Head held high, Vek traversed the long hallway leading to his father’s private sanctum. He wouldn’t be in the throne room at this time of day, and Vek wouldn’t request a formal meeting regardless. If there was subterfuge at play, it was better confronted away from all others. Especially Ara.
As Vek neared the door to his father’s chamber, he slowed. Quaea stood guard, a sneer already on her face as she studied him. She forgot her place, and he was in no mood to argue.
“The king is not receiving visitors,” Quaea said as Vek stopped in front of her. “You may not enter.”
“Move,” he said. “That’s an order from your prince.”
Her smile only widened. “The king’s command supersedes yours. Begone, or I will be forced to protect him.”
Vek’s patience shattered. Time to fulfill the unspoken promise he’d made when she’d brought him to his father the day before. Quick as thought, Vek grabbed command of her muscles with a single thrust of magic. His hand snapped out, his fingers digging into the side of her neck. Though it was reckless considering the painful cost he bore if he took blood too often, he had no time to do otherwise.
With a smile that revealed his fangs, he leaned close to her face. Unable to fight, she trembled in his grip.
“Dearest Quaea, shall I take your essence?” he asked. “By right, as a prince of the blood, I can do so without permission. Then you’ll know the truth of the rumors, won’t you?”
Her pulse raced beneath his hand. Few knew the extent of Vek’s talent, the ability to glean another’s magical ability by taking their blood, and in the vacuum of knowledge, tales abounded. He never bothered to disabuse anyone of their false impressions. In the Unseelie court, fear was a powerful influence.
Quaea’s mind brushed his. “I won’t yield.”
Vek struck, sinking his fangs into her neck between one breath and the next. He only needed a sip to grab her energy and pull, but he let her blood flow into his mouth as he intentionally drained her of most of her power. Though it was more of either than he needed, he would leave no doubts about her place in this court. Only when she slipped into unconsciousness did he finally stop, closing the wound with his magic and dropping her body on the ground.
Perhaps she would learn not to defy him.
A tendril of pain flowed between his temples and through his skull as his mind sought to process his reforming channels. But as the ache faded, he took a moment to study what he had gained. He never received every talent his donor possessed, and sometimes he already knew the same skills. So it was with Quaea, save for two useful abilities: a spell for creating transportation gates and the key to unlock the door to his father’s study.
Perfect. Without a backward glance, he cast the spell and shoved the door open.
“I don’t know what to do, my king,” the healer said before she registered Vek’s intrusion.
Shocked, Vek halted in the center of the room. The ancient healer, older even than his father, bent over the king where he lay on a long sofa. But her wide, startled eyes were on Vek now. Fear clouded her gaze before she jerked to her feet and backed away.
“I will leave you,” she whispered.
He barely noticed her as she shuffled away. His attention was on King Torek, the father he would have called immortal before today. The father whose skin was an ashen gray and whose face was lined with countless wrinkles. Vek knew the king wore a glamour, as many of their kind did, but enough to cover this? His father was so gaunt he could be near death.
“What is going on here?” Vek demanded, his voice harsher than he’d intended.
Just as well. The king would expect no concern from him.
His father pushed to a sitting position, though he slumped against the back of the sofa after the effort. “You shouldn’t be here. I gave you a task, and it is not yet complete.”
“I was stopped by a god.” Vek swallowed against the lump in his throat. “Loki. He said you’ve been hiding things from me. Appears he was correct.”
The king cursed. “You must find a way around him. The rest is not your concern.”
Vek stared at his father. “That’s it? You sent me off unprepared and expect me not to question?”
“Where’s Quaea?”
“Likely being helped to her room by the healer,” Vek said, unrepentant despite the alarm that pinched his father’s face. “I claimed her blood, as the law allows. Perhaps I was too enthusiastic.”
With a sharp inhale, the king leaned forward. “Sun’s glare, Vek, you approach treason. You know very well she was ordered to let no one through.”
Vek crossed his arms. “Did you tell her to bar me specifically?”
King Torek’s lips thinned. “You weren’t supposed to be here.”
“But I am.” Hidden from sight by his arm, Vek dug his left hand into a fist until his nails nearly broke the skin of his palm. Damn, his father was pale. With the new skill he’d gained from Aris, Vek followed the trail of life magic—and found a miasma of sickness. “Does Ara know? Is that why she was with you in the throne room?”
He didn’t expect to receive an answer, but suddenly, the king let out a deep breath and fell back against the sofa again. “No one knows.”
“This doesn’t make sense. I have seen no signs of your weakness prior to today, and this level of illness seems unlikely to be sudden.” Vek resisted the urge to rush forward. His father had never been the affectionate sort, and that was unlikely to have changed. “Besides, you’re a full-blooded Unseelie Felshreh. You don’t get sick.”
“It has to be those Moranaians,” King Torek muttered.
