Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) (28 page)

“I think we can be allies with Her Grace. Do you know that she wants to arrange visits between Elise and Aodhan?” An incredulous look spread over Ciarán’s face. “Next thing you know, she’ll ask us to teach Elise fire magic.”

“Someone needs to teach the girl. It’s not as if they can simply bring in tutors without advertising Elise has those gifts. I have a feeling they’ll want to keep her abilities a secret from Tiana,” Kevighn replied. “We have people who can use all elements among the dark court … ”

Ciarán’s eyebrows rose. “Someone will notice her going back and forth. Perhaps … ” He shook his head. “If it were another time, I’d entrust her to Mathias.”

“Mathias is a traitor,” Kevighn snapped. After all, he, too, had assured him that his sister would be safe with Quinn. Then the bastard ran off and hid like a coward.

“Like Quinn, Mathias was never part of our court.” Ciarán shrugged. “We knew they were trouble the moment they entered the tavern.”

Quinn had come into the Thirsty Pooka for research, looking for odd bits of knowledge. His half-brother had tagged along for amusement. Ciarán had never liked Quinn, though he’d liked Mathias well enough. Kevighn couldn’t stand that pompous ass.

“I’m sure Magnolia has ideas,” Kevighn muttered. Even sending the little girl to live with air pirates would be better than her living with Mathias. “This could be our chance to get the jewel.”

Ciarán shook his head. “It’s safe with Her Grace. We need her help. I … I used my gift on her without her knowledge at the coronation—let’s just say you were correct.”

Kevighn blinked. “What?”

He laughed. “Things are about to get
very
interesting. Especially when we reassemble the staff. It’s a good thing that you detest being bored.”

“I do.” Kevighn glanced over at the three mortals, who huddled together, speaking softly. “Now, let’s get Aodhan back.”

Noli put her sword around herself, then smoothed her hair. It was time to take Aodhan home. Having the boy write a letter had done the trick.

“Ready?” She turned to V, who was sitting on their bed.

“I don’t like this.” V frowned, pulling on his boots. “We should meet someplace neutral. What
is
he exchanging Aodhan for? I can’t help but feel as if we’re walking into a trap.”

“I don’t think it’s a trap.” Noli shook her head. “Aodhan should be back with his family.” All the missive had said was that they’d make an exchange. She
hoped
it was for the pieces of the staff.

“But if he’s really Quinn’s son … ” V shook his head. “Quinn and my father were cousins. I looked it up. They were so close because Quinn was raised here at the palace. Sort of the poor relation foisted off with people who didn’t want him. Apparently my father was the only one who really accepted him, which was also why Quinn worked so hard at his studies, so that he could be accepted in his own right as a scholar.”

All the pieces fit together. “That makes sense, but I thought he was a prince.”

“Technically, he is—though not from the direct line, like my father.” V’s forehead furrowed. “Their grandfathers were brothers? Or was it great-grandfathers? Anyway, there are a lot of lesser princes and princesses, though few hardly ever use the title. It was different for Quinn because he grew up here and my father brought him in as a brother. At least that’s what I found. Also, he was … ” V’s cheeks pinked. “An indiscretion, apparently.”

“Oh.” So even with magic to prevent children, there were still
accidents
.

The bedroom door burst open. “I don’t want Aodhan to leave.” Elise stood there with an enormous pout on her face, hands on her hips. “Why can’t I go with you?”

“Because you need to stay here,” V retorted.

“That’s not
fair
,” she wailed, face turning pink.

“I know.” Noli walked over and comforted her, feeling bad for the little girl. “I know it’s not fair. But I’ll bring back your valise. Why don’t you and Caít go and decorate the tree house for me? Could you do that?”

“Me?” Elise’s face lit up. “Could we have a tea party there when you return?”

“What a grand idea. Miri can have the kitchen make those green cakes I like.” Noli needed a break so badly that she’d even play tea party, as long as there was tea and cake. The work had been nonstop. Meetings and meetings and meetings and so much work. Her head threatened to explode from too much information. She hadn’t even had time to try out her workshop—and she still couldn’t find her father’s toolbox.

Even V was grumpier from lack of sleep.

“I don’t want him to leave,” Elise sniffed.

