A Soul for Trouble (25 page)

“She seems a bit overdressed for a witch,” Larenis muttered.

“She’s dressed appropriately for an evening at court.” Dev offered her his arm.

A shy smile appeared on her lips as she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Is that a compliment?”

The scent of flowers rose from her skin, and he fought the urge to bury his nose into the hollow of her neck and inhale deeper. “No, that was a statement of fact. If I had said, ‘You look very nice,’ that would have been a compliment.”

“And do I look nice?” She tilted her head up, waiting for his response.

His voice almost broke when he admitted, “Yes, you do.” The halo in her eyes flashed, and she giggled again.

“His Majesty is waiting.”

The captain’s coarse reminder pulled him away from drinking in her appearance. Business first. Then, maybe once they were safely in Gravaria, he could indulge in the pleasure of spending time alone with her.

They filed out into the hallway, with Larenis in front and the two guards in the rear. When Trouble ordered Cinder to stay behind, the wolf’s ears wilted, and a sad whine rose from his throat. The damn wolf already liked her better than him.

She leaned close to Dev. “So, what’s your plan?”

His free hand pressed the heavy gold seal in his pocket against his thigh. The cold weight reassured him he’d at least get the king’s attention with that. “Patience, Trouble. Wait and see.”

“You can’t keep me in the dark forever.”

“Continue to think that if you want.”

Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout. “Are you always going to be this stubborn?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

She started to withdraw her hand from his arm, but he caught it and held it in place. The warmth of her skin did little to smother the longing that flowed through his veins. It made him crave the silkiness of her naked body against his.
I can’t afford any distractions tonight.

“I understand.”

His shoulders jerked to attention at her reply. Could she hear his thoughts? The more time he spent with her, the more that puzzled him. He glanced down and noticed the small gold pendant around her neck. “Still wearing your necklace?” She covered it. “I never take it off.”

“Why?”

“It reminds me not to make the same mistakes my mother did.” Her fingers parted to reveal writing on the flat square surface. He peered closer at it.

“What does it say?”

Her brows knitted together, and she balled her hand around it. “It doesn’t say anything.

Just some odd scratches on one side and an engraving of a rose on the other.” They crossed the grand staircase and entered the west wing of the palace. He’d have plenty of time to examine her pendant closer once they left here. A whole lifetime, in fact. The problem was, how long would she have to live? Hours? Years? His spine stiffened. He’d rather be drawn and quartered alive than to see her burn.

Her fingers dug into his bicep as they walked deeper into the royal living quarters. A set of guards stood at each doorway along the long tunnel of rooms. If push came to shove, he’d have a bit of trouble getting out this way. He counted twelve guards before they finally came to the set of closed, gilded doors.

The few times he’d suffered coming to the Gravarian court, he’d had a much different experience. His entrance into the Ranellian court seemed less welcoming. A servant slipped inside the room and reappeared a minute later, nodding his head. No introductions were made.

The doors opened, and Larenis strode inside with a grim face.

The crowd of overly dressed nobles parted like he and Trouble carried the plague. No one wanted to touch them, but that didn’t stop them from staring. He bet they made quite a show—

the Gravarian elf and the yellow-haired witch. Laughter welled inside his mind, and if she didn’t keep trying to bury her face in his arm, he would’ve vocalized his amusement.

“Appear confident and smile, Trouble. You’ve done nothing wrong.” His murmured words of reassurance worked. Her spine straightened, and she threw her shoulders back. The halo in her eyes burned bright. “We have a back-up plan,” she whispered.

It was a statement, not a question, and his gut clenched. Her blind trust in Loku grew stronger every day. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.”

“But if it does—”

“It won’t.”

The captain halted and dropped into a low bow. “Your Majesty, I bring you the prisoners.” When he stepped aside, Dev bowed. Trouble dipped into a curtsey. He met the hard, dark eyes of the king.

The king straightened on his throne and stroked his neatly trimmed grey beard. “The charges?”

He expected Kell to answer, not Larenis. “Using magic within the realm.” The only movements in the room were the flicker of the king’s eyes between them and the rise and fall of Trouble’s chest.

