Page 33 of Tales of a Deadly Devotion
‘The rebels blew up half the west bridge and set the mortal towns alight.’ The steward tutted at Emrys’s answering silence, straightening the fall of his tunic, the ostentatious gold buttons catching the lamplight. ‘It seems the rebels are painting quite a story about your recent …escapades, Lord Blackthorn.’
The steward’s eyes moved to me, lingering too long. ‘About your … nefariouscompaniontoo. The Kysillian has an appointment with the Council.’
‘I’ve already spoken on the matter,’ Emrys answered. A perfect image of contained restraint.
‘Unfortunately, your lordship, they requireherpresence.’ The man moved forwards with purpose as if he intended to take my arm by force. Like a prisoner to be led to the pyre.
Quicker than I believed possible, Emrys moved. Seizing hold of the man’s wrist. So tightly I could have sworn I heard the creak of bone.
‘If you touch her, your men will be dragging your body from this hall.’ There was a lethal calm in those words. The house creaked with pleasure at the threat.
Then as quickly as he’d grabbed the man, Emrys sent him stumbling backwards into his watching companions. Whatlittle, lesser magic those hunters possessed simmered in the air with warning.
‘Are you sopossessiveof all your partner mages, Lord Blackthorn?’ The hunter half sneered, rubbing his wrist with indignation. ‘Or just the pretty ones?’
‘You have already manhandled my ward.’ Emrys stepped forward, forcing the hunter to take another step back, his men shuffling with unease in answer. ‘Be grateful you’re still in possession of those rotting stumps you call teeth.’
‘Now, Emrys, let us not murder guests before lunchtime.’ The amused words echoed down the hallway as Gideon appeared, pulling on his gloves. Golden hair swept back from his face. A fine navy coat buttoned and matching cravat in place as if already warned of this horrid appointment.
The hunters turned, positioning themselves as if sensing the new threat.
‘Healer Swift.’ The main hunter at least had the courtesy to bow his head in greeting, those hate-filled eyes shifting uneasily. ‘There were … rumours you’d resurfaced.’
‘Let’s hope my jilted lovers haven’t heard just yet. I could do without cock curses being sent my way.’ Gideon smiled, a charming offering, but I could see the sharpness in his eyes as they landed on William’s rumpled shirt. ‘William, I believe there is a messenger at the service door that requires your attention.’
The boy hesitated behind me for the barest moment but I felt the brush of Emrys’s magic. The silent command as if it sought to push the boy with invisible hands. William slipped away obediently, the house materialising the stairs just to our right and, in a blink, the opening was gone. William with it.
‘The Council demands the presence of Miss Woodrow,’ the leader repeated, lips curled with annoyance.
‘And you attempted to drag her out in her dressing gown?’ Gideon asked with a sharp smile. ‘Who knew the old bastards were soperverse.’
‘You’ll show the masters of the republic respect,’ the hunter bit out in response. ‘Her presence isnota request.’
No, because the Council hated lose ends. Hated the barest tendrils of truth slipping free of their grasp.
Emrys tensed. His magic sharper in the air than the winter wind had been. ‘I told the Council—’
‘If they seek my presence, then they shall have it,’ I answered, making Emrys’s back go rigid, as I curled my hand gently into the crook of his arm. His attention turned to me immediately, Gideon shooting me a dark, wary look.
Only there was nothing but calm in my answering expression. The creature those Council members had trained me to be. Quiet. Demure and still.
The Council sought me, as they always had. To discredit and mock. To act as a scapegoat for their failures, only it was their last mistake.
For I’d found my vengeance in that darkness. Found it in all the fey they’d silenced, and just like them, I’d be silent no longer.
Emrys’s dark grey eyes ran over every inch of my expression, seeking my fear or apprehension. Only when he found none did he relax ever so slightly.
‘Very well,’ he relented, a muscle moving in his jaw.
Surprise flickered across the hunter’s face before he hid it behind a scowl. The two behind him shifting uneasily at my forwardness.
‘If you’ll give me a moment. I’ll need to make myself presentable,’ I offered, excusing myself as I moved towards the stairs.
‘I’m certain you gentlemen won’t mind waiting with me at the portal entrance,’ Gideon said behind me.
‘Your presence isn’t required, Healer Swift.’ The hunter’s words were sharp and mocking with his irritation. ‘You can return to your grave, or whatever whorehouse you’ve been hiding in.’
Gideon’s answering laugh sent a cold streak of fear down my spine. Feeling that ruthless energy humming around him.
