“We have reason to believe they were part of the Elder Clan,” Tybalt added solemnly.
“Shit,” Cethin muttered, rubbing at his brow with his thumb and forefinger.
“What is that? What does that mean?” Kailia asked.
Cethin glanced at Razik and jerked his chin. Surprised at being allowed to godsdamn speak at all, he didn’t show it. Instead, he said, “The Elder Clan are exactly what they sound like. They’re a group of beings centuries old. Some are believed to have been here when this realm was created. That’s never been substantiated, but if not them, then their descendants. They keep old traditions and records, and they are tasked with keeping the sacred places in the kingdom protected.”
“Like the temple at Lunae Falls?” Kailia asked.
“No, that is a Witch temple,” Cethin answered absentmindedly, obviously deep in thought. “These are sacred places from when the world was created. There are creatures there that the Elder Clan keeps at bay, and in return, we let them be. They are highly respected and knowledgeable, but they have a fault in relying too much on ancient ways and prophecies. It’s a balance to keep the peace with them.”
“And if they are the ones who attacked you, it could be a problem,” Tybalt supplied. Shifting his attention back to the king, he added, “A big problem, Cethin.”
“One I’ve handled before,” the king replied.
“With Tethys at your side.”
Darkness drifted off the king in faint wisps. “I’m more than capable.”
“Yes, but at what cost?” Tybalt countered with a pointed look at the new queen.
“I have it handled,” Cethin gritted out.
“That doesn’t mean it won’t bite you in the ass in the end,” Tybalt replied, getting to his feet. “If I learn anything more, I’ll let you know, but I wanted you to be aware.” Turning to Razik, he added, “She goes nowhere alone.”
Razik nodded, his arms crossed where he still stood next to Kailia. At least she waited until Tybalt was gone before she said, “He does not like me.”
Cethin sighed, slumping back in his chair. “It’s not you, Kailia. It’s the situation.”
“I don’t think that’s true.”
“You’re right. He doesn’t,” Razik said plainly, taking a seat in the chair his uncle had vacated.
“Razik, can you not?” Cethin muttered, rubbing at his brow again.
He shrugged. “I’m not going to try to convince her of something that’s more than obvious. It’s not like it matters. She’s not going anywhere. You made sure of that.”
“Yeah,” Cethin murmured. Then he sighed, looking at the stacks of papers on his desk. It clearly pained him to ask, “Can you escort Kailia around today? I have…this to do.” He picked up a stack of papers and dropped them unceremoniously back onto his desk, a few fluttering to the floor.
“Anything in particular we need to handle?” Razik asked.
“Don’t let her stab anyone,” he muttered.
“That’s only you,” she retorted, getting to her feet.
“Tell that to those you left bleeding out in Shira Forest, tiny fiend,” Cethin replied. He didn’t smile, but he winked at her.
With a huff, she crossed the room, Razik following.
“Greybane,” Cethin called after him.
But Razik didn’t slow. He just threw a wave over his shoulder. He knew he was just going to reiterate the underlyingmeaning of his previous words. Don’t let her stab anyone, but also make sure there’s no reason for her to stab anyone.
“Where to, your Majesty?” Razik asked once they were outside the study, two of Cethin’s guards glancing at each other at the title.
“My rooms, I suppose?” she answered.
“Is that where you plan to spend your days? Because I’m not standing outside those doors all the fucking time.”
