As if boredom could excuse using a child as a token to trade.
“I am Arlan, Lord in the Autumn Lands.” He dipped his head the smallest bit.
Liam’s dislike and unease at this information buffeted me, his emotions easy to sense despite no outward sign of them. Something about the man’s presence disturbed him.
“Welcome Arlan, Lord in the Autumn Lands, also known as a Lord of the Wild Hunt,” Thomas said in a dry tone.
Recognition jumped through me as Thomas gave him his second name. Dahlia had brought that up last night.
Arlan’s smile widened.“I am one of many Lords of the Wild Hunt as the dog at your side might tell you.”
Thomas didn’t react to that, just stared the man down with a superior expression.“And may I inquire as to what brings you so far from the Shining Lands?”
“There is to be a Wild Hunt.” He paused as the rest of the vampires stirred, his words having the effect of a bomb.
Some of the vampires seemed uneasy at the news, while others exhibited avid anticipation.
Arlan spread his hands.“Of course, you and yours are welcome to participate. I caution you, however, the hunt is fickle. Those who join are as likely to end as prey versus hunters.”
Thomas remained motionless even as his vampires stirred, hushed whispers traveling through the room. Some of the clan leaders appeared to be considering the invitation. Aiden and a few others exchanged grim looks.
“We will consider your invitation,” Thomas said after a drawn-out silence.
Liam tensed, his eyes a blaze of fire under a mask of haughty disdain.
Thomas rose from his seat.“Come, let me show you our home so we might get to know each other.”
I lingered where I was, watching theHigh Faemingle without actually mingling. They remained as apart from the vampires as if they had stayed standing by the door.
“Is this as bad as I think it is?” I asked as Liam came to stand beside me.
“Worse,” he said.
I nodded. That’s kind of what I thought.
“The Wild Hunt is an old tradition. It uses ancient magic that can’t be controlled.”
“And Arlan is its lord?” I asked.
His smile was grim.“One of them. There is no true lord of the hunt. The most powerful on that night becomes its Lord until the hunt is done. The magic chooses who among those present will be the hunters or the prey. Usually the weak and criminals are chosen as prey, but not always.”
I looked back at where the Fae had begun to move through the room. For the most part they remained in a group, only a few of them drifting off on their own, Niall and Cadell among those.
The twins remained with the group but seemed more interested in watching Liam and me.
“And Niamh? How does she factor into all this?” I asked
“She’s the high king’s youngest daughter,” Liam said.
“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me,” I murmured watching the newcomers carefully. She had the spoiled entitlement down pat.
“I’m surprised to hear she married, and to Arlan of all people,” he said.
“Jealous?” I asked, giving him a quick look.
“No, just surprised. Her unfortunate appetites are well known among their people. Even for one of them, she is considered cruel,” he said softly.
“How is she tied to the hunt?” I asked.
