Usurper

  I nodded at her. “She seems happy. She’s a sweet kid.”

  “She wasn’t abused by Sadler’s people,” Dymphna said. “If anything, they treated her with a lot of care.”

  “I can imagine.” I held up a lock of my black hair. “I fit in, but she must have stood out.”

  Dymphna gave me a steady look. “And do you now see this place as a rival court?”

  I sighed. “I don’t know what to think anymore. I just want my daughter to be safe.”

  Fiadh came over and sat on the other side of me. “What are we talking about?”

  “Cara misses her daughter.” Dymphna shook her head. “And I know how she feels. How times have changed.”

  “Indeed,” Fiadh said with a little laugh. “If my mother could see me now, doting on a child…”

  “That’s not a thing then?” I asked.

  “No, children are usually sent away from their mothers at birth. Love is weakness.” Fiadh put a hand to her mouth as she looked at her son. “And how we’ve been missing out.”

  I gaped at her. “Really? All children?”

  “The important ones,” Dymphna clarified. “Lesser blooded creatures tend to have litters. They’re happier if the strongest survives. Less mouths to feed. But for many of us, a child is something we own and keep at a distance. No feelings involved.”

  “Both of you have feelings for your kids,” I said. “I see the way you look at them, the way you are with them.”

  Dymphna smiled. “You can thank my husband for that. It’s part of the reason my people hated him actually. He wasn’t just a human. He was soft.” She made a face. “He refused to let me send that child away. When I saw him hold her for the first time, something inside of me broke. I had been changing since I met him, in truth, but he taught me how to love my child. He was a good father, and he idolised her. I wish she could remember him.”

  “It was Sadler’s fault that I changed,” Fiadh said. “He forced Setanta and me to remain together. Setanta was all I had, and I couldn’t help loving him. I could almost hear the disapproval of my ancestors in our home, but I couldn’t stop. It was impossible to take care of him and not want to keep him safe. But that’s not the faery way.”

  “I hear the lost tribes take care of their own young,” Dymphna said.

  “They’re savages,” Fiadh scoffed.

  “So what does that make you?” I asked smartly. “I suppose I don’t see what’s so weak about love.”

  “Because when your heart is taken away, it leaves you vulnerable,” Dymphna explained. “In my case, it led me to work on Sadler’s behalf. My weakness enabled him to control me.”

  “But you helped us afterward,” I said. “You did the right thing.”

  “Because my dignity was returned to me. I want to see Sadler die for his crimes,” Dymphna said fiercely. “It’s not for the good of the realm, not even for the good of my own king. Revenge is all I want. My husband was murdered so Sadler could take advantage of me. I want to see the life leave Sadler’s eyes. I want him to see me as he dies, to know he’s lost everything because of his own mistakes.”

  “Look at my son,” Fiadh said bitterly. “Sadler’s doing. You’re not the only one who wants to see his crimes catch up with him.”

  The two women gazed at each other, connected by the hatred of the man who had ruined their lives. Well, they weren’t the only ones.

  “I’m going to do it,” I said under my breath. “The only way I can protect Scarlet from Sadler is to kill him. This is my chance. Brendan and Drake are sending soldiers with me, but Brendan has doubts. He still thinks there’s another way.” I stared at my hands. “There isn’t. All I have to do is get close enough to talk to Sadler. I took his eye. I took his son. Now I need to finish the job.” It was a relief to get it off my chest, to finally speak the words aloud.

  “You’ll die,” Fiadh whispered. “They’ll kill you before you have a chance to escape.”

  “Then I’ll need people to make sure Scarlet stays hidden.”

  Fiadh glanced at Dymphna then shrugged. “I’m coming with you.”

  “Are you crazy?” I asked.

  “She’s right,” Dymphna said. “We have to come with you.”

  “I have a chance to get away after it’s done,” I said. “The more people there are with me, the riskier it will be.”

  “Safety in numbers,” Fiadh said. “Darksiders by your side is a sign.”

