13 AN ARGUMENT AT BREAKFAST

The bed was made of the softest feathers Remy had ever lain on, large enough for four people if he’d had a mind to share. Despite the Allpriory being underground, there was no staleness to the air—he’d asked one of his cowled guides, had been informed that there were more than enough naturally circulating drafts brought in from outside.

There were windows and curtains, though there was little outside to look at but rocks. There were fresh flowers on the tables and dressers; there were tables and dressers. Remy’s prejudices against caves led him to assume he would be roughing it on some stone floor for their stay, but somehow even the jewel-encrusted walls hadn’t made him reconsider the wrongness of those thoughts until he’d seen the furniture. Their hooded hosts appeared to live an austere enough lifestyle, despite the opulence of the decor, and they had been content to relegate most of the Night Court’s luxuries for their guests.

But despite all the glittery trappings of wealth, the castle had none of the modern contrivances that Malekh had added to the Fata Morgana. Several buckets of hot water on a small trolley were brought in for his use. Much to his embarrassment, the kindred overseeing his bath was a pretty vampire named Thaïs who was several hundred years older than Remy and had lived inside the Allpriory for most of her life.

“It’s not as bad as those who live aboveground might think,” she told Remy cheerfully as she dumped the steaming water into his tub. “We strive to live as simple a life as we can, but that does not prevent us from returning to the surface on occasion to find small comforts to enjoy, such as the bouquets you see here. Would you like me to scrub your back for you, Armiger?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Remy said hastily.

“Oh, but I should. It wouldn’t be hospitable of me to leave without at least knowing everything is to your satisfaction.” Thaïs picked up the sponge.

“I’m much more comfortable bathing on my own,” Remy said nervously, making no move to shed his clothes. “Is your clan the only kindred living here?”

“Yes, and it’s been a delight to have visitors, unused as we are to them. Those who’d lived long enough to have served the Night King haven’t often found their way back since his court was sundered. The ones who do only visit to challenge the Godsflame, to brave the fires.”

“Have you ever tried it yourself?” Remy asked, desperately trying to think of a way to send the girl away without giving offense. The latter had not relinquished her hold on her sponge, still looking determined to see him through his bath.

“I’ve had little reason. And even if I was of a mind to, it would take centuries more to believe myself even strong enough. It is one of many reasons why we chose to remain here. To turn the Allpriory into a place of contemplation and meditation, to temper and advise those eager to test themselves, and to honor Lilith’s memory, she who was the first within the courts to emerge from the Godsflame alive and whole.” The wide grin she shot his way was far from innocent. “Are you quite sure that you will not be needing my help, Armiger? I’m told that I am quite thorough.”

“Thank you, but I’m sure,” Remy said, much more assertively this time, though unable to hide his flush. “I will bathe alone, if you please.”

With a little pout, Thaïs bowed and took her leave.

As he washed the lake’s excesses off him, Remy pondered his new surroundings. Thaïs’s clan would have resided here for hundreds of years. The idea of spending the majority of one’s life inside a cave was terrifying to him.

Another of the temple kindred returned after his bath was done, introducing himself as Altace and bringing with him a simple meal of fruits and slices of meat that he assured Remy was beef. “We are not without our own resources,” he said with a laugh.

After he’d finished his meal, Remy was left with a burning need to step out of his room and poke his nose into every nook and cranny of the palace, though he reluctantly discarded the idea. There were hostile vampires similarly housed within, leaders of their own courts and likely capable of handing Remy his own arse if they were of a mind to.

He wanted to know where the others were. The Antecedents were undoubtedly keeping rival clans housed in separate wings of the palace, because Xiaodan had very deliberately brought Remy aside shortly after they’d left the throne room and warned him not to venture out until either she or Malekh came to him first. But he was growing impatient.

Remy sat on his bed and grimaced. He didn’t like sleeping without Xiaodan or Malekh in a place where there were far too many vampires who would not take kindly to having both a Reaper and a Pendergast in their midst. As a safeguard, he’d barricaded his door with the dresser. Odds were that his paltry blockade would not even slow them, but he’d been working up the urge to do something, even an exercise in futility.

