‘Why?’ I bounced his question, still trying to collect my thoughts after his revelation.
He smiled at my confused look. ‘I’m not rushing things; too many support Jagon. I need to gather my allies – just aprecaution, of course, but it’s always better to work from a position of strength.’
‘Today, but first, he’s going to tell the Brotherhood I’m his daughter,’ I said, noticing his lack of surprise. ‘But I’m guessing you already knew that. Since when?’
‘Since the journey to retrieve Tova.’ He grinned. ‘I saw how he treated you. Besides, you both have the same death-cold stare when things don’t go your way.’
We paused when the door creaked open, and a pale-faced Lily walked in. ‘It seems I missed something. What are you talking about?’ She walked to the counter and poured herself a glass of water as Irsha rushed to her, pulling back a chair so she could sit.
Irsha grinned. ‘That Sana is the Old Man’s daughter.’
Lily nodded, and I frowned. This lack of reaction was concerning, and even more so her shaking hands as she finally took a tremulous sip from the cup. ‘If you’re happy, then I’m glad for you. Family is important,’ she said flatly.
Irsha stood behind her, silent. He was close but not touching, his fingers flexing, the pose of a man who knew something was wrong but had no idea what to do. He sent me a questioning look, but I was none the wiser.
Lily’s query broke the uncomfortable silence. ‘I wanted to ask you if I could hire more of your men.’
‘Of course.’ Irsha’s voice was soft and warm like molasses, while his large hand landed on her shoulder. ‘I’ll send more as soon as I return to my chapter. You look tired; why don’t I take you to bed?’
Whether this slip of the tongue was intentional or not, Lily smiled, the first genuine reaction since she’d walked into the kitchen. Colour tinted her cheeks when she turned towards him. ‘I would like that. We can discuss the other arrangements later,’ she said, and Irsha froze.
‘I… Lily, no. I’ll send the men regardless. There’s no need for any other arrangements. Besides, I need to leave. Sana and I have a meeting to attend at the mansion,’ Irsha muttered, fumbling his words like a dolt.
It wasn’t a transaction, you idiot, I wanted to scream. Instead, I stood silently, hoping his insecurities didn’t cause a storm of epic proportions.
‘Right. Did it ever occur to you that I simply like your company? That not everything in this house is for sale?’ She pressed a fist to her temple, the other gripping the edge of the table so hard her knuckles turned white. ‘I won’t ask twice. If you must go, then go. I’ll send you a contract and the money later today.’
Irsha, confused and suddenly floundering, looked like his heart had been ripped out and had no idea why, but that wasn’t something I could help him with. ‘Lilliana, I want to stay. I just can’t tonight,’ he said, his tone firm while he reached for her hand. Lily pulled away, and I watched his confidence crumble after her rejection. ‘Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Irsha turned away, walking towards the door, shoulders so stiff that his gait was stilted.
‘I’ll lock you two in a windowless room until you resolve this senseless misunderstanding,’ I muttered, turning towards my friend. ‘He had to go because Boyan named him his successor. He has to prepare.’
‘I’m glad for him. You should go too, Sana. I’m tired,’ Lily said, standing up.
And just like that, I lost my temper. ‘Sit down and look me in the eyes,’ I said, grabbing her hand. Lily stared at me, shocked. ‘Lilliana Ordon, you’ll tell me what’s going on, or I swear to the gods above and below that I’ll get Reynard to close this place down.’ Lily tried to pull away, but I wouldn’t let her. ‘I mean it.The wards, your attitude, how you treated Irsha… Who or what is bothering you? We’ll face it together, just tell me.’
I didn’t expect it, and I would never have believed it could happen – until it did. The strongest woman I knew crumpled to the floor, sobbing. A chill ran through my body as I knelt beside her, pulling my dearest friend into a fierce hug and rocking her like a child until her cries subsided.
‘What aren’t you telling me?’ I asked gently when her tears finally slowed. ‘Irsha told me you’d received a message. Tell me who I should be killing for making you cry!’
Lily looked at me, guilt written all over her face. ‘Let’s go to my room first. And Irsha… I need to talk to him.’
She took a deep breath, reaching for my hand. We crept into her room like two teenagers hoping to avoid the back of their mother’s ladle. I grabbed some wine, and as we sat on the bed, I turned towards her.
‘Now talk,’ I said calmly, determined to get to the bottom of everything.
‘My husband found me… and he isn’t a man to be trifled with.’
I sat there, dumbfounded. In all the time I’d known her, I’d only heard rumours of Lily’s past. And not even one mentioned being married.
‘How… What does he want?’ I asked. The aethereal wards and hiring of more guards finally made sense. ‘Is he a mage? Did he threaten you?’
Lily sighed heavily, sipping from the goblet, her body tensing again as she started talking. ‘He’s a Light Fae equerry in the Royal Court of Lumivitae, and he’s displeased that his wife is a whore. He sent an ultimatum today. Either I return voluntarily, and he, in his kindness, will forgive my eccentricities, or his men will drag me back to the family estate in a turnip sack.’
‘Oh, I’ll see him try,’ I said through clenched teeth. I didn’t care who this bastard was. If he came to take my friend, I’dreturn his bloated corpse to the royal court on the back of a manure cart.
‘He’s already tried. While you were away, I received a request to meet someone seeking an unusual arrangement. It happens sometimes when clients want something more… adventurous. I was ready to go, but my entertainer overheard a strange conversation and warned me that the meeting was suspicious.’ Lily paused, sipping her drink. ‘I looked into it, and it turned out to be my husband’s retainer.’
‘You escaped his trap, but what next? How can I help?’ I asked. Gods, I wish Rey were here. He could suppress the Lumivitae fae’s activities with his mere presence.
