Chapter Twenty-Three

Plates clanked together as the servants cleared the breakfast dishes the next morning. I cringed, my head throbbing from lack of sleep. It was hard to get comfortable in the room I knew my mother had died in. I was sure if I asked, Aunt Margaret would move me. But I didn’t want to offend her. After all, I told her I wanted to stay in Mother’s old room. It was like by being there it’d somehow make me feel closer to her.

A giggle sounded from the end of the table. I narrowed my eyes, watching the cook’s teenage daughter lean over and fix the laces on Pudge’s tunic.

“When I’m done with my chores, I can show you around the estate, if you’d like?” she said.

Pudge smiled. “Sure. That’d be nice.”

She giggled again, making me want to toss a bowl at her. Why wouldn’t she just go away? Her eyelashes fluttered up and down, and her hand brushed his when she took his dirty dishes away. And he sat there, like a buffoon, grinning.

I kicked him under the table.

“Ow, what was that for?” he said.

“What are you talking about?” I shrugged. “I didn’t do anything.” What did it matter to me if she flirted with Pudge? Ugh, who was I kidding? Of course it mattered. But how could I tell him that?

“Why don’t we move to the drawing room?” Aunt Margaret said. She stood, pushing her chair back. “We have important things to discuss.”

We followed her down the hall to a staircase and up to the second floor. Wrought iron sconces decorated the walls, and ornate rugs lined the floors. We stepped through a door at the end of the corridor, and the room held several chairs in front of a large stone fireplace. Above the mantel hung a painting of my mother, with my aunt and uncle standing on either side of her.

Even in the picture, my uncle’s eyes seemed cold and cruel. The painter captured his callous features with precision; I shivered, rubbing my arms against the gooseflesh that broke out on my skin. Tearing my gaze away from the picture, I joined my aunt on a velvet settee.

She turned to me. “It occurred to me last night, after we retired for bed, that the Earl of Hamden is holding a weeklong celebration with a tournament at the end. He’s an avid hunter and lives only a few miles from here. I can’t say for certain he’s the one who has your brother, but it’d be a good place for us to start looking. He is Frederik’s father, so that would make sense with what you told me.” She patted my hand. “There will be plenty of gossips at the celebration, so we’ll be sure to hear something.”

I toyed with my tunic sleeve. Fear trampled through my blood. The longer it took me to find my brother, the less likely I’d find him alive. And if I didn’t bring him back, would that mean I’d be next in line for the throne? I wasn’t ready for that. I’d trained to be a soldier and an advisor. Plus, I was certain the council would never allow for me to take my rightful place. So much depended on me finding him.

I couldn’t think about him not being alive. I had to find Dorian. He was my brother. My only sibling. I didn’t want to lose him before we even got a chance to get to know each other in the sense of being related.

“We have to go there. It took too much time as is to get here.” However, I wasn’t sure exactly how to go about this. My obvious first plan was to find him. If we could get him out of there without a ransom, I would do that first. But if not, I had gold and the Hag’s Crest with me. I wondered, though, if I presented it to them, if they’d truly release him.

“I’m going to bring you to the earl’s castle. Many nobles and knights are coming in from the surrounding lands for the tournament. It will be easy to pick up any conversations regarding your brother. And, I daresay, with your glamour in place, you can easily attract the earl’s son’s attention. He cannot turn down a pretty face,” Margaret said.

With a smile, I leaped to my feet. “When can we go?”

Margaret laughed. “As soon as you change into a gown. I’ve already been invited to the picnic this afternoon, hosted by Lady Hamden, the earl’s wife. She won’t mind if I bring my niece with me.”

For the first time in days, hope soared. “I’ll just be a minute,” I said.

“What am I supposed to do?” Pudge crossed his arms at his chest.

Aunt Margaret frowned. “Well, you can be one of our drivers and accompany us. This will allow you a chance to see if the other drivers or servants are spilling secrets. I would have you come along as Ivy’s betrothed, but she needs to be single to try to get Frederik’s attention.”

“Are you certain Ivy should gain this human’s attention?” Pudge came to stand beside me. “What if he…hurts her?”

I snorted. “I think I can take care of myself.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea. He might try to kiss you or something.” Pudge’s scowl deepened.

“She’ll be fine, Pudgeons. Now, let’s get ready to go.”

When my aunt disappeared, Pudge caught my arm. “Ivy, are you sure about this?”