There was a faint sound by the closed window, a tapping noise that put him immediately on alert. Slowly he crept toward it, Breaker held aloft just in case, whipping the curtains to one side in a swift movement.

Xiaodan grinned cheerfully from outside, wriggling her fingers at him with glee.

“What are you doing?” Remy spluttered after he’d let her in.

“Our hosts said we were free to look around the temple as we liked. They must have spent far too long in isolation, to give such ill advice. I’ve already spotted some of the other court leaders loitering about, and I would much rather avoid them until we officially convene.”

“And that led you to climbing the castle walls? Xiaodan, this room is a thousand feet up.”

“I’d climb a thousand more if I had to. I needed a way to get to you without their knowledge—I’d rather they not know where you’re staying until Zidan has petitioned for better arrangements.”

“Where is he?”

“Talking to the high priestess, last I checked. The clan defers to him as if he has already assumed the throne, and it’s pissing him off. Elke’s all right—I checked on her before heading here. So are Lord Lorien, Lady Rotteburg, and the rest of the Third Court.” She straightened her robes. “Zidan said that I ought to stay with you until morning.”

“You think I might be attacked?”

“Just making certain you’re safe.” She brushed past him and climbed into his bed. “Besides, with him away, I don’t like being alone in my room, either.” She glanced over her shoulder and grinned at him. “Coming?”

“We do need to talk about what might happen tomorrow,” she said quietly after Remy had gotten in with her, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his chest. “It’s the Seventh and the Eighth Courts that you’ll need to watch out for. Raghnall leads the former—you’ll know who he is, he’s like a stonework fortification cursed into life—and Hylasenth leads the Eighth. Don’t let his gentle disposition fool you. He can be twice as merciless as the others.”

“And they’re not going to take very kindly to human companions?”

“Not as badly as you think. Some keep their own share of human familiars.”

“How hypocritical of them.”

“Kindred exist to be contradictions. But Fanglei implied that they’re willing to make compromises, should an alliance with Aluria hold—if Zidan takes power, that is. For now, it’s promised that they’ll curb some of their bloodier urges.” She snuggled closer. “I’m worried,” she said quietly. “Zidan acts like nothing bothers him, but I can tell this place affects him more than he lets on. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the gathering. Regardless of what the Sixth Court leader says, I don’t see them giving up the throne without a fight.”

“Neither do I,” Remy said, pulling her closer. “But I’ll support whatever your fiancé decides, even if he persists in keeping his own secrets. I didn’t come all this way to a damn cave not to.”

---

XIAODAN WAS already gone by the time he’d woken, which he was hoping was a good sign. He squinted out at the window before spotting cave ceiling instead of sky and wincing. Habit often had him up by dawn, but it was harder to tell in this place.

There was a knock on the door. It was Thaïs again, with a breakfast tray bearing hot rolls, tea, papayas, and different kinds of jam.

“You didn’t need to,” Remy said awkwardly. “I would have come down to eat anyway.”

“We thought this would be much more prudent, Armiger, given there are so few of you in our sanctuary. The other court leaders aren’t prone to sit down for their meals.”

“So few of us?” Ah. Humans. “Thank you. For this, and for taking the time to prepare special meals for us.”

“We’ve learned to cook human food well enough to move aboveground if we need to. Most of us started out as human, and old habits die hard, even after eons.” She paused and blushed. “I would also like apologize for being too forward last night, Armiger Pendergast. I didn’t realize that you were committed to both Lady Song and Lord Malekh, and I took liberties that no host should to their visitors.”

“No offense taken,” Remy said, and then added warily, with a sudden burst of insight, “Did Lady Song speak to you about that?”

“Yes, and she was most kind about it, despite my impertinence.”

Xiaodan at her kindest was when she was at her most dangerous, and from the nervous smile on Thaïs’s face, Remy suspected the woman already knew. She withdrew from the room, and he scarfed down the meal with gusto. He would’ve liked to linger over it longer, but he wanted to know where the rest of his companions were and whether he should brace himself for any fresh trouble.

