The journal entries revealed a disturbed mind. Someone was convinced that authentic emotion was weakness, that the court would be stronger and more stable if feelings were muted and controlled.
“They think they’re protecting the fae by killing what makes them special,” I said softly.
“Emotion is our power.” Anger came through in Dominic’s voice. “Connection, joy, and passion are what feeds our magic. Taking that away doesn’t make us stronger. It makes us nothing.”
“We should go,” I said, though I made no move to step back. “Plan our next move.”
“Yes.” His gaze dropped to my mouth, then back to my eyes. “We should definitely do that.”
Neither of us moved.
Savory’s caw from the entrance broke the moment.
The investigators who forget their investigation become the investigated,she said.Save the mating rituals for when you’re not standing in a villain’s lair.
Heat flooded my face. When I repeated what she’d said, Dominic laughed, but he eased away from me. “She has a point.”
“She usually does. Even when I wish she didn’t.”
We made our way back up the steps, emerging into afternoon sunlight that felt startlingly bright after the dim underground chamber. The garden around us looked different now, a mystery we finally understood.
We linked hands as we walked back toward the manor house, both of us talking quickly, interrupting each other with observations and theories.
“We need to determine who has the knowledge and access to create something like that,” I said, my mind racing ahead to next steps.
“And who would believe dampening emotion is beneficial rather than destructive?” Dominic squeezed my hand. “That’s a very specific philosophical position.”
“Someone who values control over authentic feeling.” I thought through the court members I’d met. “Who fears vulnerability enough to systematically eliminate it.”
We reached the manor house and were making our way toward the main staircase when Lady Kenneth strode from a side corridor, carrying a load of leather-bound books in her arms. Her silver hair caught the afternoon light streaming through the tall windows, and she wore her usual tunic and pants, though today in a deep forest green.
“Your Majesties,” she said with a warm smile, shifting the books to one arm as she nodded. “So pleasant to run into you. I was just returning these to the library after my correspondence with the Court of the Eastern Winds.”
“Research?” Dominic asked, glancing at the titles on the spines.
“In a way. I’ve been trying to convince their head librarian to loan us some of their historical texts on ancient magical theory.” Lady Kenworth’s eyes lit up. “They have a fascinating collection on pre-kingdom magical practices that our library lacks. The librarian there is notoriously particular about who gets access, but I think I’ve finally worn him down with my persistence.”
“That sounds like valuable research,” I said.
“Oh, it will be. Especially their treatise on emotional magic theory from the Third Age. I’ve been hoping to get my hands on a copy for years.” She shifted the books again. “Sometimes the best battles are fought with letters and scholarly persistence rather than swords.”
“When do you expect to hear back?” Dominic asked.
“Within the week, if the fates allow. Cross your fingers that my charm offensive worked.” She grinned and strode down an adjacent wing, calling out over her shoulder. “Enjoy your afternoon.”
We watched her go, then headed straight for our suite, too energized to do anything but keep planning.
“What are your thoughts on us bringing in new flowers in pristine condition and using them as a trap?” Dominic asked as we climbed the stairs. “We could create a scenario that would draw whoever it is back to their underground chamber.”
“Magical surveillance versus physical observation,” Isaid. “We need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.”
“Savory could do aerial reconnaissance. Early warning if someone approaches.”
We burst into our suite still talking, the words tumbling over each other in our rush to build the perfect trap.
Savory flew out through the balcony.I’m going hunting.
Dominic frowned her way. “Doesn’t she want to be part of our planning process?”
