The rider leader bristles. His companions lean in closer to him. A minute gesture, but I see it. They are supporting him, comforting him.
Rhydian’s words rattle in my head. What do they mean? There was an oath and an agreement? What the hell is a mundane, and why am I one? I’m so confused right now.
The doors fly open and Iestyn strides in. Rhydian stiffens and his brothers look alarmed.
“Vizier, there is no need to trouble yourself with this meeting. I have it all in hand,” says Rhydian.
Iestyn’s green eyes glitter and he flashes a smile full of pointed teeth. “It is no trouble at all, my dear, I’m just sorry that my invitation was mislaid by my staff. How careless of them.”
The very corner of Rhydian’s jaw ticks, but he nods regally and staff spring to life and bring a chair for Iestyn and set a place for him.
The vizier sits down with unnerving grace. “Now, let’s get down to business, shall we?”
The terse conversation drifts around and over me. They are talking about things, places and people I have never heard of, and it is impossible to follow. I try for a short while and then I give up.
Instead, I observe the dragon riders. Who are they? I assumed they were fey, but they are very clearly not on friendly terms with Rhydian and his court. Are they rebels?
The leader is now deep in conversation, but the redhead keeps staring at me with wide eyes. Looking at me as if I’m a drowning kitten that he cannot save.
Who is he? Why does he care? It is making me feel bad because I’m not a drowning kitten. Rhydian hasn’t been that awful to me. I’m okay. Nobody needs to be angst ridden over me. I’ve enjoyed parts of being Rhydian’s pet. It is not all doom and gloom.
But something about my presence is deeply upsetting the dragon riders. I wish I could talk to them and reassure them that it is fine. I’m fine. I don’t need rescuing.
I don’t want to be rescued.
My mind whites out for a moment. That is one hell of a revelation. I can’t even begin to process this. I don’t even know where to start. Have I been ensorcelled, or is Rhydian simply so good in bed that I want to stay?
Oh god. I’m not thinking about this now. It is too much, and now is not the time. I need to concentrate on figuring out how to put these very kind people’s minds at rest.
Maybe I can just show them? That’s actually not a bad idea.
I lean against Rhydian and run my hand along his arm, in what I hope looks like an affectionate gesture. Rhydian tenses slightly under my touch but gives no other reaction. The redhead’s eyes widen and then he looks somewhat relieved. Phew! I think it worked.
Mabon winks salaciously at me, and I scowl back at him. This little demonstration is none of his business.
Suddenly, everyone is getting to their feet. It looks like the meeting is over and Iestyn is seeing the dragon riders out, Rhydian is annoyed at that, I can tell, but he doesn’t say anything.
The door clicks softly shut, leaving me, Rhydian, Mabon and Tristan alone. Rhydian sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Well, that could have gone better,” says Tristan as he waves his hand at the crystal. It goes dim. Tristan sighs just as heavily as Rhydian, and starts fiddling with the end of one of his long red braids.
“Mabon, I need you to bed Iestyn,” says Rhydian without warning.
I turn my head to stare at Rhydian. What the actual hell is going on? How can he suggest such a thing?
Mabon pouts but otherwise seems unalarmed. “Why?”
“Keep him occupied and distracted,” says Rhydian.
“But I don’t like him. He is mean.” Mabon’s face twists into a sulk and he crosses his arms over his chest.
“Mabon,” says Rhydian, and his warning tone makes me flinch.
Mabon’s eyes narrow. “Fine!”
He tosses his long lilac hair over his shoulder and flounces out of the room with Tristan hot on his heels. The doors click shut again, and I’m alone with Rhydian and a mountain of uneaten cheese.
These fey are so confusing. Every time I start to feel like I know what is going on, the rug is pulled from under my feet.