He found trouble all the same as soon as he stepped out of his room and made his way downstairs. He’d seen no one since Thaïs, and the Antecedents were likely few in number—he’d counted about twenty in total who had greeted them when they’d first entered the fortress. He was wondering just how many clan kindred the other court leaders had brought with them when he realized he’d stumbled into the dining hall by accident.

There was a silent war currently being waged during breakfast. Three vampires were seated at the center of a long table, with no food before them but several cups of crimson-colored liquid that Remy had no reason to believe was wine. None of them moved, save to take a sip. All watched one another.

Among them was Cao Fanglei, the Sixth Court leader. She was drinking from one of the little teacups she’d brought along instead of the glass brought out for her to use. Oddly enough, Daoming was nowhere in sight; from his brief encounter with them, Remy had somehow assumed that the two were near inseparable. She looked placid and relaxed, smiling benignly like she had not a care in the world, though the geniality didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Across from her sat a massive hulk of a man in heavy chain mail, wearing a steel helm with stylized wings on either side of his face that resembled an eagle’s. He looked like the type of soldier who would go to bed in his armor if he could, and carried that hard, heavy look of one who’d seen far too many battles and regretted not involving himself in more. He was drinking heavily from a large goblet, and the several empty ones before him indicated he’d been doing this for some time.

The third vampire was slender and willowy compared to the giant, and oddly ethereal. He was the palest of the three, with a fox-like face and long wheat-colored hair that hung toward his waist, and clothes that were loosely wrapped around his body like some expensive curtain. His long, slender fingers held the stem of a wineglass still full of the red liquid, suggesting that he had yet to drink from it.

It was he who spotted Remy first before the latter could retreat, a grin curling at his lips.

“Ishkibal’s tits,” he said. “The rumors were true after all. Malekh has finally netted a doxy of his own!”

And then the long-haired kindred was gone from the table and on Remy in an instant. The hunter felt fingers push against his chest—they were light to the touch, and it was a shock to find that they carried enough force to launch him several feet back all the same. Remy grunted when he hit the wall harder than he thought he ought to, Breaker clanging behind him. And then the willowy vampire was on him, hands thudding against the stone on either side of him and mouth opened to reveal pearly white fangs.

“He has good taste,” the light-haired vampire breathed. “I’m impressed. I didn’t know the old man had it in him to risk Xiaodan’s ire by bringing a concubine along.”

“Oh dear,” Fanglei said primly, rising to her feet. “That won’t do. Hylasenth. I should have told you; they don’t like it when you touch him.”

“Zidan isn’t here, my dear Fanglei. Besides, I don’t intend to corrupt him… too much.” The vampire leaned closer, his eyes taking in Remy’s Breaker with delight. “Oh, and what is this? Where have I seen this weapon before?”

Remy’s fingers moved, and the scythes slid out of Breaker’s steel frame, snapping out some inches away from the inquisitive kindred’s face. “I don’t mind telling you, right after you get the fuck off me.”

“A Reaper?” The armored vampire was now standing, his face twisted in rage. “They dare bring a Reaper into these sacred halls?”

He reached under the table and drew out the largest battle-axe Remy had ever seen, nearly as tall as he was. It was a weapon in direct proportion to its owner’s size, which, now that he was on his feet, was nearly seven feet high, and at least four inches more if you counted the ridiculous helmet.

“Raghnall,” Fanglei said peaceably, unfazed that the giant looked ready to disembowel Remy. “Lord Malekh is free to bring companions of his own choosing.”

But Raghnall was in no mood for a discussion. He raced toward where the other vampire had cornered Remy and swung his weapon.

Hylasenth disappeared and reappeared still holding Remy, ten feet away from where the Seventh Court leader had created a new doorway through the wall they’d just been standing at. Already the giant was turning toward them, hefting his axe a second time.

