Conspiracy (13 page)

“Perhaps,” Mallorie said, “we should return to our respective realms before we depart.”

For the first time in the meeting, Prince Gregor spoke. “My Queen, are you not concerned about the rebellion in the Eastern Realm?”

“I am more concerned about the safety of my daughter. I’m prepared to return home and attempt to negotiate with the rebels for her safe release.”

“Would you permit me to accompany you for your own safety?” Prince Gregor asked.

She shook her head. “Thank you, but I will go alone.”

“As you wish,” he replied.

King Orleon stood from his position at the head of the table, signaling that the meeting was over. “We shall reconvene here in forty-eight hours.” Taking his wife’s hand, the king then turned and left the room.

Chapter Fourteen

The Eastern Realm
The
Sidhe Olc

Everything Mallorie had told her mother about her teenage assault, kidnapping, and subsequent arrival at the royal household in the Eastern Realm was true. Elven culture, even among the
Olc
, valued truth above deception.

But it was not the
whole
truth.

Over the first few years of what was, essentially, her captivity, Mallorie fell in love with Senain, the older brother of her rapist who had treated her kindly during her ordeal but Conchur forced them to continue with the plan to integrate her into the Eastern Realm royal family. She was placed in the palace to establish a relationship with the king’s son. The plan worked and she married Prince Aegir, producing their first son, Antonio. But she never stopped loving—or secretly meeting—Senain. The result was their daughter, Alisha, whom Aegir believed was his child.

When Mallorie left the Southern Realm and sifted back to Bulgaria, she entered the Eastern Realm. Senain was waiting in the castle. She was angry and immediately launched a tirade.

“Where is Alisha?” she demanded.

“She is safe in her room,” Senain calmly responded.

“We said nothing about killing Aegir,” Mallorie said.

Senain shook his head. “That was not my intention. He tried to fight with my men and they defended themselves.”

“Against a fat old man?” she argued back.

“It makes no difference,” he said. “He needed to get out of the way in any event. It’s time to progress to the next part of our plan.”

“I don’t think so,” Mallorie replied, shaking her head. “Gregor is coming with his men.”

“Gregor? We’ll handle him.”

“No, you won’t. There’s a lot you don’t know. I’ve been to the
Southern
Realm.”

“Where?”

She nodded and allowed the message to sink in.

“Then the myth is true,” Senain added.

“It is. And they are more powerful than either the Eastern or Western Elven. If you stay and fight, you will lose.”

“How soon will they come?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but very quickly. Gregor’s father is the king of the Southern Realm. He is dying, and Gregor will be ruler.”

“So, Aegir’s security chief was far more than we thought he was,” he said.

“Indeed. He was here to spy on us.”

“Why?” Senain asked.

“I’m not certain, but perhaps they became aware of the rebellion. Their king, Oreleon, offered his support, but I opposed their intervention. I said we didn’t need help to recover our kingdom, but that was simply to give you time to relocate, to devise a new plan.”

“And you?” he asked.

“I’ll remain here, and when they arrive, I’ll say that when I got back, the rebels were gone.”

“That might work.”

“That would seem to be the only option. And I’ve discovered there’s an army of banished Elven ready for you to assemble.”

“What are you talking about?” Senain said, confusion written on his face.

“The Northern Realm,” she said, pressing the extension of her newfound knowledge.

Senain did not bite immediately.

“I have much to explain,” she added, enjoying the moment. “After what they call The Long Wars in the Southern Realm, the rebels lost and were banished to the far north. They were stripped of their power to sift and are unable to leave.” Mallorie went on to explain what she had learned about the northern elves.

“Will they help us?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but they must have some animosity over their banishment because of a war that happened thousands of years ago. If we can convince them to join us, we would have the numbers we need to overthrow the Realms. My mother doesn’t understand me even now. The Western Realm is ripe for the taking, Senain. Are you prepared to seek them out and use your persuasive powers?” Mallorie said.

“Where is their portal?” he asked.

“Ah, that is yet to be determined, but if you are gone when Gregor arrives, perhaps I can find out. I am to be part of a delegation to visit our Northern brethren and seek to reunite.”

