Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) (19 page)

She’d always come through when she needed her to. Miri beamed at the praise.

“What’s Mintonette?” Elise cocked her head. “Is it a game? I do love games.”

“Oh, it’s a wonderful game.” Miri clapped her hands under her chin and did a little dance. “We’ll teach you tomorrow.”

Personally, Noli hated Mintonette—especially the way they played it in the Otherworld.

“Miri, will you make sure they bring supper for everyone now?” Noli prodded before she and Elise chattered on about nonsense all evening. Yes, the two of them should get on quite well.

“Of course.” Miri gave an awkward curtsey and left.

“Who’s she? I like her,” Elise asked.

“She’s my handmaiden. They’re like nursemaids for grown-up girls,” Noli replied at Elise’s confused look.

“What?” Elise giggled, putting a hand to her lips.

Noli shrugged. There was really no better way to explain it to a child. “They are. They make sure you eat, fix your hair, help you dress, keep you from getting into trouble, and amuse you when you’re bored. Miri is a very good hair-braider, and tells silly stories.”

“I like stories.” She yawned again.

“Elise? Only use earth magic around Nissa and Breena, all right? Actually, on second thought, only use earth magic at all unless you’re with James, V, or me, and if no one else is around. It’s very important.” The last thing she wanted was for Elise to be in danger—or someone telling the queen of her abilities.

“I understand. It’s like when we are in the mortal realm then?” Her voice went glum.

“For now. But you can use earth magic all you like.”

“Who will teach me magic now that Quinn’s … ” Elise’s lower lip quivered and her eyelashes fluttered as she tried not to cry.

Noli pulled Elise into her arms. Was it her, or had Elise gotten smaller? “I need a magic tutor, too, so perhaps we can learn together?”

It was sad that a little girl knew more magic than she did.

Elise titled her head up and blinked, a look of hurt on her face, lower lip still quivering. “I didn’t know you had magic.”

With a heavy sigh, Noli toyed with the little girl’s hair. “I didn’t always. Now I do, and I have to learn how to use it. But we’ll find you a tutor and whatever else you need.”

She frowned. “We’re staying here?”

“For now.” Sending her back to the mortal realm still seemed like the best option, but there was too much going on to think about that right now.

A maid walked in with a tray; she set it on the table and bobbed a curtsy. “Your supper, Your Grace. The rest will be up shortly.”

Noli’s stomach gurgled in happiness as she appraised the awaiting feast, complete with dessert. “I appreciate all this. You may go.”

The maid left.

Elise looked at the food. “This is for us?”

Noli poured a cup of tea, took a sip, and let out a happy sigh. “Yes, the boys can eat later.”

“Noli, are you even paying attention?” V half-snapped.

Noli wriggled in the uncomfortable chair in what V called the “war room”—a small room with a round table and maps on the walls and shelves filled to overflowing with books and scrolls. There were no windows, and the dim light only enhanced the sleepy feeling brought on by a full stomach and a long day.

“My apologies,” she muttered, trying not to yawn. “It’s been a long day and I didn’t sleep last night.”

“The queen doesn’t need to apologize.” Padraig gave her a fond smile, green eyes gleaming, as he patted her arm with a gnarled hand. “I think we all feel that way right now.”

Out of her new advisors, she liked the elderly Padraig best. She’d never seen one of the fae that old before, if his hunched form and long, white hair were any indication of age.

“But there’s so much to do before the audience tomorrow. If the coronation is the day after tomorrow, they’ll need to be briefed on the other courts.” Elric, the chancellor, held up a list.

Bran waved his hand; he was a nondescript, quiet man who seemed very good at fading into the background. “It can wait until morning.”

Elric harumphed. From the moment Noli met him she understood why V trusted him. He and V were a lot alike in personality. While she’d put her faith in V, Elric’s appearance reminded her far too much of Mr. Darrow for her own comfort. Apparently they were related.

“I say we forget to invite the other courts.” Padraig’s blue eyes twinkled.

“If only we could,” Noli muttered. The high queen would find fault with everything, she was sure. Over the years she’d heard newly married girls speak of their horrific mother-in-laws. She was about to get the worst of the lot.

