I shift in my seat. The thought of that group in the Palisades makes me uneasy.
“And Zander’s assassin?” I continue.
Alanna shakes her head solemnly, “I do not know.”
I nod, not really expecting her to have an answer but hoping something would come up. She may be close to Desmond, but I don’t think she’s privy to that kind of information.
Alanna peers at me quietly.
“What is it?” I ask.
She sighs and turns her eyes to the fireplace, “there were some calls at the castle the days after your left. A few of the Lords demanded Desmond’s resignation as Master Informer.”
I still.
“That’s…”
Moronic. Idiotic.
I don’t even have the right words.
“The King was murdered under his watch, Alexis,” Alanna brings her whiskey up to her lips, “in his own home. The calls were small, but they were there.”
I’m suddenly hit with an overwhelming feeling of guilt.
Keane should have been here for that. He should have been at Desmond’s side.
I shake my head and lean forward in my chair, hoping that Alanna hears my next words carefully, just as I hope Keane tells his brother the same…
“I don’t know how else to tell you this, Alanna, except that it was known that the King was going to pass. His death was always going to happen, one way or another, with or without Desmond’s protection.”
Alanna’s eyes pierce mine, her cool gaze darting to Stormfall on my shoulder and then back to me.
“Don’t ever say that out loud again, Alexis,” she replies quietly, “it will not be interpreted well.”
“I know,” I nod my head in understanding, “but I need you to know as well.”
Alanna gives me a small nod before taking another sip of whiskey and standing up swiftly.
“Unpack and change, human. The others are all waiting for you up in the Palisades. We’re having dinner at Sera’s.”
I’m thankful for her change in subject and smile at the news, genuinely excited and realizing just how much I’ve missed my friends.
Alanna and I reach the top of the Southern Staircase and walk out of the tunnel as the sun begins to set over the Palisades. I wear my simple attire of a satin green shirt and brown riding pants that are tucked into my brown and gold accented boots. My traveling bag is slung over my shoulder and resting at my hip in familiar comfort, something I’ve found I missed over the past few days.
I had Alanna peer inside the bag before we left my room and asked what she saw inside. She only noted two books and a small sack of coins, which was a new addition from Desmond, but did not see the oak wood andpen or Golem’s clay jar. Her glance was curious after my question but she left my request alone, not pressing further.
The dinner Sera was hosting would take place at her café. She offered it up privately for our group as her shop typically closed after the lunch rush. I grin when Alanna and I walk up the stairs and take in the sight before me.
All of our friends are conversing out on the veranda, the lot of them sitting at a long, intimate table in the middle of the balcony. Red roses line the top of that table, their stems disappearing into gold vases as lanterns of bottled moonslight riddle in between. The whole ambiance of the café is beautiful in the early night, mixing well with the waning sun as the park sparkles below in greeting.
Stormfall pushes off my shoulder diligently, soaring out to the open veranda and giving a caw of greeting. He circles the table once before landing on Holis’ outstretched hand, the Bird of Ash puffing out his chest for the twin Discerni and greeting both him and his brother’s broad smiles.
I smile again at the sight and let my walk take me directly to Cal first. My big friend picks me up in a hug that nearly crushes my back, his wild beard brushing against my jaw and chin.
“We’ve missed you, Alex.”
I hug him back hard, “I’ve missed you all too.”
