Page 25 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

“Lady Mallard was apprehensive at first. I had to disclose the hazes that you see. I tried to imply it was me seeing them, but she immediately knew I was covering for someone else. She said the Oracles of the Gelid would be the ones to help, but their temple is deep within the mountains of her region. At first, she said we would have to leave within the week to get their wisdom, or wait until the snow melts, because theirtemple becomes inaccessible during the winter. When I said that wouldn’t be possible, she offered to ask for one to come here to help if they can. She also said they would help only on the condition that she meets with both of us to share what she can while waiting for their response.”

Spencer nodded; his face relaxing. “I didn’t think we would find answers so easily.”

“Will you be able to join me in a meeting with her tomorrow after lunch?”

“Yes, I can, and I hope we find answers.”

Ethan cleared his throat. “We have more complications, Spencer, and I believe you all need to know this to be better prepared.”

Ivy groaned. “Why is everything getting so weird now? I just wanted to see desirable men tussle a bit before we had a wedding to plan.”

I smiled, knowing she was trying to break the tension. I broke the news to everyone.

“Unfortunately, Frederick shared more about, uh, the incident last night. He mentioned that apparently when Egan made the weird sound, he also, somehow, struck him with lightning. I saw the char mark; it matched exactly the pattern you’d see on a tree after lightning has struck it.”

Ivy and Amyra both gasped, bringing their hands to their mouths. Spencer’s face wasn’t as surprised, but I could almost see a ton of thoughts racing around while he blankly stared at a random spot on the ground.

Seemingly before he realized he was talking, Spencer shared. “He was different today. Withdrawn, going through the motions but not actually engaged. He didn’t talk to us today either. His haze was different too. It still has the glittering black void that his powerful emotions caused, like he is just barely in control right now.”

Taking a moment, I carefully chose my words. “I think we need help to answer all the questions this news carries. I don’t know the right way forward with the information we have. What if he’s not in control of this? What if going forward withthis first challenge in the tournament is far more dangerous for the other men, and maybe even the spectators, because of his determination to win my hand in marriage?”

I looked around the room. Silent, worried stares peered back at me, reflecting my own. These weren’t questions to answer tonight. These weren’t questions any of us can answer, I don’t think.

“I think we need to talk to Lady Mallard about this. Hopefully, she can help us understand what we are facing.”

I looked around, waiting for one of them to come up with a better idea. When no one does, I pose my other worry, “When do we bring in Father?”

More quiet looks reflected to me from around the table. After a few minutes contemplating the dangerousness of this situation, I stood up, resolved to have some type of answer.

"OK then, here’s what we are going to do. Spencer and I will meet with Lady Mallard. We will put all our cards out for her. She’s been with the Council for a few years, so maybe she knows more about Lord Denenbaum and can help us figure out why he brought Egan here to begin with. We’ll also discuss with her about talking to Father. Since she’s trying to bring a member of a supposedly extinct religious order to the castle to help Spencer, she should have some say in what he knows. Ethan, in the meantime, find out more about why Lord Denenbaum is connected to Egan.”

Ethan nodded. “I can try, but it’ll mean spending more time with Katelle, so I’ll have less time for these dinners.”

“Good. My next suggestion was to cancel these dinners and time alone with Egan, and honestly, Frederick too. I don’t trust either one. I know Frederick hasn’t technically done anything, but until I understand what is happening, I don’t want to be around anyone I don’t need to be.”

I looked around the table once more, waiting for objections or anything, really. No one said anything.

“OK then. I suppose its time to call it a night. Let’s meet back tomorrow evening with updates.”

CHAPTER 18

Spencer and I met in front of Juniper’s office. I had a fitful night of sleep again and was feeling pretty rough with two nights in a row where sleep was scarce. If I had my choice, I’d have tried to stay in my room with Amyra all day. Once upon a time, not that long ago, I would have been able to do that. Hiding from my problems and seeking Amyra’s help to nap won’t make life easier, not anymore. Of all the things I needed to do, spending time with Spencer had quickly become one of the better ways to spend an afternoon.

I knocked on her door and hear a “Come in!” from the room behind it. I glanced at Spencer, and he shrugged at me, so I opened the door to enter. Juniper was standing up from her desk, a stack of papers in front of her.

“Come in.” She repeats. “I am glad to see you today. Shall we have tea again?”

She had a pleasant tone and was moving towards her kettle to start tea, but the whole time she was staring at Spencer as if she was evaluating him.

“Yes, thank you. This is Prince Spencer of Vondalon. Spencer, this is Lady Juniper Mallard.”

I approached the seat I had yesterday and suggested to Spencer to take one next to me.

“Prince Spencer, I’m pleased to finally make your acquaintance.Lyla, he looks to be the friend you mentioned yesterday. Is that right?” Juniper placed a cup in front of each of us and then turned to pour her own cup.

“He is, yes.” I drew out my words a bit, making the suspicion in my tone palpable when I answered. As I sipped from my cup, I glanced at Spencer, watching him shift uncomfortably in his seat, seeming to mirror my own concerns.

“You can call me Spencer. I don’t really like being addressed with my title unless it’s necessary.” He offered to break the tension we all seemed to have.

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