Page 116 of Trials of Dusk and Dreams
“That’s a leap. Are you accusing me of lying, or do you have a point?”
“I’m going to challenge Puck to a duel. The military must approve it in the queen’s absence.”
His proclamation is not a surprise, yet a relief all the same. The entire land knows about his intentions. And the Old Code states this request for approval is simply a formality. Very little can block a duel challenged under the gods.
If he is busy with this nonsense, I will have more work cleaning up the Nightmares escaping Nocturna. Oddly, they’vesuddenly cleared up, a fact I will investigate more thoroughly once I have the time. But at least Willow will be out of focus.
“And?” I prompt, knowing what he will say next, and tell myself to reveal the appropriate surprise.
“And I will ask that you be my second.”
“Me?” I place my hand on my chest. Raise my brows. Yes, I believe that was a convincing display of surprise. “Why not ask one of the Shining Host with whom a dragon actually takes direction?”
“Because the duel must be walked on two feet,” he explains. “A dragon hosted within a person is technically more than two feet. No other Radiant is brave enough to risk walking a duel without a dragon except for you knights.”
“You flatter us with lies.”
“Is it working?”
“No. However . . .” I shake my head. I can’t believe I am about to say this. “If you need me, I will be there—for the right price.”
“I’m listening.”
Puck will expire soon, anyway. What’s the rush? But perhaps I can use this to our advantage. “Obviously, if somewhat impatient, the duel is your elaborate plot to regain control of the Baleful Hunt.”
“I don’t think it’s impatient. It’s necessary.”
“You are aware the Knight Spymaster has been petrified.”
He stills. “Yes.”
I don’t address the unanswered question of why—he likely assumes it is for Sylvanar’s death, even if Puck has not publicized it. It matters not to him since he benefited from inheriting the Earldom.
“The House of Stone has hosted the Baleful Hunt since its origins,” I say. “You must have an antidote for accidental petrification. A spell. A charm?”
“There was a mirror once. But I regret to inform you that it’s long gone.”
His stare lingers on me, and my heart sinks before he responds. He has nothing of worth. Not many are aware of the transference spell Fox used with Styx. Unless we wish to sacrifice an innocent soul, we are unfortunately without options apart from the mirror Cait already searches for. She has proven her loyalty to Fox, but I am not convinced.
“But,” Larkspur continues. “When I regain the Hunt, I vow to use the Baleful Gaze and free Lord Fox from his stone prison.”
A promise based on a dream.
“This conversation has ceased to interest me.” I start toward the door, fingers twitching to be near rose-scented flesh again.
“Legion.”
I halt at the use of my name without the title. “Your familiarity borders on disrespect, Earl.”
“Do I have your support?”
My anger swiftly rises. I face him. “It is not the time for duels.”
“Quite the opposite. The Gentle Interlude is the most opportune time. And no one believes us about the Terrors or the thawing watergates. My reputation is being demolished.” A plea enters his eyes. “You and I both know someone is covering up the sightings, sweeping them under the rug. Only the dragon bonded, or Titania herself, have the?—”
“Choose your words carefully.” He includes us within this statement.
“I only meant to insinuate that this treachery comes from the Ivory Palace. And whoever is behind it has help from someone in power, too.”