“It would seem we both have our duties. I will withdraw my men and leave the castle to you and your servants. Before I go, I think it’s time we tell Alisha that I am her father. She is unaware that Aegir is dead,” he added. “She was not happy that I brought her back here. She thinks she’s been captured and that she’s under house arrest.”

Mallorie shook her head. “Not yet. I will speak with her while you’re gone, and we will tell her the truth soon enough.”

“Then I should leave.”

“Patience will serve us well,” she said, moving closer to him and nuzzling his neck to restore his confidence. “Maybe you should not leave
quite
so soon.”

Chapter Fifteen

Heather

A soft knock on my door made me inwardly groan and bury my head under the pillow. I had been in my room for two hours, hiding away. Mick and Gregor were in a special meeting with the other heads of state and I didn’t have a clue how I would act when I was in a room with both of them at the same time. I had left Reagan to take a nap, so I didn’t think she was the one knocking, which left either Gregor or Mick.

I stood, threw the pillow down, and reluctantly went to open the door. I was surprised to see a pretty blonde woman standing there.

“You must be Heather. Can I come in?”

She didn’t look like a murderous
Olc
, so I stepped aside and waved her in, taking a quick peek down the hall to make sure I wouldn’t be receiving any other guests soon.

She surprised me by plopping herself down on a cushy lounging chair and lifting her blonde hair off the back of her neck.

“It’s such a warm day. We don’t often get too much heat up here in the mountains, but I’m thankful the weather has been so beautiful for our guests.” She suddenly sat up, eyeing me appraisingly.

“You are gorgeous. I didn’t have a clue what to expect, but I’m pleasantly surprised.”

I was getting more confused by the minute. “I hate to interrupt your scrutiny, but who are you?”

“Oh, sorry! I sometimes get ahead of myself. It’s a fault to be sure. My name is Camille.” She held out a hand, and when I didn’t return the greeting, she let it drop with a smile.

“I’m Gregor’s betrothed. I think you know him from the cabin where he was protecting the king and queen?”

I felt my eyes narrow and my heart start beating faster. “Really? You’re engaged to Gregor?” My instinct told me to rip her hair out and hang her headfirst out the window, but she was Elven, and I… well, I wasn’t yet, and I didn’t know what superwoman powers she possessed.

“Have you heard about the wedding festivities that are being planned? I’m sure you’ve seen the hustle and bustle. Not even the historic meeting of three Realms could halt the planning that’s been in the works for months.”

When I didn’t respond, she continued with her inane comments. What did this woman want from me?

“I wanted to come introduce myself to you. I met Reagan earlier. It’s always so nice to have female company. I do hope you can stay for a while, or at least come back to visit.”

I walked to the window to get some fresh air. My breath was so shallow that I felt as though I might pass out. Gregor had not faked the vision I had shared with him—of that much I was sure. But I wasn’t sure if he really knew that what he had seen would come to pass. I had told him I needed time to understand what it meant for me as well. The news that he was betrothed to this beautiful girl felt like I was getting punched in the stomach.

I felt her step behind me and place her hand on my shoulder. “Heather, are you all right? You look sick all of a sudden.”

“I don’t feel well. I need to lie down a while, if you don’t mind.” I gave her a wan smile.

“I completely understand. I’ll check on you later.” She blew me a kiss as she shut the door behind her and I fell on the bed, tears slipping down my cheek.

My head was such a mess with the craziness of my life. I had really enjoyed my time with Mick, but something magical had happened with Gregor. In an incredibly short time, I had fallen head over heels, but I had been stubborn, not wanting him to think I would agree to be with him just because of his vision.

However, everything I had seen in his thoughts were things I wanted too. I just hadn’t realized how stubborn I was being until his fiancé pranced in the room, practically throwing it in my face. I wondered what Gregor was thinking. I really didn’t think he was a playboy type. He had the vision, and he wanted to marry me. Was he against this betrothal? As the heir to his realm, how much say did he have in whom he married?

First, though, I was going to have to put on my big girl pants and go talk to Mick.

