Page 86 of The Light Falls
Rivan hesitates, and it’s apparent he thinks Fisk is up to something, but he can’t figure out a way to say no. “Add the condition. She won’t deny the request. But Fisk, the man wearing Kaius’ shell isn’t one you want to fuck with, or literal hell will rain down on you. Underworld hell.”
Fisk gives him a sharp nod. “I understand, and I’ll wait to call Camon in the morning.” He nods toward a tunnel. “Go get something to eat and rest. You look like you need it.”
Rivan thanks him and heads out the same way he entered.
“Do you trust him?” A fierce looking, blue-skinned merman asks Fisk.
“Not sure, but he’s never been able to lie worth a damn,” Fisk tells him. “Brixton used to think it was a weakness, but his men followed him because he was full of truth and honor. The words mean something to him.” He claps the man on the shoulder. “You’ll be in charge while I’m gone. Don’t let Brixton pull you into anything the Fire Fae plans. I have a feeling we have different ideas on how to reach our goals.”
The man dips his chin. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”
Kavi and I listen for another hour. It’s apparent Fisk is preparing for war. Whether they move forward hinges on Meri’s ability to negotiate.
Once we’re outside Seva, I give Kavi a slew of orders to carry out while I’m gone. The Underworld will have to continue to do without me for another day or two. Besides, I like to drop in unannounced and see what my men are up to. I grin and send a text to Lucifer to update him on Meri’s plans. I also ask for any information he can share about the current dark Fae king. With him skulking around Meri, I need to arm myself with as much information as possible. You never know what you’ll uncover.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
MERI
Solandis eyes the red power suit and black blouse I’m wearing. “Eris is really stepping up her game. She must approve of what you’re doing.”
“I know, right?” I say with a spin. Solandis is wearing a cream and camel ensemble that is supremely elegant, but the dark area under her eyes tells me she still isn’t feeling well. “You don’t have to attend, you know. They will decide or pay the consequences.”
She clasps my hand and opens her mouth but shuts it when she sees Camon nearby. “We’ll talk later.” Leaving me to deal with him, she strolls into the council room and takes her seat.
Camon steps up to me. “I don’t appreciate you dragging my mate into the council meeting’s discussion yesterday. They didn’t need to be reminded of her relationship with Fisk.” Green eyes flare with anger. “I called Fisk. He’ll meet with you tomorrow. I’m waiting to hear back from him on the details.”
I turn and face him. “You’re responsible for putting her in the middle. That’s what happens when you play both sides.”
He rears back. “Who’s telling you these lies?”
“I was standing ten feet away when you confronted Kaius and heard every word,” I murmur, keeping the smile on my face for everyone passing by. “Someone followed you after you left him. All the way to Seva and Fisk. To the war room.” I lean in close. “I have spies too.” With a wave, I motion for him to enter the council room.
Furious, he moves forward and takes his seat.
I stroll in behind him and the council reconvenes. “What is your decision?”
Faris takes the floor. “I would like to negotiate with the Fire Fae on our behalf.”
“I don’t believe this was one of the choices,” I drawl, looking at the rest of the council members. By the look on their faces, they’re set on this course. “Granted. They have the right to petition for the land in seven days. You have three. If you’re not back on the fourth day, I will make the decision.”
The council moves restlessly.
I stand. “This meeting is over.”
Solandis looks relieved when I walk over. “Let’s go.”
She asks to go back to my room with me. When we get there, Kaius, Cormal, and Callyx are all there.
“What’s going on?” I ask, staring at the three of them.
Cormal seals the room and explains what he overheard in the war room.
“You can have five join you. One of them has to be Kaius. Me,” Cormal says, pointing to himself. “Two guards.”
“Ansel and Tiernan,” I state firmly. Ansel will do what’s right for the crown, and Tiernan will honor his oath to me. “Who’s going to be the fifth?”
“That’s what we were discussing when you came in,” Cormal informs me. “Solandis can’t go. If Kaius is required, Callyx will need to stay here with her.”
