Page 4 of Triumph at Pemberley

Darcy patted the gatekeeper’s arm. “I know that. Anyone could have been fooled, and no harm was done.”

Georgiana seemed to ignore this discussion. “Lyren of Evendale, you will return to the High King. You will say nothing of anything you have seen or heard here, nor will you reveal your new bond to me. You will truthfully tell him that you crossed the wards, but were trapped by an inner barrier of iron. You only freed yourself after I sent one of my lesser fae to assist you, along with the message that I am unable to leave Pemberley, and this estate is seeded with iron. We will make this true as soon as we are done here. You will engage in no trickery or deceit beyond what I have instructed you to do. Do you understand?”

“Great lady, I will fulfill your orders exactly. What shall I do then?”

“You will continue with your normal duties. In a week, as time is measured in the mortal world, you will report here to me. I give you the freedom to choose the moment, rather than calling you to me at a moment which might expose you.”

His eyes kindled. “My lady is generous and considerate,” he said wonderingly.

Was that so unusual among the fae?

“That is all. My servants, Bittersweet and Starling, will take you to the barrier, where you will demonstrate your loyalty to me by stepping into the iron. Then return directly to Faerie, and speedily.”

She turned away as two of her lesser fae led the High Fae toward the gate – no, towards the decorative railing outside the gatehouse. After a glance back over his shoulder, Lyren of Everdale strode straight into it.

His tall, slender form arched, his arms splayed to his side. His face froze in a rictus of agony, but he made no sound.

Darcy winced. A powerful fae was subjecting himself to this pain at his sister’s command! Even if he understood it was in defense of Pemberley, it was excruciating to watch.

He had never thought to have the slightest sympathy for a High Fae.

Thankfully, the two little fae pulled Lyren of Everdale backwards quickly. He stumbled to regain his balance. Shakily, he turned to make a deep bow towards Georgiana’s back. Then he retreated out the gate and down the road.

What had his sister done?

When the High Fae was fully out of sight, Georgiana’s proud posture suddenly faltered, and she buried her face in her hands. “Did it have to hurt him so much?” Her voice shook. “At my command?”

Mistletoe said, “Great lady, it was a small price to pay to keep us all safe. You, your family, the baby girl you love, and the rest of us. And now you have a High Fae servant who has seen your kindness!”

“Hardly kind, when I ordered him to torture himself.” Georgiana sniffled, as if holding back tears. “I would not have known what to do without your whispers in my ears.”

“You were perfect, great lady!” Mistletoe cried, clapping his spindly hands.

She slumped forward, her hands resting on her legs, as if standing was suddenly too great an effort. “Good.”

Darcy hurried to her and rubbed his hand against her back. “You were brilliant, dearest, and you did what needed to be done,” he said soothingly. “The story about Pemberley being seeded with iron will help keep other intruders away.”

She looked up at him tiredly. “It is true, you know. I spread the iron shavings on the ground in certain places, so I could say it truly. I cannot lie, you know.”

Because she was fae in spirit.

And she had planned all this in advance, without a word to him.

“You still did very well,” he said. “And Jasper! What a triumph! Astonishing swordplay.”

Georgiana seemed to brighten. “Oh, I wish I could have seen it! Jasper, you truly are my champion, whatever that may mean.”

“Happy to be of service.” Jasper sheathed his sword. “It was amazing, even though I would have lost eventually if Darcy had not distracted him. If he does come back, do you think he would be willing to spar with me?”

Darcy could not help but laugh at his cousin’s single-mindedness.

Georgiana just smiled. “He has to return, whether he likes it or not, and I will ask him.”

Once Georgiana and Jasper had started back to the house, Darcy laid his hand on Coquelicot’s side, feeling the warmth of her iridescent red scales. I have heard of fae true names in old stories, but what does that mean?

A fae must appear immediately when their true name is spoken, and cannot refuse any request made with it. Distaste entered Coquelicot’s sending. Giving it is meant as a sign of fealty, but some have used it essentially to enslave a fae.

Georgiana would never do that, he protested.