“I know you’ll miss Aodhan, but he needs to go home.” Not that Noli wanted him to leave either. She, too, had grown used to having him around. However, he wasn’t theirs to keep, even if he made Elise happy.

“I know.” Elise’s voice went glum as she looked at her shoes. “But I’m lonely.”

“You have Caít, a magic tutor, and Miri, not to mention Breena and Nissa will gladly play with you
whenever
you wish.” Though Noli didn’t really like Tiana’s handmaidens spending much time with Elise.

Just yesterday Tiana had asked them all to come to tea very soon—and bring Elise. She’d also sent Elise a mechanical pony. They hadn’t given it to Elise yet. Noli and V needed to discuss how to handle everything, including whether or not to tell Elise the truth about Tiana, before Tiana told it to her. In some ways it was surprising the queen had waited so long, but then this was Tiana, and rationality never seemed to factor into the situation.

“Let’s say goodbye to Aodhan.” Noli took Elise’s hand and they found Aodhan in the sitting room playing with Urco. He was fully healed and quite ready to go home.

Elise threw herself into Aodhan’s arms. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too.” Aodhan hugged Elise tightly, exuding a tenderness only seen in the pure-hearted love of children. “But we’ll still play and visit.”

They both looked at Noli expectantly.

“Of course you will.” She’d have to figure it all out, but she couldn’t stomach the thought of keeping them from one another.

“No.” V stood there ready to go, a scowl on his face. “Noli, this won’t … we can’t … ”

“Don’t be a fussy old bodger.” She scowled right back. “Yes, it will be tricky, but we’ll find a way. It will be good diplomacy.”

V raked his hand through his hair. “Diplomacy that will get us killed.”

“Isn’t that the best kind?” James appeared, sword at his side, a grin on his face.

“Ugh, you two.” V shook his head.

“Isn’t that my line?” James’ grin grew.

Noli looked around. “Elise, go play with Caít and Miri. We’ll be back in a little while.”

Elise clutched Aodhan’s hand. “Don’t forget me.”

He gazed into her eyes. “I couldn’t if I tried.”

With a grin, Noli ribbed V. “How can you deny that?”

“It’s the company he keeps that I take issue with.” V let out a heavy sigh.

Noli shook her head. “You sigh too much. Let’s go.”

“
This
is where the dark king resides?” V scowled at the tavern as they approached.

“If you keep scowling, your face is going to freeze that way,” Noli retorted. At the same time, she could understand his uneasiness. Bran, Elric, and even Padraig didn’t like the idea of
them
going to the dark king to make the trade. They all thought Ciarán should come to the palace. Which made sense. But she knew deep down that Ciarán wouldn’t betray them.

Unlike the last time she’d been to the Thirsty Pooka, it was daytime and quiet. The door opened as they approached.

Noli looked at Aodhan and squeezed his hand. She steeled herself and stepped through the doors, trying to remind herself to be regal. This time she was here officially, as queen.

The place was empty, except for a few people sitting or standing near the bar. They were nearly all in black, and every one of them was a large man. Probably the dark king’s most trusted guards. A few men lurked on the staircase and balcony overlooking the main room. Were there no women in the dark court?

“Father.” Aodhan let go of her hand and darted in, running straight into Ciarán’s arms.

Hood up, Ciarán was standing in front of the bar, in plain sight of the door. He bent down and scooped the boy up. “Ooof. I won’t be able to do that much longer.”

Aodhan laughed, face alight with joy. “I didn’t grow that much, Father.”

“Perhaps not, but I still missed you.” Ciarán set him down.

“I missed you, too.” Kevighn embraced Aodhan.

There was something different about Kevighn, aside from the fact he wore all black, though his bow was still slung over his shoulder.

“Of course
he’s
here,” V muttered, still hovering in the entrance.

“Shut it,” James hissed, giving him a push so that they were all inside. They only had a handful of uniformed guards with them, including the girl Aire. Noli liked her.

Noli gave the dark king a small curtsey and joined him by the bar. There was no bartender. No, the tavern wasn’t open for business—not the refreshment business, at least.

“We’ve returned your son to you unharmed, Your Majesty,” she said. “Do you have what I requested?” She wasn’t sure she liked so many people present, but she couldn’t let that show.

“Here are Elise’s things.” Ciarán handed her Elise’s valise.

“She’ll be happy to have this back.” Noli handed it to James, then returned her attention to Ciarán. “The items?”

