Page 11 of The Rowan
“Can I have him?” I ask, pointing to Astor. “And I want to keep the witches, too.”
He communicates silently with Astor for a second, then gives me a curt nod. “He’s willing to teach you. Why the witches? You’re obviously above their power level.”
“They have witch knowledge, which I need. I don’t want them knowing how powerful I am, though. Not until I’m ready,” I explain, not going into detail on why it needs to remain a secret.
“Done,” he agrees. Glaring at me, he doesn’t move, and I realize he’s ready to escort me out.
“I also need to keep up with my defensive and weapons training. Do you have anyone that can spar with me? Someone good?” I hurriedly spit out my request before he can force me out the door.
“I’ll ask Valerian,” he replies, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can I escort you out now?”
“Yes, hold on a second,” I tell him. Gathering my power, I spool it down into me. It protests for a moment, then slides into a tight ball. Massive tension, due to the effort of containing the power, burns through me. Rolling my shoulders, I force myself to stand up straight. I look over at Lord Theron and raise an eyebrow.
Lord Theron pivots on his heels and strides angrily to the door. “I hope one day this secrecy doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass. If it does, you’d better hide. Now, let me escort you out.”
Waving to Astor, who flashes me his signature fake dreamy smile, I follow Lord Theron out the door and into the elevator. When the doors close, he shows me how to operate the elevator to get to the training room. Now that I’m going to be here more often, he doesn’t want to spend his valuable time escorting me like a child. At least, that’s the explanation I get.
“I appreciate your help, I really do. I’m in a precarious position with few people to trust.” My voice is soft as I quietly plead for his understanding. “There have been several assassination attempts on my life, and before I announce myself to the world, I need answers. I know it doesn’t ease the duplicity, but I hope you can try to understand.” The elevator doors open, and I step out.
7
THERON
The seething fury dampens with her words. While I’m still pissed I don’t have all the facts at my disposal, I understand the need for secrecy. Power like hers, mine, and the rest of the cadre’s is a beacon to everyone from the highest of positions to the lowest. Jealousy, greed, arrogance, and political power all play their part in our supernatural world.
Running my hand over my face, I realize she’s going to need every bit of my help and the cadre’s. And who the hell is trying to assassinate her? I know she’s not likely to tell us much, but we can help mitigate that threat, at least. Working and training at The Abbey certainly cuts down on the opportunities for assassins to reach her. I don’t know where she’s living, though. Should we move her into the sanctuary? I’m not sure it’s the best idea. It’s only been the cadre living here for a long time.
Speaking of the cadre, it’s time to remove the barriers I placed between them and Arden. While her path isn’t clear to us, her need for allies resonates within me. When I was desperate for people to trust, the cadre stepped in and became the army and brotherhood I didn’t know I needed. In pure destruction mode, I was headed towards a cliff when they stepped in and saved me. Fallon recognized something in me that matched them, just as I see something in Arden. I’m not inviting her to join the cadre, but at the very least, we can support her with power, magic, strength, and political capital. Standing alone only makes you a bigger target for your enemies.
Pulling out my phone, I text the cadre to let them know we need to meet this evening and discuss Arden. All of them reply with agreement.
The elevator doors open to my office. Entering, I stride over to my desk to find the letter. It includes Solandis’ contact information, and after speaking with the cadre, I need to reach out and see if she’s willing and able to part with more information.
Reading the Princess of the Light Fae’s letter again, I’m seeing the magnitude of her request. She’s essentially entrusted me with the safety and care of one of her family. Purpose and determination fill me. This is a favor worthy of a life debt.
* * *
Bringing up the video conference,I tap in the code to connect us to Fallon. He’s been away on a mission for the light Elven king for three months now. My mouth tightens at the thought of him doing missions for the bastard. He knows how I—hell, how we all feel about these missions, but only he can tell the king to fuck off. It’s his father, after all. I’m doubly thankful my own family is pretty cold and indifferent to everything, including me, after seeing how the king manipulates Fallon’s love for him.
A chair creaks, and a scowling face appears on the screen. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that expression on your face. This must be serious,” Fallon drawls tiredly.
I’m tempted to erase any trace of emotion from my face, but I don’t. They might tease me, but we don’t hide things from each other. “It is,” I reply, turning to face the rest of the room.
Valerian, Daire, and Astor enter the room, each with their own distinctive walk—Daire flashes in quickly, Astor saunters, and Valerian practically stomps. To be fair, he is a dragon, and they’re not known for walking quietly. With nods to Fallon, they each claim a seat at the table.
“Thank you all for coming,” I begin. “First, I want to bring you up to speed with current events.” I detail the inconsistencies I’ve found in Arden’s actions, the most recent display of her power, and her words in the elevator.
Daire frowns, then loudly protests, “I don’t understand why we’re getting more involved. The favor asked for employment, training, and research assistance. If she needs power or protection, let her get it from somebody else. Hell, she knows Lucifer. Let her ask him.”
“What are you talking about?” I demand.
“Did you know she’s a member of the House of Light and Karth?” Daire waits for my nod of agreement, then continues, “Karth is Vargas Karth, Lucifer’s executioner. The one he calls upon when demons screw up. Not only is she considered family to Vargas, she also knows my father. Apparently, he has dinner over at their house regularly. So I’d say she already has friends—powerful friends.”
Thinking about her being friends with Lucifer makes me want to smile. “That’s one piece she hasn’t hidden from us. I don’t know why Vargas can’t help her, but I know the Princess of the Light Fae wouldn’t have formally asked for my favor if she’d had the ability to help Arden directly. The princess’ political capital is limited. Many of the Fae didn’t take it well when she mated with Lord Vargas. If she’d been anyone other than the princess and the queen’s sister, she would’ve been shunned. What about Vargas?” I look at Daire for the answer.
“Maybe. I can ask my father,” he grumbles reluctantly.
“Yes, please see what you can find out.” My brain races as I think through the next steps. “I’ll talk to the princess myself.”