“This is no way to treat guests of the temple, Raghnall,” Hylasenth said calmly, like he hadn’t just attacked Remy himself. “I know that there’s very little going on in that great big head of yours, but if you would at least listen to reason—”

Raghnall was not a very good listener. He struck at them again, and Remy felt another heady rush of air as he was spirited away from one location to the next, only to be dragged speedily away again by the Eighth Court king before he could get back his bearings, and all while the other court leader did his damnable best to kill them both.

And then Remy was torn from Hylasenth’s grasp, and the room spun. When he could focus again, he found himself on the opposite end of the room with Xiaodan holding tightly to him this time, her eyes glaring daggers at the others. “What is the meaning of this?”

Raghnall hadn’t stopped for Hylasenth, but he did for her, lowering his weapon. “You brought him here?” he sputtered.

“I have the right to bring a human companion if I so wish, do I not? You’ve brought Trin yourself.”

“He’s a Reaper! He wears that damned Pendergast weapon on his back!”

“As well he should. This council was called to discuss matters involving the Night Court, including a new alliance with the human kingdoms, Aluria chief among them. How do you think we would resolve that without a representative from Elouve here at the temple?”

“Any would have done, save for a vile Pendergast!”

“It is a Pendergast who is now in charge of Elouve and serves as Queen Ophelia’s right hand,” Fanglei pointed out. “What better emissary to send here with us, to serve as both a captive and a guarantee for the Alurians to be on their best behavior?”

Raghnall looked even more pissed at the idea of anyone being on their best behavior, but several Antecedents had arrived before he could muster a retort—among them the high priestess who had welcomed Remy and the others into the castle. Altace and another Antecedent stood behind her, looking stern.

“I understand that there are many things unresolved among the courts since we last gathered centuries ago,” she said sternly. “But that is not a reason for you, Seventh, to choose a quarrel with the Third and Fourth Courts. We have offered sanctuary and safety to Armiger Pendergast knowing full well his alliance with the Reapers and with Aluria, and we will not allow the Seventh to make a mockery of our pledge.”

That proved enough to pacify the giant. Raghnall’s mouth moved, but no words came. “It is a sacrilege,” he finally said, but put away his axe. “The Fourth Court has declined much over the years, but I did not know how far you truly have fallen, to go so far as to claim a Pendergast as your concubine.”

And with that, he marched back to the table, seized his goblet, and inhaled the rest of its contents in one mighty gulp, then thundered out of the room, fist slamming into another wall as he did.

“Well now,” Hylasenth said mildly. “This has been far too much entertainment so early in the day.”

“Do you intend to lodge a complaint as well?” Xiaodan challenged him.

“Of course not, seeing that I am the reason your lovely companion still has his head on his shoulders. If anything, I would like some thanks for keeping Raghnall from turning him into mincemeat.” The vampire turned back to Remy with a beaming smile. “Perhaps a kiss would be adequate enough reward?”

Xiaodan stepped forward. That was all it took for Hylasenth to laugh and retreat. “I am only jesting with you, my little lady. You know I would never put my hands on anyone unwilling, no matter how lovely. But you surprise me, Xiaodan. I was quite certain you would tear the arms off anyone Lord Malekh would dare take as a consort. He does not seem the sort to let his gaze wander elsewhere with you by his side.”

“And what makes you think he is Zidan’s consort alone?” Xiaodan asked boldly, without any trace of shame. Remy, meanwhile, had cast his gaze on the floor where he had deemed it safest, and sweated a little. “He’s my captive as much as his.”

“Oh, our little Xiaodan is growing up. I love this new look, my dear. Spontaneity becomes you. Bare more of your newfound claws and teeth, I would like nothing more than to see Raghnall discomfited. They will expect us to gather in an hour’s time, and I am sure he will have come up with a thousand more protests to lodge with the temple clan.” He bowed to Xiaodan, cast a wicked grin in Remy’s direction, and glided out of the room.

“Our apologies, Armiger,” one of the temple kindred said to Remy. “My name is Gibrid. While we were expecting some tension, you are still guests under our protection. There is no excuse.”

“It’s all right,” Remy said hastily. “Seems to me that the Seventh is a known arse. Think nothing of it.”

