Claimed & Seduced (23 page)

“Enough. I trust her,” Jarlath said, and he realized it was true. Every particle of him accepted and believed in her honesty and integrity. She was no traitor.

“First, break the magical spell that is keeping the castle in the bubble,” Ellard said.

“How?” Jarlath asked. “Calls aren’t getting through any longer.” He searched his jacket pocket and pulled out his com. “Nothing,” he said. “The com is dead.”

“You’ll need me to enter the castle,” Keira said.

“She’s right,” Ellard said, his mouth twisting with cynicism as he scrutinized her.

“Does that mean you’re going to help us? That you’ve decided to believe in Keira?” Jarlath asked.

“I’ll agree to a ceasefire until we best Razvan,” Ellard said with a glower. “But I’ll be watching my back because I don’t trust her.”

“Deal.” Jarlath shot Keira a swift glance, registered her pain and stood. “Shift. The medical man said it would aid your recovery.”

Ellard jerked his head in Keira’s direction. “Not in front of her. And you’d better not tell Hortese. She threatened to drug me.”

“I’ll go and help Hortese with a meal to break our fast,” Keira said, her emotions now gathered and contained behind an impassive expression.

K
eira stepped into the kitchen her mind racing in a dozen different directions. She should tell them about Razvan, but if she told Jarlath about Razvan, he mightn’t believe her story. Ellard would cast doubt for sure.

Flying stars.
No matter what she did, she’d end up in the wrong.

Razvan…he’d do anything to get what he wanted. He wouldn’t think twice of telling untruths to fester distrust in Jarlath. No, Razvan must never know of her feelings for Jarlath. She had one of Zarbo’s repulsion spells and another to destroy him if she managed to get close enough. Whether the spells would work, Zarbo couldn’t guarantee, but it was better than no weapon.

“I’m going into the city again, Hortese. Jarlath needs my help.”

Hortese turned away from stirring a pot to scorch her with disapproval. “What’s that on your face?” She moved closer, and her eyes widened, bulging to greater prominence. “That’s a crow.”

“It appeared yesterday.”

“You can’t go into the city looking like that.”

“I can’t stay here and do nothing. Somewhere in the city, there’s a clue to halt this attack. I have a protection spell, a repulsion spell, and I’ll have my weapons.” She didn’t mention the additional spell to stave off worry in her friend.

“It’s madness to get involved, given the way people here treat you. You owe them nothing,” Hortese said, waving her spoon in emphasis of her words.

“I want to help Jarlath.” And Hortese was worried anyway.

“He’s the prince,” Hortese said in her blunt way. “He won’t marry you. All you’ll ever be is his mistress. You’ll be repeating history. You told me you didn’t want to ape your mother.”

Keira shrugged, aiming for careless despite the inner tension tightening her muscles. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”

Hortese glanced over her shoulder to ascertain they were alone. Shock still reverberated in her expression when she turned back to Keira. “You love him?”

“We haven’t known each other long, but I can’t imagine life without him. And that’s a problem. He’s the prince and will one day rule the House of the Cat.”

“Maybe that won’t matter.”

Keira snorted. “With my reputation? Once Marcus’s son and daughter learn of Jarlath’s interest in me, rumors will fly like winged cambeests. At best I could take the position of mistress, but after my mother…I won’t let myself fall into the same trap.”

“You don’t speak much of your mother.” Hortese’s glance held silent questions. “You’ve told me the circumstances but not who kept her.”

“My mother was Xavier Cronan’s mistress.”

Hortese’s face drained of its healthy pink color. “The leader of the House of Cawdor.”

“Yes.”

“Did Marcus know?”

“Marcus knew. My mother arranged my marriage because I was attracting undesirable attention on Gramite. She wanted me safe off planet.”

“Safe from what?” Hortese sent her a shrewd glance. “From whom?”

“The who isn’t important.”

“You should stay here at the farm.” Hortese didn’t believe her.

“I can’t stay here and do nothing when I can help Jarlath.”

“Why can’t you let the soldiers do their job?” Hortese asked. “The city is dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Most of the soldiers are dead and others are trapped in the castle. The advance spies have done a good job of destroying the framework of the House of the Cat.” Which was also a worry. Maybe she should try to contact her mother. Now that Razvan had discovered her location, there was no reason to avoid communication. “Are the com units still down?”