“I think Elric’s right,” V agreed. “We should probably—”

“I’m
old
,” Padraig mock-grumped. “Old and tired and these bones need rest. We can reconvene at breakfast, if that’s satisfactory.” He shot her a look.

“That sounds perfect to me. We’ll adjourn tonight and meet here tomorrow for breakfast,” Noli replied before V or Elric could get a word in edgewise. Hot tea would make these meetings more bearable.

“Noli, I don’t think—” V’s lips puckered. “You’re right, Your Grace. We’ll adjourn until the morning.” Unhappiness tinged his voice. But he’d gotten more sleep than she had.

Padraig leaned in and whispered, “Don’t let them push you around.” He stood and announced, “I’m going to sleep. This has been quite the adventure today.”

Noli stood too, anxious to find that hot bath Miri had promised. A snack wouldn’t go amiss either. She looked at V, who had his head bowed over Elric’s infernal list while deep in conference with the chancellor. “V, are you coming?”

Still examining the list, V waved his hand. “I’ll be there soon.”

“All right then.” She exited the room and looked around. How did she get back?

“If I may, Your Grace?” Bran arrived at her side, standing not much taller than she. “You shouldn’t be wandering about by yourself. Tomorrow you’ll have proper bodyguards.”

Bodyguards?
Inside
the palace? But some of those great houses did seem to want her dead. “Yes, of course.”

They walked in silence through the quiet palace halls.

“Your Grace, exactly what are your plans for the dark king’s son?” His voice was soft but matter-of-fact.

Her eyes bulged and it took her a moment to pull herself together. “Who?”

“It’s my job to know what happens in the palace—and your kingdom. Now, what are your plans for the boy?” Bran asked. There was something in his brown eyes that made her thin
k twice about underestimating him.

“Ciarán has something I want. But I won’t harm the boy.” She kept her voice quiet.

“A trade, I see. Is the dark king aware of what you desire?” he prodded.

“Yes.” Noli wasn’t ready to tell anyone about the artifact, but Ciarán would figure out what she wanted. How close were they to having all the pieces?

He nodded, stroking his chin. “Have there been any …
negotiations?”

“No. But since he’s coming in two days, that’s as good time as ever for the trade, isn’t it?” A bit of uncertainty crept into her voice.

Bran inclined his head. “Perhaps. We can discuss this more tomorrow. I just wanted to be aware of your … intentions.”

She saw they were nearly at the guarded double doors marking her private chambers.

“Of course. He’s safe and taken care of. We can send him a missive if you think it would help,” she offered.

Bran gave her another nod, but didn’t reply to her question. “Be careful as to what you allow those handmaidens of the high queen’s to see. Also, don’t be surprised if other households and courts gift you with servants. You must accept Tiana’s without question, but you might be
particular
about where other servants are placed.”

More spies.

“That’s good advice. Now, what exactly is your position here in the palace?” she asked.

A smile crept across his thin lips. “Why, I should think it would be obvious.”

The uniformed guard opened the door to her chambers.

Bran bowed. “Until tomorrow, Your Grace.”

“Until tomorrow.” She entered and the double doors closed behind her. Later she’d ask V what Bran did. Right now, she’d find Miri and that hot bath.

Ahh. Just what she needed. Noli allowed the scented bubbles to envelop her as she slid into the steaming water. Miri hadn’t exaggerated about the size of the bathing tub, which resembled a woodland pond, complete with living greenery around it.

Closing her eyes, she allowed the heat to soothe everything away. How was she going to do this? Why did she have to be so impulsive?

Like the day she’d taken the Pixy out for a joyride, today was a day she regretted.

The door flew open.

“Noli, you should be in bed. You
said
you were too tired to continue.” Annoyance dripped from V’s voice. “If you weren’t tired, you shouldn’t have ended the meeting.”

She was tempted to flash him one of Jeff’s favorite rude gestures, but instead she kept her eyes closed. “In case you’ve forgotten, I didn’t get any sleep last night.”

“If you hadn’t run off to meet with Silver, you would have,” he scolded.

Her eyes snapped open. “Last night I didn’t sleep because I was trying to get your sister back. Now, will you allow me to bathe in peace? Please?” Noli’s voice cracked a little, not liking how he was still holding that against her.