Vek frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“First, there was the energy poisoning that made it impossible for some to properly regenerate magic. Caused by a rogue Moranaian.” The king’s brows drew down in a glare. “Then they shattered the barrier we created to hold back Earth’s energy and to prevent the humans from annihilating themselves and us. They sent something dark out with that power, and I’m probably not the only one affected.”
Wait. His father thought this illness was deliberate? It couldn’t possibly have taken root in him so rapidly. “The two can’t be related.”
King Torek’s scowl only deepened. “I held a pillar of that wall, Vekenayeth. And the dragons the other. What coincidence that I should fall ill days after that pillar was shattered.”
“I believe a life mage purified—”
“You’ll side against me?” the king snapped.
“I did not intend to suggest such,” Vek answered carefully. And hoped his father didn’t notice the evasion. “I am merely sharing information. Earth’s energy had been poisoned by Kien, it is true, but the initial spell was destroyed. Unfortunately, Kien used his death to cause a breach in the wall and imbued the weak point with a new poison. Perhaps it affected you before the Moranaians cleansed the energy as they allowed the barrier to fail.”
His father’s expression didn’t soften. “The energy they stole? They hoard that power even as mine wanes. I used to be able to draw from that pillar at will instead of relying on blood donors. I could have purged this illness if I still had control.”
The king had been able to pull from Earth’s energy through the wall? Impossible. Blood elves couldn’t take from the world around them—or so he’d always been told. In fact, the closest his kind had come was to link to the Unseelie realm through blood spells, but that didn’t allow a Felshreh to pull in energy. It aided in shielding and with transportation at best.
“That’s why you want me to wrest control of the energy store away from them,” Vek said.
“It should be mine by right,” his father snarled. “For millennia, I have kept that power safe. Without it, our people will weaken. Our dimension is not as magic-rich as some, but the wall ensured that I could keep it adequate. We have to have it, Vek. You must find a way.”
For a moment, Vek couldn’t move. He could only stare at his father in shock. He was one of the strongest princes in the realm, considered by some to be next in line for the throne. He’d done countless tasks for his father. Endured quite a few challenges from rivals. And never—never—had the king given a single hint about any of this.
“Why are you telling me this now?” Vek finally asked.
“You must understand why your mission is vital.” The king’s gaze grew sly. “I know you’ve befriended the Moranaians. I’m no fool. But our realm is at stake. There’s not enough energy to purge this disease from my body and maintain my life. If this spreads, many will die, because not even the healers know what to do. Just like poor Dereck. Do you want that to be the fate of everyone in our realm? I have no choice but to ensure that things are set right.”
Vek’s blood ran cold at the memory of what he’d seen in the Moranaians’ cave—a portal, not a power source at all. It wouldn’t be a matter of untethering an energy reserve and transporting it to the Unseelie realm. No, he would have to shatter a major portal between dimensions, and even if he managed it, there was no guarantee the remaining energy would be useable.
But something had gone wrong here. Terribly wrong.
He thought of his mother and his siblings—even Ara, as little as they got along. They were all at risk. Already Fen was ill, and he’d never even been to this realm. But he’d had contact with the poisoned energy. A great many fae had touched upon that same power. And if what his father said about their realm’s lack of natural magic was true, it threatened their entire civilization.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Vek said.
Then he turned and left before the king could give any further commands. Vek would have to break enough of the orders he’d already received. He couldn’t kill Dria or return a power source that didn’t exist, but he would figure something out.
He always did.
Fen had to be seriously pissed. Or worse—hurt.
But still Maddy hovered in front of the safe, the mirror she’d grabbed from inside bundled against her chest. She’d rushed out with barely a word, mumbling something about the communication mirror. Ugh. She was a freaking coward. What was she supposed to say to a declaration like that, though?
Mates echoed in her head like an alarm.
Was that why she’d felt so drawn to Fen from the first moment she’d seen him? Guilt and wonder and fear twisted her stomach until she worried she might vomit. She couldn’t betray her girlfriend. In fact, Maddy would swear she felt a deep pull to Anna, too. But Fen hadn’t mentioned a connection to Anna. It might not even be possible.
Jase strode through the door, only to skid to a halt at the sight of her. “What’s wrong?”
Swallowing bile, Maddy forced a smile to her lips and jiggled the mirror. “Nothing. Just grabbing this.”
“And then staring at the safe?” he asked doubtfully.
“Sorry.” Her chuckle had to sound off, but she wasn’t going to attempt to explain. “I’ll be out in a bit. I need to get back to Fen.”
Maddy ignored Jase’s worried stare as she ducked through the door to the break room. But when she entered, her heart thundered for a different reason. Fen slumped forward across the table, and a groan sounded from his direction. She rushed forward, but before she could react, he lifted his head slightly and smacked it against the surface.
“Stupid.” Thunk. “Stupid.” Thunk. “Stupid.”
“Umm. Fen?”
She reached out a hand to nudge his shoulder, but he jerked upright before she could. Color rushed into his face, blending with the red mark from where he’d hit his head. Her lips twitched as she tried to hold back a grin. At least she wasn’t the only one screwed up by the situation.