“I haven’t tried them.”

Keira scooped up the nearest com and attempted to call out. “No, nothing. I’ll try later.”

A peculiar scuffling combined with thumps came from upstairs and moved closer.

“That’s it.” Jarlath’s voice drifted down the stairs. Another thump. A soft curse. A feline growl of anger.

“I think Jarlath and Ellard are coming down to break their fast.”

“Ellard shouldn’t be out of bed,” Hortese snapped. “What are those addlebrains thinking?” She dropped her spoon on the counter and quick-marched to the doorway. “You! Why did you let him shift so soon?”

“It will speed his healing,” Jarlath said.

“Come here, kitty-cat,” Hortese cooed. “My, you’re a handsome one. Let me scratch your ears.”

A grumpy snarl vibrated back and Keira bit back a chuckle.

Jarlath appeared first, and her chest tightened, her crow sending a coo reverberating through her chest. They’d slept together, held each other and yet in the short time they’d been apart, she’d missed his presence. He came straight to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Ellard limped up to them, snarled and bit Jarlath on the leg.

“Cut that out.” Jarlath slapped at Ellard and guided Keira to the other side of the kitchen out of harm’s way.

“Let me get you a saucer of malpack milk,” Hortese said to Ellard. “You need to keep up your strength.”

Ellard let out a yowl of displeasure, and Keira smothered a giggle. Ellard would bite Hortese too if she didn’t stop teasing.

“The coms are still down,” Keira said.

“Which makes it imperative for us to enter the city. I’m not sure how to go about recruiting civilians to help in the fight,” Jarlath confessed. “Any suggestions?”

“We should take Ollie and Nasir. They know the city and can hand out the protection spells. People will be angry. Some of them will want to help,” Keira said.

“You can’t go into the city with your face looking like that,” Hortese said. “I think I have a face enhancement to cover that mark.”

Ellard growled.

“Enough of that,” Hortese said. “Take a seat and break your fast while I hunt out the face enhancements.”

Keira dug into a berry parfait. There was an extra one on the table, and she shot Jarlath a glance.

“Ellard, you’d better shift if you want to eat,” Jarlath said. “This parfait is delicious, and I’d be happy to eat a second.”

Keira wasn’t sure Jarlath was using the correct approach with his friend, but she remained silent. Maybe using the hard love technique would work best with Ellard. She concentrated on her parfait.

A thump sounded then a big hand grasped the chair beside her. Ellard glowered at her as he sat down. “What are you gawkin’ at?”

“Nothing. Anyone want a cup of tay?”

“Please,” Jarlath said.

Ellard grunted and she took that as a yes. She poured three mugs of tay and shunted mugs to the men.

“I’m coming with you,” Ellard said after a long silence.

“You need to take time to heal,” Jarlath said.

“Let me come too. I’ll go crazy if I stay here with
that
woman. I promise I’ll remain in the background, but please don’t make me into an invalid.”

The male had lost his arm. Keira got that Jarlath was trying to treat him as normal, but he wasn’t the same. He was missing an important limb.

“We’ll get you a sword,” Jarlath said. “You can still fight.”

“I can.” Ellard shoveled a spoon of breakfast parfait into his mouth. “Thank you.”

T
he journey into the city passed filled with tension. Two mature males, three eager youths and her, scanning the ground and air for signs of danger. Each wore a protective charm on their person and carried spares to offer recruit soldiers.

“Everyone clear on the plan?” Jarlath asked.

“Aye,” Ollie said, speaking for the other youths.

“Yes,” Ellard said.

Jarlath gave Nasir instructions, and he landed the flymo in the castle gardens. Keira exited, and the stench from the dead fish had her holding her nose.

“
Hoowee
,” Ollie said in understatement.

“Let me show you the way out of the garden,” Jarlath said. “Get everyone who is willing to help to meet in the square outside the medical center. Meet at midday.”

“Aye,” Ollie said.

“I don’t think the bubble is around the castle any longer.” Keira cocked her head, trying to listen for the telltale hum. “I can’t hear the hum.”

Ellard and Jarlath exchanged a glance.

“One way to find out. Rendezvous at midday,” Jarlath reminded the youths.

“We’ll do our best,” Cristop said.

