I follow him through the hallways silently. The scents of herbs in the healing house remind me of better times, of training under the master healers in Avalon before I was named as one of the warriors.
We climb stairs that spiral upward through the northern tower. Völundr's structures are impressive, I'll admit. They used natural stone to create something both beautiful and defensible.
The room Garrett leads me to is wide, with tall windows overlooking the ocean beyond. It's crowded with what must be Rhianelle's inner circle.
I recognize the knights immediately. Garrett, who brought me here, takes his position near the door. Aelfric, the one-eyed warrior who traveled with us, stands with arms crossed. Another knight stands beside him. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and a fighter's stance. Darstan, I think I heard someone call him earlier. He stands close to an elven woman holding a baby. His hand rests on her shoulder protectively.
An older elven lord with silver-touched hair stands near the window. I've heard of him. His reputation as a warrior and tactician precedes him.
Rainer Wiolant, the Silver Stag of the East.
If I were still Eirik's commander, I'd target Rainer first. The most valuable kill in this room. Several figures in dark clothing lurk in the shadows behind him. Grimsbanes of the assassinguild. I've never encountered so many of them in one place. Their presence makes my skin crawl.
I've been introduced formally to the healer who chaperoned me earlier in Rhianelle's room. Lady Deirdre sits rigid in a high-backed chair. Two handmaidens hover nervously behind her, their eyes darting between me and the vampire.
Yes, the vampire.
The host who invited me to this kingdom, Arescaine.
He stands at the head of the table presiding over this discussion. Conversation dies the moment I enter.
Every eye turns to me. The fae. The enemy. The unwanted complication standing in their pristine healing house.
"Close the door," Arescaine commands. His voice is quiet but absolute.
Garrett obliges.
Fuck. I'm trapped in this room with at least three — maybe five people who want me dead.
I would have killed them without hesitation a week ago. Rainer's hand rests too close to his blade.
Arescaine looks at me with something worse than hatred.
The vampire's dark eyes sweep over us all before he speaks. "What I'm about to tell you cannot leave this room. It concerns Rhianelle's survival and the forces that threaten her."
"We're listening," Rainer says, his eyes narrowing at me. "Though I question why the fae is present for this discussion."
"He needs to be here," Arescaine says flatly. "You'll understand why."
Confused murmurs ripple through the room. The handmaidens exchange glances.
"The Un have taken an interest in Rhianelle," Arescaine continues.
The room goes very still. Even I feel a chill at the mention of the Un. Every fae child grows up hearing stories of them. Our ancient ancestors who weave fate itself.
The Firstborn. The Unyielding.
"One of them, Blight, has threatened me," Arescaine says. "If I tell Rhianelle who I am, if I reveal that I'm her husband, there will be consequences."
Silence fills the room.
"What do you mean, reveal yourself?" Lady Deirdre asks slowly. "Rhianelle knows you're her husband. You've been married for—"
"She doesn't remember me," Arescaine interrupts. "When she looks at me, there's nothing. No recognition or memory that we've ever met."
Rainer's eyes widen and one of the handmaidens gasps.
"You all have seen that Rhianelle has lost some memories," he continues. "There are gaps in her recollection. Other people and events should be familiar but everything connected to me is lost. It's part of the Un's interference."