The concern in his eyes nearly melted me, and I sighed. “I promise I’ll carry a dagger everywhere I go.”

He released me, not looking the least bit convinced. But I didn’t have time to argue and hurried away to get changed.

When I stepped outside, Pudge stood next to the carriage, waiting for me. He offered me a hand as I climbed inside. But before he secured the door, the sound of shouting came from the yard, and I looked out to see several guards drawing bows.

I hopped from the carriage and rushed to the gate to see Grr running around the castle walls.

“No! That’s my dog.” I put myself between the guards and my pet.

Margaret ordered for the weapons to be lowered. “You might want to keep him out of sight, Ivy. People in these parts are superstitious, and he’s quite large as far as dogs go. Too large to be a normal dog.”

“Grr, I told you to stay put.” I pointed a finger at him.

He whimpered, shoving his snout through the gate.

I scratched his head. “You have to listen, boy. Now run along. I’ll make sure to bring some food later tonight.”

After he seemed assured I was okay, he loped back to the tree line and sat watching as I climbed into the carriage.

When we began to move, Aunt Margaret told me about Earl Hamden’s family—mainly his son, Lord Frederik, from whom I would be trying to acquire information.

“Lady Hamden is a very kind, genteel woman. She and I have become good friends over the years,” Margaret said. “So whatever it is that you do to entice her son, be gentle.”

“Trust me, I don’t plan on leading him on any more than I have to.” My fingers slid down the blue, silky material of my gown. “I’ve got enough problems with the opposite sex.”

“Are you and Pudgeons together?” she asked.

My lips turned up at the corners, and I laughed. “Um—no. He and I, well, we’re friends. I-I don’t think he sees me in a romantic way. My name will be put in for the Choosing Ceremony—that is, once the Council realizes my betrothal to Dorian wasn’t real.”

Aunt Margaret went rigid. “So your mate will be chosen the same way your father’s was?”

I quirked an eyebrow. “Yes. But is it not the same in the human world? Your parents try and obtain the best match for you. Based, of course, on standing, titles, money…or at least that’s what I’ve read.”

“I suppose you’re right. But sometimes we have a choice in it. To fall in love, I mean.”

I pulled the drapes back and stared at the landscape as we passed by. “As do we. But Pudge promised to speak up for me.”

“Do you love him?” Aunt Margaret asked, reaching for my hand.

My cheeks warmed. How did I feel about Pudge? I’d definitely been worried when he’d nearly died. We spent nearly every waking moment together. And I cared what happened to him… “I-I—” Oh Hag, I was so confused. I definitely couldn’t imagine my life without him. Was that what love was?

Margaret had a faraway look on her face. “If you can, promise me you’ll wait, Ivy. Wait and fall in love with someone before you decide to spend the rest of your days with them.”

I swallowed the lump lodged in my throat, because I knew her thoughts were on my mother and father.

“I’ll try,” I said, but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.

“Your grandparents were paired together, and they spent most of their days miserable. Mother cried a lot, while Father snuck away to lie with his mistress. And look how it all turned out.” Margaret’s eyes welled with tears. “I want more for you.”

So did I.

Soon, I caught sight of a castle in the distance, a red, yellow, and green flag waving proudly from the turrets. The carriage maneuvered over the stone road, through two sets of gates, then waited to cross the drawbridge into the inner curtain.

The sound of the chains clinking rang out as they lowered the large wooden structure. At last, the carriage jolted forward. From the window, I spied numerous banners and tents erected for the tournament. The farther in we went, the more I saw. There were carts and tents set up as a marketplace, where peddlers already had their goods displayed. Knights practiced swordplay in the yard while horses carried people through the bustling sanctum of the castle.

At last, our carriage came to a halt, and Pudge came around, opening the door for us. First, he helped Margaret out, then reached in to aid me. His strong hand held tight to mine, then moved to my waist to steady me.

I smiled at him, sun warming my face. “Thanks.”

“Remember, he’s pretending to be the help,” Aunt Margaret muttered, still maintaining her decorum.

Pudge snatched his hand back and gave an overexaggerated bow. “Milady.”

I heard the note of teasing in his voice, and had we been back in Gob Hollow, I would’ve slapped him with the fan my aunt gave me. “Later,” I said under my breath.

“Margaret, you’ve made it.” A slight woman with auburn hair walked toward us. Her scarlet-and-gold gown swished at her ankles, and large rubies decorated her neck and fingers.

