Innocent Darkness (21 page)
Authors: Suzanne Lazear
Tags: #Juvenile Fiction, #Fantasy & Magic, #Steampunk
Steven shook his head and continued to follow the magic like a bloodhound on a trail until they came to a brick wall, overgrown with ivy.
James’ eyes widened. “There’s something on the other side of the wall.”
“I think there is.” He walked along the length, looking for the door. Perhaps Noli simply scaled the wall? “Ah, there we are.” With a push, the vine-covered door opened.
“Flying figs, what is this place?” James stood at his shoulder.
“Language, James,” he teased, taking it in. “It’s a garden, of course.” A secret faery garden. This place, a tangle of roses, vines, and other blooms, would draw her like the proverbial moth to a flame. Little wood faeries flit about, playing tag. In the center of it all stood a faerie tree, inhabited and radiating power.
He made his way to the tree, laying a hand on its gnarled trunk. “Flying figs.”
“Language, Steven.” James grinned. The faeries flew around them, one landed on James’ shoulder. “Is that … is that a wild gate?” His voice hushed.
“It is.” What luck that Noli would end up in a school with a faery tree that was not only inhabited, but was a wild gate. He’d love to one day learn why this place existed.
Using his gift, he tried to “speak” to the tree—to see when the gate was last used. He got the sense of a sad girl with the Spark and of a male Fae. Finally, he got the impression of a burst of power and the faint tang of midsummer.
He looked over at James who spoke with a wood faery. “James, this was last used at midsummer; two people went through, a male of our kind and a sad mortal girl with the Spark.”
“It could be anyone. We should get proof,” James replied.
“Proof, you?” He didn’t hide his surprise. “Someone took Quinn’s lecture to heart.”
James glanced at the faery in his hand. “She says a girl fitting Noli’s description came here a lot and disappeared from the tree at midsummer. The girl often brought a redheaded friend here, who shone nearly as brightly.”
Steven nodded. “That sounds like proof to me.”
“I’ll go check with this Charlotte and with Jeff, to see if Noli went to either of them,” James offered. “Father and Quinn won’t let us charge into the Otherworld without solid proof.”
“You as the voice of reason is humorous. Next,
you’ll
be the mushy one.” He snorted. “If you’re checking on them, what will I do?”
The wood faery flew off. A grin spread across James’ face so broadly it went all the way to his ears. “Why, charge into the Otherworld without proof and find Noli, of course.”
For a moment he paused. Would James be safe? Yes, he could take care of himself. After all, it was only the mortal realm.
He returned his brother’s grin. “Now, that’s more like it.”
James took off his hat and mock bowed. “I’m here to serve.”
“Let’s see if the kitchen-girl has the address. Are you sure you want to find Charlotte and Jeff on your own?” He didn’t really want to go with James. The sense of urgency to find Noli, protect her, continue to build inside him like a maelstrom. They both knew Noli didn’t dwell anyplace here. But James was right, they needed proof she
wasn’t
in the mortal realm.
“Yes—but don’t think I won’t join you in the Otherworld as soon as I’m done. I am the better swordsman, you know,” James replied as they left the faery garden.
“Hurry up, or you’ll miss all the fun.”
James’ eyes flashed in the afternoon sunlight. “Never.”
Kevighn didn’t go looking for the queen.
She’d
invaded
his
home. Noli worked in the grove, making window boxes for the tree house. As long as she stayed there she’d be safe. Now wasn’t the time for them to meet.
As soon as he sensed the queen nearby, he began to make tea. Turning when she appeared in the kitchen doorway, he bowed low. “Would you like some tea, your majesty?”
“And here many think you have no manners.” Her cool voice cut through the cozy kitchen like a winter wind. “You may rise. Please. After having to look for you, I deserve to take advantage of your hospitality.”
He busied himself to hide his nervousness. No fear, no weakness, could be shown in front of her or she’d exploit it. “What brings you here, you majesty? My apologies for making you look for me; I’ve been here the whole time.”
“With false trails and safeguards. Whatever are you doing? In all regards. I’ve actually had to send out other hunters—not that anyone has found anything.”
In some ways he felt relief—a testament to his skill. The thought also sadden him. “With all due respect, I need more time, your majesty.”
“For what? Where is she? Why hasn’t the magic bound her? Why ever did you bring her
here
and not to the palace … as charming as this place is?” Looking around the simple kitchen, she raised a pale blonde eyebrow in distaste.
This queen talked far more than the last one. Even though no one would ever say out loud that this queen killed the previous one, everyone knew she did. No one knew how. Perhaps she talked her sister to death.
“I don’t know why the magic has yet to bind her; she shines like no other in my memory. She’s smart, curious, and not like the usual girls. That’s why I brought her here. She’s a wary one, not entranced by gems and gowns.” He set two steaming cups of tea on the table, trying to keep his face and voice neutral. The queen would blame him no matter what he said, but he didn’t need to give her ammunition.
