What feels like a gust of wind rushes around me, wrapping around my shoulders like a fur stole. I’m guessing it’s no wind but three fluid shadows melding into one.
Ask to see the stone, Behach Éan.And have Rossi and Bronwen brought along for the visit since no Crows will be able to linger in the chamber. If it’s authentic, thenIwill strike a bargain.
I hadn’t even considered the possibility that it could be counterfeit.
After I’ve voiced Lore’s demands, Vladimir has a sleigh sent to the hunting lodge to fetch the rest of my family, then commands his sentries to head back into the valley, toward that glass pavilion that leads beneath the earth.
My heart judders at the idea of journeying underground.
Lore must feel it clap against his shadows because he caresses my rigid spine and murmurs,The palace has skylights everywhere and is made up entirely of white quartz. It’s nothing like where you were held.
Still, I nibble the life out of my lip.
I’m here, Behach Éan. Your father is, too.
But you won’t be able to penetrate the obsidian gallery.Even my mind-voice is shrill with nerves.
Icanenter it. I just cannot remain in it for too long.
That does little to ease my qualms.
My love, I can sever necks quicker than you can blink, and I can do so just fine surrounded by the cursed stone.
I swallow, finally feeling infinitesimally calmer. Who would’ve known that I’d one day find comfort in the idea of beheadings?
By the time we reach the pavilion, another sleigh is gliding down the mountain with three people aboard. Though still far, I don’t miss the burnt-orange hue of a long ponytail streaming behind one of the passengers.
“Shall we head inside?” Vladimir nods to his castle. “Your teeth are chattering.”
Not because of the brisk temperatures . . .
“We wait.” My father’s eyes don’t waver off the approaching sleigh.
Konstantin unhooks the fur cloak and begins to slide it off his shoulders. “Here.”
When I realize he wants to give it to me, I shake my head. “I’m fine, but thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Lore’s shadows pinch one of my nipples.
What the Cauldron, Lore?I hiss.
Just trying to keep you warm, mo khrà.
By tweaking my nipples?
You stopped shivering, didn’t you? No need for Konstantin’s coat.
I wasn’t going to take it,I grumble.
One of Vladimir’s twins approaches, and as she does, I catch the sparkle of a dozen diamond snowflakes pinned into her straight, gold hair. “Why did we turn around, Atsa?”
I take it Atsa means Father in Glacin. Unless it means Your Majesty?
Father,Lore supplies.Majesty is Vizosh.
Vladimir’s gaze perches on my face. “We’ve decided to conclude our alliance before supping.”
Her eyes widen. “King Ríhbiadh’s accepted to marry Alyona?”