“I…ah…I didn’t hear you come in.”
Maddy did smile then. “I figured.”
“Look, I wasn’t trying to pressure you,” Fen said, his words coming in a rush. “I wouldn’t have said anything if you hadn’t insisted. It’s a mess. I’m a mess. But you deserve to know. I don’t want you to think there’s anything wrong with your blood. I’m sure it’s phenomenal. I would love to… Well, that wouldn’t be a good idea, but—”
“Fen.” Maddy settled her finger against his lips and tried to ignore the zing of desire that shot through her. “Just stop before you hyperventilate.”
He froze, and she noticed a fang peeking out over his lower lip. Hastily, she tugged her hand back. Well, why didn’t she just wave temptation right under his nose? Bad enough that she’d run out of the room after his news. Now she was tormenting him.
“Sorry.” With a wince, she rounded the table and resumed her earlier seat. “You caught me by surprise. I did want to get the mirror, but I shouldn’t have left like that.”
Fen glanced down at his hands. “I didn’t exactly tell you gracefully.”
“I honestly don’t know what to do about it,” Maddy said. “No clue. But I would hate to lose you as a friend.”
His gaze darted to hers. “You consider me a friend?”
If not for the tension between them, she might have poked him. “Yeah. Somehow in the middle of all the insanity, I befriended you. And I have few enough of those to ditch one easily.”
Fen stared at her. “I…”
“Why don’t we figure out the rest of it later?” Maddy settled the bundle she held on the table and pulled the mirror from its velvety bag. “I want to call Cora. She can consult with the healer there.”
“Might not want to mention me,” Fen muttered. “Vek and I aren’t exactly BFFs with them after trying to break into their outpost.”
Maddy’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
“It’s a long story.” Fen sighed. “How about I explain? Then you can decide if you’re going to call Cora.”
Maddy studied Fen’s face for a moment and then nodded.
This she had to hear.
Dria paused beside Kera in the broad chamber where she’d first met Vek. The miserable lout. Stuffing those memories down, she turned to the warrior. “I would concentrate the bulk of the guards here. However, I’d like to have patrols all through the caverns at regular intervals. Kezari said that she hadn’t had time to seal every offshoot tunnel, and those could connect to other cave systems in these mountains. It’s unlikely that anyone would widen those tiny tunnels to get through, but we shouldn’t become complacent.”
Kera nodded. “Indeed, Feraien—Dria.”
Though the woman treated her with deference, Dria had a feeling there was something she wanted to say. Hopefully something besides how did you get this assignment, but there were no guarantees. “Did you have a suggestion, Kera?”
“I believe the area above the entrance is forest,” the warrior answered, no emotion on her face. “Depending on how abandoned it is, I’m wondering if we might have someone camp above.”
Dria’s brows lowered in thought. It was an excellent idea, but it would be risky if they didn’t do it right. “Does the Myern have any scouts well-acquainted with the human world?”
Kera smiled at that. “Several.”
“I’ll consult with him, then,” Dria said. “It would do no good to have warriors stationed above if it turns out to be land claimed by hostile humans. That would draw too much attention. But if any of our people could blend in, it would be perfect.”
“True.” Kera nibbled on her lower lip. Then she snapped her fingers. “Ask about Delbin and Inona. If any pair would be perfect for the job, it’s them.”
Dria turned back toward the exit. “Thank you, Kera. I appreciate your input.”
The warrior paced beside her in silence for a moment. “I admit you aren’t what I expected.”
“How so?” Dria asked evenly, though her steps slowed.
“Ralan is, well, Ralan, and when Teyark visited, he kept to himself a great deal. I wondered if you’d be like either of them.” Kera lifted a shoulder. “But no one knows much about you. There were rumors centuries ago when you were at court, but few fare well in the tales told of childhood. Even so, I admit I worried you might be…difficult.”
Dria smiled. “You feared I’d gained my position by way of royal tantrum.”
“One might say that,” Kera answered with a low chuckle.
Dria met the other’s gaze squarely. “You have Ralan to thank for this. I was supposed to keep the mages on track for my father, and I was doubtful enough about that. Then when I arrived, my darling brother placed me in charge. I am well aware that I am young for this position. Not that I think I can’t do it. I’ve worked most of my life for this.”
“I understand.” Something shifted on the warrior’s face. A lessening of tension, perhaps, and maybe a bit of respect creeping in. “The Myern promoted me to third in command beneath the Captain of the Guard after the previous captain’s death. Before that, I was the primary guard assigned to protect his formal study. A respected position but not next in line behind captain.”
“Really?” Dria asked in surprise. “I’m guessing you received a fair amount of grief over that.”
Kera grinned. “Some, but it wasn’t my fault the others didn’t prove to be as trustworthy.”
Dria found herself returning the grin. Her brother’s assessment of the Myern was correct—he had chosen perfectly. Unless something changed, it seemed she would work well with Kera. As they descended the staircase, they planned out the patrols with much more ease.
But she had a feeling things would not go so well with the mages.