“Lady Hamden, it’s so good to see you again. It looks like there will be a fair turnout for the tournament.” Margaret clasped my arm, bringing me up even with her. “I hope it’s not an inconvenience, but my niece arrived last night, and I’ve invited her to accompany us around the marketplace.”

Lady Hamden’s smile widened, her gaze running from my face to my feet. My cheeks burned under her scrutiny. Hag, I felt like a piece of meat on display in the butcher’s shop.

“What a pretty girl you are.” Her eyes twinkled. “And which of your siblings does she belong to?”

Aunt Margaret smiled. “This is my late sister’s daughter. She was sent away as a baby to be raised by her father. Lord Monroe of Avery.”

The lie fell so easily from Aunt’s lips, which I was glad for.

“And what is your name, child?”

“Ivy, milady,” I said. Even I knew how to be formal when necessary, thank the Hag for all Archer’s trainings on etiquette over the years.

She patted my hand, then turned to my aunt. “You must bring her to the picnic with you. My Frederik will be there, and we can introduce them.”

“Splendid. I’ve told Ivy what a great estate you have, and she’s excited to see the expanse of it. And I daresay, I’ve equally bragged about the wonderful company as well.”

Lady Hamden laughed, taking Margaret’s arm. They strolled ahead, and I followed, examining the items for sale in the market. There were leather shoes with pointed toes and glamorous fabrics of silk and lace. Some vendors sold knives and spoons, decorative flasks, mutton legs and turkey drumsticks. Everywhere I looked, there was a new wonderment. But one stand in particular caught my gaze. The display of leather-bound books was enormous and would make Gob Benchley jealous. As much as I wanted to enjoy being in the human world and take in everything, I knew I had to find Dorian. Where was he? My gaze shifted over the stands and people. I leaned in, trying to listen to the conversations around me.

I wished my aunt would finish with the niceties. But I couldn’t be rude. Would they notice if I slipped away for a moment to search the grounds? My skin tingled as I considered changing my glamour to sneak away.

“What do you think of this fabric for a dress, Ivy?” Margaret held up an emerald shade of lacy material. “Would it not be perfect for Lady Hamden?”

I glanced at the auburn-haired woman and her pale complexion, then back to the fabric. Shit. I didn’t care about fabric or dresses or nonsense stuff.

“It’d be perfect. She has just the right skin tone,” I said.

They both smiled, and Lady Hamden proceeded to purchase it. Once she bought it, she sent one of her servants back to the castle with it. After a while, we ambled toward a clearing. Wooden benches surrounded the perimeter. Each seat was filled, but that didn’t stop Lady Hamden from moving forward. A small group cleared away for us to sit. It surprised me, mostly because people didn’t act like this in Gob Hollow. Archer was a prominent noble, but he had no problem standing amongst the crowds.

Soon other nobles filtered in around us, and, a moment later, acrobats tumbled in. I watched in awe as a man flipped onto another one’s shoulders. The rest of the troupe pounced forward until they were standing in the shape of a pyramid. They catapulted in the air, diving and somersaulting before our eyes.

One came closer to the crowd, a flaming stick in his hand. He spun around, then spat on the flames, sending them shooting outward like a dragon breathing fire. Someone tossed him a few knives, which he juggled, tossing them high into the air and catching them by the handles.

Amazing. The troupe did several more rounds of tricks before hurrying away, promising a bigger, better show during the tournament. I’d never seen anything more fantastic. We never had shows like this in Gob Hollow, but I’d seen pictures in my books.

“That was splendid,” I said.

Lady Hamden smiled. “Yes. And they’re very well-traveled. They’ve performed for kings. We are lucky to have them here for the tournament.” She glanced in the distance to where a servant waved a red kerchief, then turned back to us. “Looks like everything is ready for the picnic. I’ll see you there.”

Margaret and I curtsied. “She seems nice,” I said once she was out of earshot.

“She is. But her son is nothing short of arrogant. So be mindful. Also, I know I said you were Lord Monroe’s daughter. He passed away a few years back, so there shouldn’t be anyone here to challenge that claim. He lived west of here on a large estate that was on Lake Greenleaf. If Margaret questions us further, I’ll explain that you were born out of wedlock, but upon my sister’s death, he took you in.”

“You think she’ll believe that?”

“She has no reason to think I’d lie to her. As long as your Uncle John doesn’t come to the tournament, your identity should be safe.”