Jarlath strode to the door and opened it without difficulty. He stepped into the dimly lit corridor. “It’s off.”

“Why aren’t the damn soldiers out restoring order to the city?” Ellard prowled through the doorway. “This isn’t good enough.”

“Let’s go.” Jarlath propelled her down the corridor after Ellard.

This time the scent of food wafted from the two kitchens. Jarlath didn’t comment but Keira could see his anger. He increased his pace and led them to the ballroom where they found everyone assembled.

The queen spotted them first. “Where have you been?”

The chatter of dozens of conversations ceased and everyone stared at them with varying reactions.

“You weren’t in your suite,” the king said. “Where have you been?”

Keira glimpsed the fire burning in the hearth and hid behind Jarlath and Ellard. She peeked past Jarlath, almost hyperventilating until she saw the flames remained normal.

“What are you wearing?” the queen screeched in horror. “I told you to dress properly before entering my presence.”

“Mother, there are more important things to worry about.” Jarlath’s tone was hard and uncompromising.

“Yes, the list of names. Have you chosen one?”

“No,” Jarlath barked. “Where are the soldiers?”

Ellard’s father stalked over to them, his gaze on his son. “They’re guarding the perimeter of the castle as I ordered.”

“What happened to Ellard’s arm?” Someone behind her whispered the question, and Keira wasn’t sure if the person was male or female.

Ellard stiffened and a tinge of color collected across his cheekbones.

“What happened to your arm, son?” Danion Tetsu asked.

“Someone shot him.” Jarlath’s harsh words dropped into the hush. “He’s a hero.”

“You’ll need another bodyguard.” Danion tugged on his beard, his brow a map of lines. “Ellard can’t do the job with one arm.”

That was what caused them concern?
Flying stars
. “Ellard is capable of carrying out his duties. Jarlath, are we going now?” Keira asked.

“
You.
” The queen’s tone held loathing, her jade gaze a visual dagger. “Get out of my sight. You are not welcome here.”

Jarlath slipped an arm around her shoulders. The queen hissed in horror and the people present began to whisper amongst themselves.

“I should go,” Keira murmured. “The people might think their ordeal is over, but Razvan is determined. He will never give up.”

“It sounds as if you know him well,” Ellard said, lining himself on her other side. For once his accusation seemed understated.

Keira’s stomach twisted in discomfort and she rubbed her belly to ease her distress. She’d have to confess if Razvan made an appearance. “We should go,” she repeated.

“Prince Jarlath, we are having a celebration dinner and dance later this evening. Your father and I expect you to make an appearance. Come alone. Your friends are not welcome,” Queen Bryna said.

“I won’t be staying here tonight, Mother.” Jarlath kept his voice low. “There are more important things to worry about.”

“The succession is important,” his mother said, also in a low voice but hers quivered with anger. She grasped his arm and dragged him away to speak in private, but her passionate words reached Keira and Ellard. “Your father isn’t well, and this brouhaha hasn’t helped.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Jarlath asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Instead of playing with their son’s emotions,” Ellard murmured.

“Oh, I think they’re still doing that,” Keira said.

“It’s important to the House of the Cat to present a solid front. The min things appear wrong bad things happen,” the queen said. “I won’t let that happen.”

“
Grata
,” Ellard cursed. “It’s like sticking their heads down a moon-crater.”

Keira agreed. Ignoring the truth never solved anything. A reminder to herself because wasn’t that what she was doing by attempting to elude Razvan? Her chin lifted as she considered this. It was time to share this information. Past time.

“You will attend this event. We will show our strength, stand tall and thumb our noses at the enemy.”

Jarlath snorted, and Keira couldn’t help but grin. Ellard bore a similar expression, wiped clean secs later.

“Don’t use that attitude with me,” the queen snapped. “You will—”

A raucous boom exploded overhead. It repeated, and Keira clapped her hands over her ears. A woman screamed, her terror acting as a prod for the other women. Several shrieked. Rain lashed the skylights and the windows with a sharp
rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat.

The same type of storm that had rattled the walls and windows of the farmhouse before Razvan appeared. Panic roared through Keira, and she pivoted to stare into the flames of the nearest fire. A shower of embers and sparks exploded from the fireplace at the far side of the room. Another feminine scream rippled through the room.