Gibrid smiled. “We thank you for your clemency, but we will strive to be more watchful in the future.”

Fanglei sighed. “Children,” she said to no one in particular, then turned to Xiaodan. “You must do well to keep your Reaper companion on a leash while we remain within these walls. Raghnall still remains hostile at the prospect of an alliance with the humans, and while Hylasenth is outwardly supportive, it would be dangerous to assume his objectives align with our own.”

“Or that yours would with ours,” Xiaodan said gravely.

Fanglei smiled. “You ought to be more than capable of speaking up for the Fourth as well, for I fear your mother will no longer be up to the task. I shall see where Daoming has gotten himself off to.”

The high priestess bowed to Xiaodan. “Until the council convenes, please feel free to enjoy everything else that we have to offer.”

“I’m sorry,” Remy muttered once the Sixth Court leader and the temple leader were out of the room.

“We’ve at least given Raghnall no more reason to come after you—though I’m not quite sure he won’t try again.” Xiaodan looked worriedly at him, lowering her voice. “You didn’t mind? When I called you a captive?”

“I presumed that things would tread along those lines once we arrived.”

“Yes, but it will be different once put into practice. Raghnall is the leader of the Seventh, the Court of the Eagle. Hylasenth leads the Eighth, the Court of Tranquility; he allies himself with wherever he perceives would be most advantageous to him. None of them are to be trusted; not even Fanglei, for all her claims.” Xiaodan looked up at him. “This was why Zidan was reluctant to bring you here.”

“Well, had the Eight Court leader not been manhandling me all the while, I think I would have defended myself well against the Seventh Court ogre, though I’ll take greater care not to have him come after me for a second round,” Remy said, smiling. “But Queen Ophelia needed someone here to speak on her behalf, though more for a show of solidarity with Malekh and you more than anything else. And I rather like you claiming me for your own before the rest of your peers.”

She smiled back. “You’re incorrigible.”

“I imagine that’s why you chose me as your doxy?”

Malekh was still nowhere to be seen, but Xiaodan didn’t seem perturbed by his absence. “He’ll need time to get used to this place,” she said sadly. “I know the memories weigh heavily on him. I’m giving him the space he needs, but there’s something else I want to see.”

Elke was already up. She was examining the jewels embedded on one of the stone walls leading back out the fortress. “Finest-grade gems I’ve ever seen,” she noted excitedly when they arrived. “Far better than any I’ve used at my shops in Elouve. It’s such a shame that so few can come and admire these beauties.”

“You’re not still planning on stealing them, are you?” Remy asked warily.

“Of course not.” Ruefully, Elke let her fingers trail down the surface of a perfectly cut ruby barely smaller than her hand. “Well, not anymore. Is there anything else to see in this temple beyond pretty stones?”

“There is one,” Xiaodan said quietly.

She brought them and the other Third Court members deeper underground, to a set of stairs below the ground floor of the castle and past a no-nonsense temple clansman guarding an archway. “I asked the High Priestess Isabella for permission, and she granted it,” she said as they walked down the dimly lit corridor. “This requires a court leader’s consent.”

“And what exactly is in here that they would station someone to guard it constantly despite the scarcity of visitors?” Aunoir asked.

Xiaodan didn’t answer. She didn’t need to, when they reached the end of the long hallway and a sudden flood of light enveloped them.

It was a fire, Remy saw, but one of a scope and proportion he’d never seen before. The flames climbed almost all the way up to the ceiling hundreds of feet above them, burning atop an altar built into the cave wall. There was a set of stairs nearby and a long walkway leading up into the conflagration, but there was nothing to indicate how such flames could be stoked to such a size without any kindling or ignitable substance. Remy could have sworn that the flames had a purplish tinge to them, adding to its unnatural allure.

“Preserve us,” Shiragiku said softly.

“Light,” Speck said, and made the sign of the Mother. “Surely this is—”

“The Godsflame,” Xiaodan said, as they all stared into the fires that had burned for centuries before they were born and would do so long after they were gone.