We must return to our courts and prepare our people. We must brace our borders, sharpen our weapons. There are more ways to win a battle than with brute strength and power. We must be cautious–”

“No,” Rafaela interrupted. “Gabrial has not died for you all to separate like lambs in a field, practically inviting the wolf to take you out one by one. What is important now is keeping you safe, preventing the keys from falling into Aldrick’s hands.” She took a hulking intake of breath, her wings twitching with unspent energy. “He must be stopped before he has any more of a chance to release Duwar. Gabrial’s death will not be in vain.”

“I’m sorry, Rafaela,” Elinor interjected. “But this is far greater than Lyra, Robin and me. We have people to protect. Innocents, like Gabrial, to keep from the same fate. We cannot abandon our courts and hide from Aldrick, as much as that seems like the only option.”

I watched Rafaela closely as she pondered Elinor’s words. She didn’t blink, didn’t release the tears she clearly fought hard to kept at bay. I sensed it, because it was a feeling I’d experienced before – Rafaela teetered on the edge of a knife. If she fell, it was into the abyss of sadness or fury. We were a matter of seconds from determining which side claimed her, it all hinged on how this conversation ended.

“As I’ve already petitioned, I’m with Rafaela on this. We shouldnotseparate.” Every eye in the tent snapped to me. I straightened my back as much as I could, lifting my chin, imagining the crown atop my head. “But… I understand why we must.”

Rafaela exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “Then it seems you’ve made your minds up. If you no longer require the council you have requested of me, I will leave.”

“Rafaela, if there is anything you need from me,” I said, reaching out with the overwhelming urge to supply her with the comfort of touch.

Rafaela offered me a sympathetic smile that revealed she was thankful I’d at least tried to help. When she turned her attention to the queens, that expression faded back into a mask of displeasure. “Queen Cedarfall and Queen Oakstorm, you will be provided with Nephilim to protect you on your return to your courts. Do as you wish and prepare your people. Time is sensitive. There is no knowing when Aldrick will act again. If you know what is good for you, you’ll not refuse this offer.”

“I get the sense it’s not an offer, but a command. One, as you said, we would be foolish to decline,” Elinor bowed her head, although her eyes never strayed from the Nephilim. “I accept.”

“As do I,” Lyra added.

“We wish to depart within the hour.” Elinor straightened. “Thank you, Rafaela. After everything you have lost, we appreciate your help.”

“Your escorts will be ready. But do not thank me yet,” Rafaela replied through a grimace. “Even we do not have the power to save ourselves from Aldrick, let alone you.”

With those last words, Rafaela knocked past me as she turned on her heel and swept toward the tent’s exit. Before anyone could speak, she threw out her wings like a shield on her back.

“What would you like us to do with Gabrial?” I called out before Rafaela could fly away. “I’m not aware of the Nephilim’s customs, but if you wish us to prepare a burial or ceremony, we shall do it. Whatever you ask.”

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