V’s entire being fell. “You’re … you’re right. Enjoy your bath, you deserve some quiet.”

The door closed and she closed her eyes again. She stayed there warm and happy until the water cooled and the door opened again.

“Would you like me to help you out now?” Miri bubbled.

Noli opened her eyes and saw Miri standing there with a giant towel and a silken robe. She yawned. “Please. If I stay in here any longer I’m going to fall asleep.”

Miri dressed her in a nightdress and braided her hair. Yes, handmaidens were nursemaids for grown-up girls. But they were also quite helpful when you were too tired to do things yourself.

“Do you need anything else?” Miri inquired.

“No, and you should go to bed, too. You’ve had a long day yourself.” Noli yawned.

“I like Elise.” Miri smiled. “She’s sleeping now.”

“Oh, I should check on her … and Aodhan.” It seemed like the right thing to do. She followed Miri to the opposite end of the cavernous suite.

“She’s right here.” Miri pressed a finger to her lips as she pushed open a door.

The room was reminiscent of Elise’s room at the big house, only the four-poster bed had a canopy and curtains. There were no paintings of butterflies or flowers covering the walls. In the middle of the enormous bed lay a small, blond girl in a ruffled nightdress, a doll clutched tightly in her arms as she slept.

“I used my magic to make clothes fit her.” Miri glowed with pride. “Nissa and Breena had
no idea
we can do that.”

“You’re so good at it, too.” Quietly, Noli tiptoed over and pulled the blanket over Elise, taking a moment to trace her fingers over the little girl’s downy cheek. Then, closing the door behind her, she returned to the hallway where Miri still stood.

“Where’s Aodhan?” Noli looked up and down the hallway. Even here the walls, floors, and ceiling were made of polished wood. It was like she’d imagine it would be inside a knothole—a very posh knothole, where even Grandfather Montgomery would come to tea.

Miri grabbed her hand and led her to another room. As soon as she opened the door, Noli knew this room was once V’s. Books lined the walls, with several missing, their empty spaces reminding her of a gap-toothed grin. Everything was in greens and browns, simple, clean, and utilitarian, yet elegant. Well, if men’s things could be called
elegant
.

Aodhan lay in the grand but canopy-less bed. He looked so vulnerable. Innocent.

No, she’d never hurt him. None of this was his fault. She’d return him to his family as soon as possible.

His eyes fluttered open. “Oh, hello again, Noli.”

“Hello, Aodhan.” She leaned against the doorway, a little embarrassed since she was in a nightdress and dressing gown. “Are you feeling better?”

Aodhan got up on his elbow. “Much. Will I go home tomorrow? I think my father will be worried about me.”

“It will probably be the day after, but I’ll make sure he knows you’re here.” If he didn’t already. Also, she wouldn’t be surprised if Kevighn tried to steal the boy back at some point. She should tell V. It wouldn’t do to have Aodhan taken before she’d gotten the other pieces of the artifact from his father.

“Will … ” Aodhan frowned. “Will Elise stay here?”

The sadness in his voice made her heart wrench. “She should be with her family, just as you should be with yours.”

Lips pressing together, the boy nodded slowly. “Perhaps we can play sometime?”

Noli bit back the words
but of course.
Could they, with Aodhan being who he was? But then again, if his father had been Quinn,
wouldn’t that make it all right? However, were people supposed to know that? If they did, would it endanger the boy in some way? Obviously, there were reasons Aodhan had been hidden in the dark court and didn’t simply join Quinn in exile in the mortal realm.

Instead, she plastered on the same half-smile her mother did when trying to not exactly lie while not telling the entire truth. “We shall see. In the meantime, you should go back to sleep.”

Noli closed the door, surprised to see Miri waiting for her.

“Do you want to tuck James in, as well?” Miri gave her an innocent look.

She stifled a laugh at the idea. “No, James can tuck himself in.”

“Oh.” Miri just stood there.

“Go to bed.” Noli yawned. “I can find my own room.” Hopefully.

“Let me show you.” Miri took her hand and led her to her bedchamber. “Good night.”

“Good night.” Opening the door she slipped inside the dark room. Bed at last. She kicked off her slippers and climbed into bed.

Arms wrapped around her. “There you are.”