  “So is a daoine sídhe,” Dymphna said. “There’s a chance the Darkside army won’t turn on you with us there.”

  Fiadh stood, her eyes bright with excitement. “They might see this as the key to their freedom. This could change everything. We could change everything. Cara, if you can do what the men cannot…”

  “You can’t say a word to anyone,” I said. “You can’t let anyone know.”

  Fiadh took my hand. “Nobody will know. You have my word.”

  Dymphna knelt before me with a determined look on her face. “I vow to keep this silent. And when the time comes, if we can’t get you away, we’ll ensure your daughter’s safety.”

  I swallowed hard. Somehow, I had done it. I had told the truth and gathered allies. But that meant everything was on my shoulders. And I wasn’t even sure I could get close enough to Sadler to do a thing against him.

  Chapter Eleven

  I had taken a chance on Fiadh and Dymphna, and I couldn’t be sure whether that bet would pay off or blow up in my face. The only things I could control were my own actions, and I needed to learn as much as I could about what was going on. Trust had become a luxury, and the time to act was fast approaching. But the three of us were united by one factor: hating Sadler. If I had to, I would take advantage of that.

  I had four full days before I could leave again—four days in which I could be part of Brendan’s court and listen to what went on. On the first morning, a perverse part of me decided to wear a lot of black. I had the rings; I had the colour scheme. All I was missing were the twisted crown and maniacal laugh.

  I stepped out of my room and walked straight into the chest of a tall faery I vaguely recognised from when he lurked over Brendan’s shoulder on occasion. I looked up at him and frowned. “Traffic coming this way, faery. Move it.”

  He grinned, his periwinkle eyes twinkling. “I’m to escort you wherever you go. King’s orders.”

  “The king can—wait a second. You’re his bodyguard. So who’s protecting him?”

  “Haven’t you seen the size of him? He’s more than capable of protecting himself.” He leaned closer and whispered, “That’s why he’s the king.”

  “Funny. Now get out of my way.” I tried to move around him.

  He sidestepped to remain in front of me. I took a deep breath, wondering if his being there was some kind of sick punishment for my being a smartarse to Brendan since the day I met him.

  Shaking my head, I turned sideways and slid past the faery. I strode a few feet down the hall before realising the bodyguard was following me. Each step he took made clanking sounds as his apparently steel-toed boots hit the floor. I spun and glared at him. He raised his eyebrows, still grinning.

  I stamped my foot. “Are you kidding me? How are you supposed to sneak up on people when you’re so bloody loud?”

  “Oh, I’m not supposed to sneak. I’m supposed to make sure everyone is aware who is with you.” He looked smug. “That’s all it takes.”

  “You’re that scary?”

  “Scarier.”

  “Really?” I looked him up and down. With his athletic runner’s body, he looked quick, and he had to be strong, but his wings were the girliest I had seen yet. As I watched, the wings quickened, and the periwinkle faded in and out as some kind of sparkle tried to take over the colour.

  I smirked. “Your wings look like they belong on a My Little Pony figure. You’re not even carrying a sword. I mean, have you ever met Arlen? You’re not exactly the bogeyman, kid.”

  “Kid?” He choked out a surprised la
ugh. “I’m older than you, human.”

  “Human queen, brony.”

  He flexed his arms to show off his biceps. “And I could take Arlen.”

  “What are you going to do? Distract him with the sparkle then kick him to death?”

  He frowned then whipped out two small daggers from under his waistcoat. He crossed his arms then jerked them back in a slicing motion. “I like to go for the throat.”

  “Good to know,” Arlen said from behind the faery. “At least now I can watch out for that.”

  The faery jumped about a foot in the air, his cheeks flooding with colour. “Sir, I—”

  “Get out of here, Bran. Make sure her path is clear.”

  Bran nodded, his wings drooping a little. All of the sparkle had disappeared, and the periwinkle had deepened. He put away his daggers in one swift motion then ran his hand through his floppy, blue-tipped blond hair. When he passed me, he made a face. I stuck out my tongue in response.