“I have something better.” Ciarán looked like a cat who’d found the cream pitcher.

Her belly lurched. What treachery was this?

V put his hand on the hilt of his sword and took a step forward.

“Stand down, young king.” Ciarán gave him a sharp look. “You, as well, Prince Séamus. I’m not betraying you. Rather, I have gone to great lengths to secure a very generous symbol of our goodwill.”

“Did you now?” She eyed him. What could be better than pieces of the staff?

“We’ll need to work together soon, for the good of the Otherworld.” His eyes were really the only thing visible under that hood. “You have shown me that you’re trustworthy. I wish to do to the same.” Ciarán nodded to Kevighn, who disappeared into a room behind the bar.

Aodhan tugged on Ciarán’s cape. “Father, what’s going on? I don’t understand.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” His voice was firm, and he didn’t tell Aodhan any more.

“Noli’s my friend. You’re not going to trick her, are you?” Aodhan’s eyes went wide.

Someone made a comment in the background about earth court being no one’s friend.

“You
are
my friend, aren’t you, Noli?” The boy took a step toward her, eyes beseeching.

“I’m friends with kind people. As long as there’s kindness in your heart, you try to do what’s right, and treat others the way you wish to be treated, you will always have a friend in me, Aodhan. Elise as well.” She smiled at him. He was such a kind-hearted boy.

A few people snorted at her words—from both delegations. Ciarán gazed at her, a dark eyebrow rising, but didn’t say anything.

Kevighn returned, a few people following, and addressed her. “Your Grace, do you remember what you asked me to do, so long ago … ”

V shot her a dark look as she thought for a moment.

“I … I found him.” Kevighn didn’t meet her eyes. Something was in his hand.

“He found more than him. But I’ll be generous and give you all three.” Ciarán sounded so regal as he said that.

“What?” Noli squinted at what was in Kevighn’s hand. “Is that my toolbox? How did you get that? I have been looking all over the place for it.”

“I … I used it to find someone. Here.” Kevighn shoved the box into her hands. “There’s someone who wants to see you.”

In front of her stood two men and a woman. One of the men … no … it … it couldn’t be. Could it? Noli looked closer. Her knees went weak.

“Papa?” She gazed at the dark-haired man. “Is it really you?” She turned to Ciarán. “If this is a trick … ”

“It’s no trick, Your Grace.” Kevighn took his place by Ciarán’s side.

“Eady?” Her father walked over, eyes large. “No, you’re not Eady. Noli? Is that you?” He took a step back. “But you can’t be my daughter. My Noli’s a little girl, and you … you’re a woman. A beautiful woman.”

“Papa.” Noli handed V the toolbox and threw herself into his arms as if she were still small. “Papa, I missed you. I never gave up hope that you were still alive. Never ever.” Almost. But not completely. Tears pricked her eyes as she buried her head in his broad shoulder.

Her father’s arms wrapped around her. “This place is very strange, but thank you for sending your friend to find me.”

She tipped her face up. “Be careful with your thanks here.”

He was here. Alive. In the Otherworld. Flying figs, how would she explain everything?

“Where’s your mama?” He looked around.

“I’ll take you to her soon. Jeff, too.” Oh, how happy they’d be!

“Do you remember Etta and Ned?” Papa asked, arms still around her.

“Of course.” Noli smiled at them, a little afraid to ask where the rest of his team was. Etta was the first married career woman she’d ever met, and was brilliant at sums and figures. Noli glanced over at Ciarán and Kevighn. “There are no words to express my gratitude.”

“I suppose we get no pieces of the staff then?” V muttered.

“Will you stop being a fussy old bodger? Getting my father back is worth it. It … ” Emotions threatened to overwhelm her brain and shut off her thinking, her words. “You’ve been gone for seven years, Papa.”

“I’m sorry.” His eyes misted.

He looked as if he hadn’t aged a day. Was it possible that he hadn’t?

“It’s not your fault. Mama will be so excited.” Just the thought made her giddy. “Oh, and if Jeff and Vix are truly getting married you’ll get to see.” What would her father make of Vix?

“Jeff? Married?” Mirth flowed through her father’s voice. “But if it’s been that long … ” His eyes fell on V. “Steven? Is that you? Where are your glasses?”