As I searched the house for Mick, I could see the preparations, just as Camille had said. It was surprisingly similar to a human wedding, and I wondered how many of our own traditions were handed down from a totally different people.

Finally, I asked one of the few servants where I could find Mick and was directed to his room.

I knocked on the door, smoothed my hair back, and tucked in my shirt. I had no idea what I would say.

The door opened and Mick stood there with a towel around his waist and wet hair.

“Heather! I was about to come find you.” He pulled me in for a kiss, and I awkwardly disengaged as quickly as I could.

I tried to avoid looking at the muscled lines of his chest as he shut the door and walked in. An awkward situation became even more embarrassing as he dropped the towel to the floor and grabbed his clothes.

“It’s great to see you. I’ve really missed you.” He wiggled his eyebrows comically. “Do I even need to get dressed?”

“Um, Mick, I need to talk to you, but maybe I should come back later.” I kept my eyes on the door, my face flaming with embarrassment.

“No, now is fine.” With the super-speedy skills of an elf, Mick was dressed and standing in front of me before I could leave. “What’s up?”

He tried to nuzzle my neck and I moved back a step. His eyes narrowed as he realized something was wrong.

“Mick, I’ve had a great time with you, but something’s happened that you need to know about,” I began.

“You’ve only been gone for a few days. What could have been that drastic in such a short time?”

With no where to go and no ability to dance around the issue, I just blurted it out. “I’ve fallen in love with Gregor.”

Mick looked at me with astonishment, which quickly turned into a smile. Apparently he thought I was joking. He laughed and said, “That’s funny, Heather. You couldn’t even stand him three days ago. If you don’t want to be with me, just tell me. I think I can handle it.”

“Mick, I know! I feel horrible. But something happened with Gregor at my dad’s cabin. Not what you might think—we had something like a mind meld and we could see each other’s thoughts. It was a really intimate experience, and I saw him have a vision of us getting married. I know that’s what’s supposed to happen. And I want it too, Mick.”

I looked at him, hoping he would understand, confused and even a bit frightened that not only was I hurting his feelings, but that I was uncertain of my own decision.

“You’re kidding, right? He’s not your type.”

“What is my type, Mick?
You
? Did the dozens of other girls think you were their type too?”

He smiled at me. “Touché.”

We remained awkwardly silent for a few moments, then Mick took on his air of confidence. “That’s quite the story, Heather, but I believe you, and although I don’t know what to do when a girl dumps me, I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually.”

I sighed in relief and chuckled. He probably hadn’t ever been the one on the dumping end.

He gave me a big hug and kissed me on top of my head. “It was fun, Heather. I hope things go well for you.”

“Well, yeah, me too. I have to go find Gregor now and ask about his fiancée,” I responded.

With one backward glance, I could see that Mick looked confused as I shut the door. He wasn’t the only one confused.

Chapter Sixteen

Gregor

A hot shower was definitely in order, I thought as I returned to my room after the meeting with the heads of state. After so long playing nursemaid to the royalty of the Eastern Realm, it was strange to come home and have servants attending to me. That was the part I had played with King Aegir, although he had always treated me well. Now I was back and fully immersed in my own role as imminent king of the Southern Realm.

As the water beat down upon my shoulders, I thought of the many twists and turns that had taken place over the last few days: rescuing Ian and Reagan, finding Heather, the death of the king, the disappearance of Alisha, and then the revelation that the vice president of the human world was really Elven royalty in his own right.  Any of those on its own would have been enough, but the combination was almost too much to handle. Mallorie was also acting strangely. The thought had crossed my mind that she could be the traitor, but she seemed too weak and fragile to conspire against everyone she knew and loved. What would she get in return?

I exited the shower, wrapping a towel around my waist and examining the scars that crisscrossed my back and chest. I was proud of my warrior heritage, but I didn’t know how Heather would feel about a man so prone to violence when provoked. Mick was better suited to her soft personality. Even with our moments of passion, I was sure I still frightened her. I didn’t know how we would make this work—I only knew we would figure it out somehow. I would marry the woman