“Names?”

Before the captain of the guard could reply, Dev said, “Sir Devarius Tel’brien, Imperial Knight of Gravaria, Sworn Protector of the Soulbearer, and son of Lord Arano Tel’brien. This is my apprentice, Arden.”

Heodis leaned forward at the string of titles. “Tel’brien, eh?” Gandor sneered from his position next to the king. “Father, surely you don’t pretend to recognize that name?”

His face darkened. “Boy, don’t presume to know everything I do.” He turned back to Dev.

“I understand you requested a private audience with me, Sir Devarius. On what grounds?” Dev pulled the seal out of his pocket. Although it had been passed down from Protector to Protector over the last five hundred years, it still gleamed like a newly minted coin. He displayed it in his palm. “This.”

Trouble’s eyes widened to match the king’s. So far, so good. His plan was working. When Kell climbed down to retrieve it for his father, she whispered, “Where did you get that?”

“That old thing? I’ve had it for years.”

Heodis examined the seal closely. His cheeks grew a shade paler when he flipped it over to the back and saw the intertwined symbols of Ranello, Gravaria, and Thallus. “Sir Devarius, I wish to speak to you alone.” When the eldest prince opened his mouth to protest, he added, “I said alone, and I meant it.” He gripped the hilt of his sword as he stood and entered a room behind the thrones.

“Wait here,” Dev whispered to Trouble.

Her hand shook when she released him, but she nodded.

As soon as they were ensconced inside the private room, the king’s rage exploded. “What is the meaning of this?” He held up the seal.

“You know as well as I do. It grants me diplomatic immunity as long as I act in protection of the Soulbearer.”

“You, yes. But it doesn’t save her.”

“It all depends on your definition of protecting her. For example, if you were to order her execution, it would be my duty to do everything possible to save her life.”

“Just because I can’t charge you with a crime doesn’t mean I won’t kill you if you try any funny business.”

Dev crossed his arms and sat in a chair while the king paced the room. Courtly etiquette be damned. He had the king backed into a political corner, and he knew it. “Of course, you could always do the just thing and pardon her. She did save your son’s life, after all.” Heodis spun on his heel, aiming his dark gaze in his direction. “You’re not making this any easier for me. I have half a mind to make a lesson out of both of you. This is still my kingdom.”

“Until Sulaino animates enough undead to take it from you.”

“Don’t you dare bring him into this.”

“On the contrary, he’s as much a part of this as she is. Sulaino attacked your son. Trouble used her magic to fight him and save the lives of over twenty of your men. Or didn’t Kell already tell you that?”

“Diplomatic immunity doesn’t excuse you from rude behavior.” Dev stood, deciding it was best to humor the king for now. “Excuse me, Your Majesty.

Prince
Kell.”

“Yes, Kell told me everything he knows. By the way, do you really expect me to believe she’s the Soulbearer?”

“She bears Loku’s mark.”

“So I’ve heard.” He leaned against a small table. “But I still find it hard to believe in such nonsense. Why would a god want to live in a mortal’s body?”

“If you remember your history correctly, he didn’t have much choice in the matter.” Heodis combed the grey streak in his beard. “My son seems to think she’s the key to defeating Sulaino.”

“And I keep telling him she’s not a weapon to be used. The consequences could be dire.”

“The same could be said if we don’t stop that maniac. Lady Moon above, I should have killed Sulaino when I had a chance.”

Dev’s head jerked to attention. This was an unexpected revelation. “You’ve had a run-in with him in the past?”

“You could say that. I ordered the execution of his family for witchcraft and made him watch.”

“Why did you spare him?”

“Because at the time, he didn’t show any magical abilities. I thought I would be merciful, and it came back to bite me in the ass.”

“And you’re worried the same thing might happen if you spare Trouble?”

“Odd name for the girl, but it fits. And yes, I am worried about that. Whether I like to admit it or not, having her on our side when we hunt down that necromancer will make our job much easier.” Heodis eyed him up and down. “If I had known you were a Tel’brien, I would have been better prepared. You’re as wily as your old man.”