“You should still have brought her to me, like the others.” The queen frowned. Beautiful, her regal features looked carved out of alabaster. Blonde hair sat the top of her head, parts cascading down in ringlets. Jeweled mechanical flowers that opened and closed before his eyes decorated her coif. She also wore a tiara made of tiny spires.
“I always spend a little time with them before bringing them to the palace. I simply happened to bring her here.” He toyed with his cup. The last thing he’d counted on was him feeling the way he did. Bright Lady bless, Noli was only a mortal.
“Why is it taking so long?” She took a sip, the sleeves of her heavily embroidered plum-colored dress rustling with her every movement. “It has never taken this long.”
“I don’t know.” That, too, galled him. After all, he was the best.
“Meanwhile, my kingdom is falling apart. My subjects are frightened. And you—” Her blue eyes flashed with rage as she pounded her fist on the table, nearly upsetting her teacup.
Uh oh. He steeled himself against her wrath.
“You have taken your sweet time, then when you found her, you’ve hidden her away and haven’t made any progress. Time has run out. Either make the magic bind her immediately, or I’ll do it for you.” Her cheeks flushed.
A frightening prospect. “What about another? I think the school might have one.”
“There is no time for another. I hope you pray to the Bright Lady that this mortal has enough power to repair all the damage you’ve personally caused.” Her voice rose in pitch.
For a moment he thought she might pop the laces on the black leather corset she wore over her dress. Kevighn flinched at the accusation, but didn’t say a word. He
had
caused it.
“I’m going hold you accountable for everything that does not return to normal—and you’ll pay dearly for it with your hide.” With an eerie laugh, her eyes held a look of macabre delight as she took a sip of tea, pinky up.
“Of course, your majesty. I have brought her here, plied her with gifts, and shown her wondrous things. I rescued her from peril. What else can I do?” He allowed a little of his frustrations to leak into his voice. But only a little. This queen didn’t make idle threats. She might seem silly and shallow, spending all her time collecting mechanical toys and impractical inventions, but this woman forfeited her own family in order to be queen.
“I don’t care what you do.” She set her cup down with such force it spilled onto the table. “Lie to her. Trick her. Seduce her. Whatever it takes. If you can’t do it—I will.”
Her chilly voice held veiled threats. It was within her right to end his life if she pleased. After all, she was the law of the land—outside of the land itself.
“You think you can succeed where I cannot, your majesty?” A dangerous question. He’d done everything except seduce Noli. Perhaps that would work.
Could he mix lies with truth, telling Noli how much he wanted her, wanted to care for her, while feeding her falsehoods? There didn’t seem to be much choice. He must please his queen even if he had no taste for it.
Even if it cost him what he wanted.
“You used to be such a good huntsman, too,” she sneered as she stood, brushing at her purple skirts with a pale hand. “You have two days or I will employ drastic measures. Remember what’s at stake.” Her voice became a hiss and her eyes narrowed.
“Yes, your majesty.” The intensity of her words nearly bowed him over. He needed to work quickly, though he didn’t want to.
“Good.” Turning on her heels, Queen Tiana marched out of the room.
As soon as he felt the queen leave, the back door opened. Noli walked in, an angry expression on her face. Before he could open his mouth, her open palm struck his cheek.
Confrontations
“You liar.” Anger at both at Kevighn and herself welled inside Noli. How could she have been so stupid? “I can explain.” Those words dripped so easily off his lips. Clearly, he’d said it before. To how many girls?
She’d been in the grove, planting, and came in for something to drink when she’d noticed someone in the kitchen with Kevighn. Even though she’d only caught the end of the conversation, she’d heard enough.
Her hands went to her hips. The hand that struck him stung. “Explain fast.”
“Remember when I told you someone could help, but might be unwilling. That was her.” Kevighn looked displeased. He should be ashamed.
“The one you promised to take me to but haven’t yet? Like you promised to help me find the way home but haven’t done that either?” She didn’t hide her hurt as it flowed into her voice with the force of a waterfall.
“Noli,” his expression softened. “I told you, things are complicated. What did you hear? You probably just took it out of context.”
“More lies.” Guilt overcame Noli when his face crumpled. She huffed, trying to quell her anger. “Fine, go ahead and explain.”
“I appreciate that. Have a seat,” he gestured to the table. “Perhaps I should have told you the truth from the beginning … ”
“You should have,” she snapped as she sat down in the wooden chair that she thought of as
hers
and arraigned her skirt, smoothing a bit of dust off the russet fabric of her skirt.
“If I had, would you have come with me?” He went to the cabinets and rummaged through them.
“No.” She never should have gone with him to begin with. No, she should have marched up to the faery tree and demanded it take her back to Findlay.
Wait. That sounded so silly. She stifled a laugh.
“What are you giggling about?” He took down two glasses and a bottle.
“If I’d walked right up to the faery tree that brought me here and demanded to be brought home, would it have listened?” She continued to laugh at the notion.
“You aren’t a tree-speaker, so it probably wouldn’t have listened unless you know how to use a wild gate.” He smiled, carrying the earthenware goblets and glass bottle over to the table. “I like it when you laugh. You’re so beautiful when you laugh or smile.”
