“Yes, sir,” I said, slipping back into my extinguisher habits. “I'll be there as soon as I can. My father is still at Gentry, you said?”
“In one of the labs,” Murdock nodded.
“And what about my aunt?” I started thinking a little clearer, now that I knew my dad would be alright. “Did you catch Moire?”
“No, I'm sorry,” he sighed. “If she was there, she was glamored. We didn't see her, and we were only able to apprehend three of the attackers.”
“You have elves in custody?” Raza leaned forward to ask.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Murdock straightened. “Two dark elves and one light. We have them in a holding cell. You may interrogate them if you wish.”
“I'll leave that to Seren,” Raza said grudgingly. “I'm unable to twilight over with her. Damn it all, now I'm using the term.”
“Twilight is coming,” I said to Murdock. “My Guard and I will be there shortly. Are you back at the Council House?”
“Yes, we've just returned,” Murdock nodded. “I wanted to scry you first and let you know about your father. I knew you would be worried.”
“Thank you, Head Councilman,” I sighed. “I am beyond grateful.”
“I'm glad we could be there to assist,” Murdock said. “And I'm also relieved that your father is alright. We'll see you soon, Ambassador.”
“Goodbye, Councilman.”
I sat back and let out a huge huff of relief. Cat laid her head on my lap, and I hugged her.
“Nearly here, Your Highness,” Conri said.
“Right,” I stood. “Raza,” I went to hug him goodbye. “Don't worry, I'll be careful.”
“Be more than that, mo shíorghrá,” Raza smoothed my hair back and kissed me. “Be certain. Don't take any risks. And come back to me with the dawn.”
“I'll slip into bed beside you,” I promised. “You'll wake up to find me there.”
“The way I wish to awaken every morning,” Raza purred.
Tiernan didn't say anything, but when I passed him, he snatched my hand and gave it a quick squeeze. I nodded, conveying more than I could have with words, then went to stand with my Guard. Conri picked up Cat, as was becoming his habit, and then we hovered. Twilight came, and we left, shooting through the In-Between like rockets through space. And yes, I realize that paints a ridiculous visual, but I needed some levity. I wouldn't be at peace until I saw for myself that my father was alive.
We emerged in my father's office a few moments later. It was empty, of course, and the only sound came from the gentle whir of the air conditioning vent above us. Everything seemed so peaceful, even the city, spreading out below me. But there was still that anxious feeling in my gut, and not even the view of San Francisco, and its windswept bay, could calm it.
I hurried out into the large waiting room Keir shared with his brother, Dylan. Dylan ran Gentry Tech for my father, but Keir was still the owner, so they halved the top floor between them. Not only did they share the top floor and its waiting room, they also shared a secretary. A very competent woman who was not at her desk.
“Well, that doesn't bode well,” I muttered as I passed the empty secretary desk.
“You've already been informed that the King is alive and recovering,” Torquil said gently.
I looked at Torquil in surprise. He wasn't usually the comforting type.
“Thanks, Torquil,” I said. “I know, it's just...”
“He's your father,” he nodded.
“Damn,” Conri shook his head, “youdohave a heart.”
“Pay up,” Ainsley motioned a hand at Conri.
“You bet on my emotions?” Torquil narrowed his eyes on the two men.
“It was a joke,” Ainsley gave Torquil's shoulder a pat. “We didn't actually wager on it. I was teasing.”