  “Making friends?” Arlen asked gruffly as he moved to my side. He hadn’t spoken to me unless absolutely necessary since my return without Anya. He was still pissed, and I couldn’t blame him.

  “As always.”

  “I take it you’re making your way to court this morning.”

  I lifted my shoulders slightly. “Thought it would be good to stay in the loop.”

  He led the way, his back impossibly straight.

  “So,” I said, feeling the weight of the awkward silence, “is Bran… trustworthy?”

  “He’s a boy, but he’s reliable. You won’t be harmed under his care.”

  “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

  “You were almost killed the other day.”

  I sighed. “Brendan and I were alone, miles away from protection. If they wanted to kill us, surely that would have been the perfect time.”

  “Dubh,” he said after a moment’s hesitation. “He can outrun any danger.”

  “The first arrow could have gotten to either of us. I’ve been hit with an arrow while galloping away on a horse, Arlen. An experienced archer isn’t going to miss a stationary target. You know I’m right.”

  “Then what are you saying? That they weren’t trying to hurt you? Why would the Darksiders send a warning shot?”

  “Maybe it wasn’t Darksiders.”

  He stopped walking and stared at me, a frown deepening the lines in his face. “Then who?”

  “What if it was somebody who wanted us to think the Darksiders are attacking?”

  He looked confused, then his expression cleared. “You mean Drake. Do you ever not leave a trail of destruction in your wake?”

  “I was just—”

  “No!” He pushed me against the wall, his dark eyes flashing with anger. “You will not drive a wedge between them. Your issues with Drake are your own. I won’t let you jeopardise everything that Brendan is working toward.”

  I looked him in the eye, not even a little afraid. “And if I’m right?”

  He exhaled harshly and backed away from me. “You had better pray you’re not unless you want Brendan to be the king he once was. This isn’t something he could ever tolerate. And trust me, Cara, that king wouldn’t tolerate this indulgence of you, either.” He turned his back to me and headed for the stairs, calling over his shoulder, “Let’s go.”

  I followed him downstairs to where Bran was waiting. Behind Arlen’s back, he made another face at me. I let out a snort then strode after Arlen into Brendan’s great hall. I inhaled the aroma of black roses as I strode toward the head of the room. Whispers echoed in my wake. When I reached the king, he was grinning as if he knew what I was about to say.

  “What’s with my shadow?” I demanded.

  “I thought you’d enjoy the gift,” Brendan said innocently. “Aren’t you getting along well?”

  I glanced at Bran, who didn’t bother to hide his smirk. “Swimmingly. Did you personally train him to be annoying?”

  “I have no idea what you mean,” Brendan said. Then his expression turned serious. “I think it’s best that you have someone watching your back.”

  “What about your back?”

  “Arlen’s with me most of the time. This is simply a precaution.”

  “I need my space.”

  “He won’t be too intrusive. It’s more for show, in case anyone gets any ideas.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Duly noted. Now take a seat. You skipped the queue.”

  I plopped into a chair against one wall of the room. I was aware of Bran loitering nearby, but he didn’t try to sit next to me, so I could live with that. It wasn’t that I disliked him; I just wanted to have frank conversations without a king’s loyal servant listening to my every word.

  Most of that day was consumed with people making complaints about the Darksiders encroaching on territory that didn’t belong to them. There were a few reports of violence, though. Later, there were messages from the lineage consultant about potential brides for Brendan, but the king didn’t share the news with anyone near me. I almost forgot about Bran.

  But I couldn’t forget about Drake and my suspicions.

  ***

  The day before Drake was due to return, there was a commotion at the doors of the great hall. The crowd who normally stood there waiting for an audience with the king parted as if by instruction. Vix strode into the room, her black clothing marking her as other. She looked almost exactly as she had the very first time she entered Brendan’s hall. Her black hair was clipped short except for the lock that fell across her temple. Her black leather outfit showed off strong legs, and her lips were blood red. Her sole earring bobbed as she approached Brendan. I felt her misery seep into the room, but I welcomed it as familiar.