“He warned me about you. He once told me you’re the reason why he refuses to take part in any more of the Empire’s diplomatic missions.”

“Yes, we had some heated arguments back then.” His face relaxed for a moment, taking years off his face. He cleared his throat. “But back to the matter at hand. Because of this stupid seal, I can’t press any charges against you. You’re free to go.”

“And you know by the nature of my duty, I can’t leave without her.” He took the seal back and placed it in his pocket.

“I haven’t decided what I should do with her. I might need to mull over it for a few days.”

“And in the meantime?”

“In the meantime, you can keep your impertinent mouth shut and leave me to my thoughts.

I understand Kell has you staying in the east wing as special guests.” Dev nodded. “Complete with servants, armed guards, and locked doors.”

“We spare no expense for our special guests. For your safety, though, I’d suggest staying in your rooms. I’ve already received quite a few recommendations for your heads.”

“May I at least stay in the same room with her?”

A sly grin parted Heodis’ beard. “Is that how it is between you two?” He closed his eyes, remembering how tempting she looked tonight. “Duty comes before all else, Your Majesty.”

“But I can tell by the look on your face it’s crossed your mind. No need to hide it from me—we’re both men. And judging by the way Kell was devouring her with his eyes tonight, you might have competition.”

“So I’ve noticed. If your son lives up to his reputation, his interest will die down in a few days.”

“The boy’s a bit too much like his father, but once I met his mother, I was hooked. There hasn’t been another woman for me since then. If Kell’s determined to have something, he usually gets it.”

A stone landed in his stomach. He’d left Trouble alone out there, giving Kell the perfect opportunity to seduce her. A curse escaped his lips. He needed to find her and lock her in a room.

“Worried?” Laughter edged the king’s voice.

“Only for her safety. She’s resisted your son’s charms so far. I have faith she’ll continue to do so.”

“So you hope.” He straightened. “I’ll announce that I’m still considering both of your fates. No need for the court to know about your special privileges.”

“I appreciate your consideration of this matter.” He tried to keep his voice calm and steady, even though he couldn’t wait to get out of here and snatch Trouble back from Kell. He bowed and waited for the king to exit the room before following him.

Chapter 26

Arden’s heart thumped in her chest as Dev followed the king out of the throne room. The chill of abandonment surrounded her, leaving her naked and exposed to the crowd. Once again, she became the freak everyone stared at. The men turned away from her, their expressions something of fear mixed with contempt. The women with their fancy clothes and kohl-lined eyes openly glared her. One in particular looked like she wanted to rip the dress from Arden’s body.

She searched the room until she found the one friendly face she could count on—Kell’s.

He smiled and strolled down the stairs to join her. “May I suggest a turn in the garden?”

“Please.” She took his arm and hurried toward the open doors, not caring how many people she shoved aside to get there. Once the night air embraced her, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Arden.” His gaze swept up and down her body. “You look ravishing tonight.”

She lowered her eyes and smoothed her damp palm on the silk skirt. “It has to be the dress.”

“My dear Soulbearer, do you know how to take a compliment?”

“I’ve never had much experience with them until recently.”

“Don’t discount Dev’s compliment, either. He’s very spare with his praise, and you
should be very proud you weaseled one from him.”

Her smile widened and, for a moment, she forgot that she could be minutes away from a pyre. Right now, she imagined she was just another lady of the court who’d happened to catch the attention of the prince.

A shrill voice came through the open doors. “That little witch must have stolen it.”

“Uh-oh.” Kell’s mouth angled down, and he led her down the stairs onto the garden paths.

“Perhaps we should hide in the labyrinth until Elslyn calms down.”

“Who?” She’d forgotten how easily her legs got tangled up in full skirts until she tried to match his pace.

“Elslyn, Gandor’s wife. You’re wearing one of her discarded dresses.”

“Oh.” Her heart sank a little. She wore a princess’s cast-off, not a gown that belonged to her. The truth reminded her that she was nothing more than a skinny barmaid playing dress-up.

He stopped at the opening of a tall hedge. “You sound disappointed. Do you not like the dress?”