Page 137 of A Legacy of the Light

“Yes. Well, I’m sure the king would be quite interested to know what she’s up to.”

Hume’s tone and the way he talks about me as if I’m not stood right next to him, riles me.

“I’m right here, Hume. As Finneus said, I wanted to see the chambers after reading about them. Surely the king has more pressing matters to deal with?” I challenge.

I keep my gaze flat and my arms crossed, and I’m glad we didn’t pull any books from the chambers today, that would be difficult to explain as a thirst for knowledge.

“What concerns the king is of no matter to you, human,” he snarls.

“How can we assist you, Hume?” Finneus cuts in before I punch Hume in his slimy face.

“I came to remind you of the king’s request. Any new information relating to the Dorche is to be sent immediately to him.” Hume looks over us both down the length of his crooked nose, something I’ve noticed he does when he’s trying to assert his authority.

“I have not forgotten,” Finneus confirms. “I’ll be sure to inform His Majesty should I learn anything new. Since he has most of the tomes relating to the rebels, it is unlikely I’ll present him with anything he doesn’t already know.”

Hume huffs. “Well, make sure you keep him updated.” He turns on his heel and departs as quickly as he came, leaving me bewildered and wondering what he’s heard, and what he’s going to tell Raghnall about this.

“I hate that guy,” I murmur and Finneus chuckles.

“He’s not on my list of favorite people.”

We hang back to make sure he’s properly gone before we head to the spot in the library we use for our research.

“I will not join you today, my dear,” Finneus says as I settle into my chair. “My daughter is visiting for a few days with my grandchildren. I promised her I would spend the day with them.”

I break into a wide smile. “That sounds great, Finneus. I’ll see you on Monday then?”

“Indeed, Elsie, I shall see you on Monday.” He starts to walk away from me then pauses. “Might I suggest you take today away from this library? Explore the palace a little more. It would do you good to just be for a while.”

After considering for a moment, I agree. We have spent weeks here and not made any progress. One day to myself won’t hurt anyone.

We part ways at the central chamber and I linger, deciding which way to go. I could go and say hello to Colin in the kitchens, but he will likely be busy and I will feel as though I’m in his way.

I choose a random hallway and slowly wander down it, taking my time so I can study the paintings hung along the stone walls. There’s a nondescript wooden door between two paintings of Seelie worshipping a body made entirely of light. I tilt my head to the side, and step forward to try the handle. It moves easily under my hand. The door is remarkably silent as it swings open.

“Wow,” I mutter, entering the space. I haven’t explored many rooms in the palace unless someone is with me. After the sex chambers at the ball, I’m half-scared of what I might find behind so many closed doors.

This room is large, and the back wall is made entirely of stained glass, woven in the Celtic symbols I’ve grown familiar with during my stay here.

Wooden benches line either side. At the end of the room, on a dais in front of the windows, is a large marble statue of a voluptuous woman in a simple gown cinched at the waist. Atop her head sits a crown, the spires of which reach high above her long hair. Her hands are clasped in front of her stomach, forming a perfect circle. The statue is breathtaking in its simplicity. But where I would expect to see features carved into her face, the stone is perfectly smooth.

I stand, staring at the statue, considering who it might be. Rows of candles are lit at her feet, so this must be a chapel. Is this Dhia?

The Craobh Beatha warms against my chest and I fold my fingers around it as it starts to vibrate. Taking a step closer to the statue, the pendant starts to pulse softly. I look up into the faceless statue and the hair along my arms stands on end. A static feeling starts to whirl around me, like I’ve stepped into a bubble of energy the closer I get to the dais.

A throat clears behind me, making me jump and whirl around.

A guard stands looking at me awkwardly as I settle my heart. The Craobh and the sensation that was spiraling around me disappears with his presence.

“The king wishes for you to join him for breakfast in the dining room.”

“Right now?” I ask.

“Aye, my lady. I am to escort you there myself.”

Fantastic—Hume moves fast.

“Lead the way, then,” I reply with a tight smile.