We headed to where our carriage was parked and climbed back in. I peered through the window, amazed by the humans. So far they’d accepted me with few questions. For the first time in a long time, I felt as if I belonged somewhere. I didn’t have to defend my appearance or fight one of my classmates for calling me a halfer. But I did admit, it was strange not to see green skin and pointed teeth anywhere. Or not smell the stench of innards steaming from the market. They didn’t sell rotten fruit and meat, only fresh foods.

The carriage jerked into motion, traveling back through the gate and down the hill. Up ahead, I caught sight of the riverbank, water glistening in the sun. Trees swayed back and forth like giants dancing to nature’s music.

Blankets were spread upon the ground, nobles climbing from carriages and the backs of large steeds. Some of the men had falcons perched on their arms, ready to hunt, while ladies swung elaborate fans back and forth in front of them.

When we stopped, Pudge hurried to get the door, once again helping me from the carriage.

“Keep your eyes and ears open,” I whispered, giving his hand a squeeze. “One of the drivers might have some news to share.”

Pudge smiled. “I will. And you have fun.” He glanced around. “Doing whatever it is that ladies do here.”

Margaret cleared her throat, and I released Pudge’s hand.

“Let’s find a place in the shade to sit,” she said.

I held up my skirts as we trampled through the long grass and rainbow of wildflowers. Hag, what I wouldn’t give for a pair of breeches about now. Already, sweat beaded up on my skin beneath the layers.

“Lady Margaret, over here.” Lady Hamden waved her ridiculously large fan at us. Ribbon hung from the handle like sheep intestines.

Several servants unloaded food from the carts and spread it out for the guests. Once we made our way over to Lady Hamden, she touched my arm, leading me closer to the trees.

“Lady Ivy, I’d like for you to meet my son, Lord Frederik.”

So this was Frederik, the one who’d possibly taken my brother? His golden hair shined like he wore an ethereal crown. His dark blue eyes reminded me of the wildflowers back home. Frederik was easily a foot taller than me, with strong shoulders and a smile that’d make any human girl melt, but I preferred goblins to this. However, he didn’t look like he could’ve bested my brother. Was this unblemished pretty boy really the culprit of Dorian’s kidnapping?

With a forced smile, I curtsied. “Lord Frederik, it is good to meet you.”

He caught my hand and brought it to his lips. “My pleasure. Shall we find a place to sit before all the good spots are taken?” He tucked my hand around his arm. “Mother, I hope you won’t mind if I steal away your guest.”

Lady Hamden laughed. “Not at all. Don’t stray too far, Frederik.”

We walked to a blanket on the edge of the group, and he helped me to sit down, then proceeded to take a seat next to me.

“My mother said you were lovely, but I didn’t expect someone as beautiful as you,” he said.

My face heated as if I’d shoved my head in one of Cook’s cast-iron pots. I wasn’t used to the opposite sex talking to me like this. “Thank you. And are you participating in the tournament this week?” Ugh, would I be able to keep up the formality?

“Of course. We Hamdens have a reputation to uphold.” His smile widened, teeth in perfect alignment. “And will you be attending the festivities?”

Witch’s tits, it was hot out. My gaze roamed the grounds, landing on Pudge, who stood against the carriage, arms crossed at his chest, glaring. What was his problem? I sighed, realizing his dirty looks were directed at Frederik. As I stared at Pudge, I found myself wishing he was the one sitting across from me. If only he could let his glamour melt away so I could see his familiar green skin.

“Yes.” I turned my attention back to Frederik. “My aunt and I are excited to see the jousting. Maybe take in an act or two.”

“Then it’s decided: You must accompany me to the ball tomorrow night. Every lord needs a pretty lady on his arm.”

“We’ll see.” I batted my eyelashes at him.

“I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll talk to your aunt and plead with her to make you,” he teased, his fingers swiping a tendril of hair from my face.

I closed my eyes, counting to ten. It felt like I’d just been introduced to the human version of Vane Girt. I wondered if his father had sired any half-human children. At least he was kinder—I could give him that. All the humans that I’d met so far were. But like Aunt Margaret said, he was arrogant.

“Well, if you insist.” My lids fluttered open to find him watching me. Luckily, we were interrupted by a servant setting pork and pheasant down on the blanket, along with bread and a decanter of wine.

“I do.”

Frederik spent the next several hours telling me about himself. And if tested on how great he was at everything, I’d be able to pass with flying colors, because, according to him, he was an expert at everything. He was a master swordsman, archer, soldier, knight, lord. The ladies all desired him and his wealth. There wasn’t a lord in the kingdom that could best him; all I had to do was ask. I sat there, nodding and smiling, bored out of my ever-loving mind.