  I jumped to my feet and walked toward her, but Bran stepped into my path. Brendan rose from his thrown, one hand on the hilt of his sword.

  Vix scowled at Brendan. “Please. I wish to speak to my queen.”

  I gave Bran a little push. “Out of the way, Bran.”

  “Cara,” Brendan said in a warning tone.

  “I know her,” I said. “I trust her.”

  Vix let out a little gasp. “Don’t say that, human. People will start questioning my reputation.”

  “Brendan,” I said impatiently, “am I your prisoner now?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Step back, Bran. Indulge the prisoner.”

  I made a face at Brendan, shoved Bran, then strode over to Vix. “Why are you here?” I whispered. “What’s happening?”

  “Same as before. I’m requesting you return before all hell breaks loose. Is that a problem?”

  “You think I’m going to go back there with you? And am I supposed to sit in a locked tower until Sadler and his doctor feel like a little entertainment?”

  “If Sadler sees you and your child, he may call off the ships. You don’t understand. He’s done something terrible, I think.”

  “I already know.”

  “You do?” She blinked rapidly. “What have you heard?”

  “That he’s made a deal with a god. That the ships might be… full of dead people.”

  She released a slow hiss. “The fool. We have to stop him.”

  “I’m leaving soon. I’m going to the Darkside.”

  “Come with me now.”

  “I can’t.” I sighed. “Just wait with me for a couple of days. We’ll go to Sadler, and I’ll try to talk to him.”

  “With the child.”

  “Not gonna happen.”

  “Don’t be foolish,” she whispered. “It’s the child he really wants. You’re a means to an end… mostly.”

  “Mostly?”

  “The court wants you back. The people want you back. Sadler’s disgusted, but he won’t kill you. He can’t afford to. The people are hungry and tired and scared. They’re openly rebelling against him, and he has to do what he can to appease them. But having you by his side will only do so much. You need to bring the child with you. You know we won’t hurt her.”


  “But he would, Vix. He’s unstable. He doesn’t care what his people want. You know that, don’t you?”

  Conflicted emotions crossed her face. “I wish it had turned out differently.” She leaned in and kissed me on the lips. “I’m sorry.”

  I was so stunned that I didn’t move as she walked away. As she made it to the door, I realised my lips were tingling. I brushed my mouth with my fingers, which caused my fingertips to start tingling, too.

  “Oh, shit,” I whispered.

  I took two stumbling steps after Vix then sank to my knees. Someone began yelling, but the buzzing in my ears grew to a crescendo that blocked out all other sound. I dropped the rest of the way, unable to control my body. I felt hands on me, but I could only lie on the floor, staring at black flowers that seemed to signify death. My breathing slowed, and the paralysis overcame me.

  Shadows flew past me, probably Brendan’s men in pursuit of Vix. That bitch! I tried to move my lips, my fingers, anything, but I was turning to stone. I felt it creep across my skin and harden. Brendan knelt beside my head.

  “No!” somebody screamed. “I can help her!”

  “Cara trusts her,” Grim said.

  “I don’t!” Brendan snapped.

  “We don’t have a choice.” Grim’s voice was low and calm, soothing me. I focused on him. He was the only person not panicking. “If we don’t act soon, Cara could die. We don’t know what this poison is.”

  “The Miacha will—”

  Grim interrupted to say, “She won’t be back until tomorrow at earliest. Cara could be suffering right now.”

  “Fine.” Brendan stood. “Let her through.”

  Fiadh rushed over and crouched beside me. Her arms moved, but I couldn’t see what she was doing. “She came for the child,” Fiadh said. “When she realised the child was never here, she left. She gave me the antidote. She didn’t want to kill Cara. It was just a distraction. Vix was desperate to—”

  “I don’t care,” Brendan said gruffly. “Is it working?”

  “It could take time.” Fiadh shook her head. Her face was pale, and she looked as if she were about to throw up. “She didn’t say much else.”