Page 171 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

The space rumbled with voices and movement. I looked for Bren—there was no longer any reason to hide our bond, and with all the other upheaval, there’d been little gossip, which was a relief. But to my surprise, it was Voski who’d leaped out of his seat to approach me the moment the meeting ended. As much as I wanted to disappear with Bren until breakfast, I was glad. He’d been very quiet since he returned from Fyrehold, and I feared we weren’t getting the whole story of what he’d faced.

His sharp features were even more drawn than usual, making his eyes seem dark and hunted as he turned side on to me, buried his hands in his pockets and made certain no one else had approached.

He’d been back for two days, but he still twitched like a cat whose fur was petted in the wrong direction.

I had my suspicions about why he was so agitated. But until he chose to tell me himself, what could I do?

“What is it?” I asked him quietly.

“I think you should send me back to Fyrehold to hunt down the traitors who were—”

“No.”

The muscles in his jaw flexed. “Sir, I already know the palace and grounds, and if you’re sending a team, I could lead it. I’d welcome the chance to—”

“No. You’re needed here.” I was shocked, but didn’t let it show. If my suspicions were correct, he was in worse shape than I thought if he was asking to be sent away. “There’s so much change coming, Voski. We need as little upheaval among the ranks as possible. But, don’t worry, you already proved your metal in Fyrehold. You’re up for promotion.”

“I don’t want a promotion. I want to work,” he hissed.

I frowned. “Good. Then work. Here. The Furyknights—including Shadowfang—need to keep their leaders close until everyone feels more secure. You’ll be an important part of that—unless you plan to leave entirely?”

“No! Of course not. I go where you go, sir. Only… we have to find the men who stole the eggs and obviously they had a hand in the herds in Fyrehold, not to mention Draeventhall—”

“We cannot rule another kingdom. We aren’t even sure if those rulers knew about the scheme. Only that there were men within their kingdoms working with Alexi.”

“So, let me be on the team who moves to find out! You know I am adept at subterfuge—”

“I do, which is why there’s much more important work for you here. We don’t even know yet if those involved in Fyrehold and Draeventhall knew the breadth of what was being planned. But regardless, we’ll find them and guard our borders against them.”

“The best protection I know is to remove the threat.” He turned as Gil and Bren wandered closer, talking quietly, but eyes on us. Voski beckoned them closer. “Gil could come with me—he’s willing. Between us we could—”

“Voski, hear me: The answer is no.” I might have considered it if I didn’t sense the man was fleeing something here, rather than running towards a mission. “What I will do is keep your name on the list for those we’re using here in Vosgaarde. I’m certain there are more people involved than the queen uncovered before the King’s death. I’ll consider both of you for that team.”

Gil smiled, but Voski scowled. Bren came to stand at my side, and even though I could touch her now, I tried not to fill my hands with her when we were on duty. So, I shifted my weight to stand as close as I could, then thanked them for the work they’d done, and assured Voski that as long as he stayed, he would have plenty to do. “Now, I have to speak to the Captains, so I’ll say farewell. Bren—I’ll see you at home?”

She smiled and squeezed my hand, then walked off with her brothers. I watched them for a moment, my chest aching that I couldn’t sweep her up and out of there, but my eyes kept returning to Voski.

While Gil walked out with his head up and that wicked smile that implied he was looking for trouble, Voski’s head was down, his shoulders hunched around his ears.

He looked miserable.

The kind of miserable that could end in trouble.

When they disappeared into one of the tunnels, I made my way to the Captains, who were still answering questions, and pulled Olve aside for a moment. “We need to keep an eye on Voski,” I murmured, watching over his shoulder to make sure none of the other men were close enough to hear.

Olve nodded. “He’s definitely more sour than usual.”

“It’s a little more than sour.”

Olve’s gaze sharpened. “You think something happened in Fyrehold—?”

“I’m not sure. But… keep an eye on him. I know none of us needs another job right now, but let’s both keep watch. Something’s happened. He’s… unsteady. If you think I need to intervene, I will.”

Olve nodded. “Yes, Sir,”

“Thank you.”

Satisfied, and weary, I took my leave while I still could get out of there, and follow my mate back to the apartment. My stomach growled for breakfast, but my hunger was all for her.