It was worse than torture. Worse than having Vane Girt kiss my hand—well, almost as bad. I’m doing it for my brother. And just because he talked about himself didn’t make him bad. Just annoying. Now, if only he’d say something useful.

“So, what things are you interested in?” Frederik finally turned the conversation over to me.

“Dancing, sewing, horseback riding.” I feigned shyness. “And now, I think I like picnics, too.” Oh, Hag. If Pudge heard me now, he’d think I’d lost my mind. I wasn’t good at dancing, and I’d never sewn a thing in my life.

He grinned, taking it all in. As if it pleased him to think I was so docile—fragile, even. Too bad I couldn’t challenge him to a sword fight. I’d likely beat his arse.

“Perhaps you and I can take one together, just the two of us.”

“I’d like that, but you must seek permission from my aunt,” I said, snapping open my fan. I waved it in front of my face to keep him from seeing the frown tugging at my lips. I was so uncomfortable being this person. With the sun beating down overhead, I struggled with how drained I felt. If we continued too much longer in the daylight, it’d be harder to keep my glamour in place. Pudge must’ve really been suffering right now. It took much more for him to use his power.

“I’m so glad you came today; otherwise, I’d have been stuck with some plump, overtalkative bore.” He reached for my hand, setting the fan on the blanket. “But you’re different. I can tell.”

“You have no idea.” I smiled.

He chuckled, then stood, pulling me along with him. We ambled toward the river, the water singing as it crept over rocks and fallen logs. In the distance, birds twittered along, flying high against the cloudless sky.

“Tomorrow, I plan to dance every set with you,” Frederik said. “And scare away any men who think they can have a turn.”

For a moment, I considered shoving him into the water, just to see if he was an expert swimmer. The thought nearly made me laugh.

“You are so charming. I’ll be counting down the minutes.” Where was my aunt?

“As will I.”

“Lord Frederik, you know, we might have time to walk about your estate,” I said, hoping to get closer to the castle. At least then, maybe I could feign sickness and find a way inside.

He grinned. “Ah, I wish I could, but I have some matters to attend to this evening.”

What kind of matters? “Oh, I’d hoped to get a private tour before tomorrow night and before it was so crowded.”

His smile fell from his lips as he stared at me. “Why would you care to see my home so badly? Your father has a large estate as well, does he not?”

I ducked my head. Had I taken it too far? Perhaps Frederik was more observant than I gave him credit for. “Yes, but this is my first time here, and I’ve heard so many grand stories of your castle and the rolling hills and rivers. Sorry, you must think I’m a country bumpkin acting like this.”

He reached for my hand. “No, I think no such thing. I’m sorry if I seem rude. I just have a lot to get in order tonight. But I promise that I will spend every moment I can with you tomorrow evening. I’m sure we can sneak away from the dancing so I might give you a grand tour of sorts.”

“Thank you. I’d like that.” My pulse thundered in my ears. Hag, I hoped he believed me.

At last, I caught sight of Margaret waving to me, and a sigh of relief whooshed past my lips. “It looks as if my aunt is ready to go.”

“Then I shall see you tomorrow, my beautiful Ivy.” He kissed my hand once more, and then we headed in Margaret’s direction.

After they exchanged niceties in regard to the picnic, he saw my aunt and me to the carriage, pushing past Pudge to help me inside. As Pudge circled to the front, he poked his head in the window.

“He’s an arse. I don’t think you being around him is a good idea.”

“Oh, he’s harmless.” Aunt Margaret waved her hand in dismissal. “Besides, he’s Ivy’s best chance at getting the information she needs.”

“She’s right. I have to do this, Pudge. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about. Frederik isn’t my type.” But if he wasn’t, then who was? My eyes followed Pudge as he took a step back. The way his floppy hair fell over his forehead. How his arm muscles flexed as he gripped tight to the side of the carriage. His familiarity calmed me, made my blood sing in my ears. My heart quickened. What in Hag’s name had gotten into me? Why was I scrutinizing every detail of Pudge? He was my best friend. Are you sure he’s only that? Even I couldn’t deny my reaction to our shared kiss.

He scowled, muttering something under his breath about daggers and Frederik as he hopped into the driver’s seat.

And now, my real work began. Trying to pry information from a very conceited Lord Frederik.