Page 15 of God Touched

"I'm okay. Let's check out this room, shall we?" Imogen smiled wider at his confusion. Clearly, Arawan's decision to invite her had ruffled some courtly feathers. Good.

She didn't want anyone touching her shit either. She didn't want them to find how many weapons she had packed. Bayn's dagger was hidden under her shirt, tucked into the back of her jeans.

Duncan led her on silent feet up a winding staircase and into the northern wing of the castle. His frown deepened with every step he took.

"Something wrong, Duncan?" she asked, unable to stop herself from prodding.

"It is unusual for my lord to wish to have anyone in this part of the castle. He must be very concerned for your well-being," Duncan said, surprising her with his honesty. "But I suppose you are the only mortal here, and he wouldn't want to offend the Fae Court by having anything happen to you by accident or otherwise."

"Don't worry, I can take care of myself."

"I have been told. It would be neglectful of me not to warn you of the dangers. Some of the other residents can be petty and malicious by nature when they are here. My advice is to fulfill your duty quickly and then leave."

"That's the plan, but thanks for the heads up," Imogen replied.

Duncan opened a black and silver door and led her into a suite. She checked that the few windows could lock and that there was only one door in and out. The bed was a monstrosity of ebony wood and white linen. The bathroom had a deep tub and, surprisingly, a flushing toilet.

The God of the dead has been doing some research into modern amenities. Now to convince him to let me have phone reception.

"Everything looks great, thanks, Duncan." Imogen took out her small ax and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" he asked, confused. He moved subtly to block her path.

"For a walk outside. I've been sitting on that bike for hours, and I like to know the lay of the land wherever I'm staying."

"Lord Arawan said that you were a hunter."

"I am. So, kindly, get out of my way," Imogen replied, giving him too much eye contact. Duncan seemed to struggle for a moment before finally doing as she asked.

"Thanks, champ. Do you have the key to this door?"

Duncan straightened. "As the steward of this castle, I have the keys to all the doors."

"Good. Let me have it." Imogen held out her hand.

Duncan's whole face pinched. "Miss Ironwood, it ismostunconventional—"

"Yeah, that's me. Pass it over."

Still pulling the face of extreme pain, Duncan retrieved a ring of keys from inside of his robe, removed one, and placed it into her palm.

"I was commanded to provide you with what you asked, but I will be speaking to Lord Arawan about this," he said.

Imogen tucked the key into her bra and straightened her leather jacket. "You do that. Where is the boss, by the way?"

"Out. My lord keeps his own agenda."

"Ah huh. I'll see you around, Duncan. Thanks for the welcome wagon," Imogen replied, locking her door and heading back downstairs before he could stop her.

Imogen had expected staff; she hadn't expected that they would be instructed to give her what she wanted. She thought of a hot bubble bath with servants pouring her wine and delivering her chocolate-covered delicacies.

Maybe this liaison thing won't be so bad.

Outside, the guards looked her over but didn't stop her from wandering out into the grounds. It was afternoon, but the sun was still up enough for her not to worry about falling into a pothole and breaking her neck.

Could she die there at all? If Duncan was a shade and getting about corporeal and completely solid, then Arawan's power made it happen. She filed it away for something to ask him.

Imogen stuffed her hands into the pockets of her jacket and walked to the border where she could feel the edge of Arawan's wards without crossing them.

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