A Crown of Cursed Hearts (Kingdom of Blighted Thorns #3)

30. Vexxion

30

VEXXION

I nside the manor house, I found everyone heading for the small, informal dining room where Vera had magicked a late breakfast. We settled in chairs. Heaping platters were passed around, and we dished up and began eating.

I sat with Tempest on my left and Brodine on my right. Airia, Reyla, and Vera sat opposite us, with Zayde and Layla taking each end as if they ruled the court.

“Could everyone join me in the parlor after we’re through?” Tempest said. “I want some input on a few things.” She sucked in a breath and released it. “I need to start planning a war.” Her gaze sought Vera’s. “I placed a ward on the island, but I worry we need more than that to keep us safe.”

“I warded the island the moment we arrived,” I said.

“Mine is still in place,” Vera added.

“Thank you.” Tempest sighed. “The thorns are gone. Will three wards be enough? ”

“It should be,” Vera said, biting down hard on her lower lip.

I grunted and took a sip of my tea, carefully placing the mug back on the table. “Three wards won’t stop the king.”

Reyla’s eyes widened. “You’re saying he can come here whenever he pleases?”

Vera patted her arm. “Mayline’s spell was more than just thorns. It also contains a powerful ward, adding to what we’ve done.”

“Will it keep out those who aren’t loyal to Lydel?” Tempest asked.

Vera gave her a pert nod. “Of course.”

“Does the spell do anything else?” I asked.

“Even if the Bledmire monster flew above on a dragon, seeking us with his magic, he wouldn’t be able to hear or see anything going on below.”

“Then we can talk anywhere.” Brodine relaxed back in his chair. “Good. I was worried about that.”

“As long as the rest of her spell holds,” Vera added.

I swallowed my bite and lowered my fork onto my plate. “I’ll see if I can strengthen that part of her ward.”

“I welcome anything.” Vera looked toward Tempest. “I need to take you to the sea soon.”

Where she’d claim her court’s core power.

“I’ll go with her,” I spontaneously said.

Vera frowned. “This is hers to claim.”

“Claim what?” Brodine asked.

Reyla, Airia, and Layla watched us as intently.

Zayde relaxed back in his chair and bit into a roll. “What was hers the moment she was born. ”

Brodine looked from Zayde to Vera. “What’s that? I’m still stunned by the fact that she’s fae and the Lydel High Lady, but now you’re saying there could be more?” He leaned forward to speak past me to Tempest. “I’ll go too. You shouldn’t have to face anything alone.”

“I said that she won’t be alone,” I bit out, struggling not to smack him with my threads. “ I’ll be with her.” My irritation was fed by jealousy; I knew this. But I couldn’t seem to make myself behave when he looked at her like he adored her more than me.

“She can’t take any of you with her,” Vera said sharply. With a sigh, she lowered her voice. “I’ll go partway with her to instruct her, but after that, her success or failure must lie solely with her.” Our eyes met. “Each court handles this differently. You’re Weldsbane, so mined stone plays a role in your core.”

Such as the pabrilleen pendant Tempest wore on a chain around her neck. I recognized it the moment I saw it. It had been in my family for many generations, though my mother rarely wore it. Much too delicate, she’d said. I like gaudier things, she’d added with a sweet laugh.

It fit Tempest’s personality perfectly.

I lifted my eyebrows Vera’s way. “And Lydel’s core is . . .”

“Aligned with the sea.” Tempest’s gaze caught mine. “I’m not sure how I know that. It just burst out.”

“You’re correct,” Vera said. “Our main court is bordered by water on all sides.”

“How is she going to use water to claim power?” Brodine asked.

Reyla’s face creased with concern. “You’re not a great swimmer, Tempest. I’m not criticizing you, of course. We were much too busy with lessons and training to play in the river.”

Tempest placed a bite in her mouth and spoke around it. “I’ll be fine.”

“I want to go with you too,” Airia said softly. She shot a glance Vera’s way before focusing on her half-finished meal. “I think we should all go. We’re here for you, and we want to protect you.”

“Only Vera will go with me,” Tempest said. “I doubt it’s dangerous or courts would lose their high lords and ladies all the time. We would’ve heard about that. You know how word travels.”

“Perhaps you should take your own journey during this time, Vexxion,” Vera suddenly said. “I could help you with your quest as well.”

Could I take back my court’s core? The king had stolen most of it before I turned six, and he’d hoarded what he’d taken, though I’d slowly pulled some of it back. Not all of it, though. It wasn’t a physical thing so much as something that could be collected and felt. If I went to the core’s source, I might be able to take all of it back from him.

“We have water,” Vera said carefully. “And we have stone.”

My family’s pabrilleen pendant, she meant.

“Thank you.” I had the tools to claim my court’s core, but did I possess the strength needed to do it? I could almost feel the core’s throb, but part of it was missing.

It waited, calling to me.

“Alright,” I said. “I’ll do it.”

Vera smiled. “Very well. ”

We finished eating and Vera magicked the empty plates to the kitchen where her magic would clean them and put them away. Rising, we all walked to the parlor. Tempest settled on a sofa, and I moved around Brodine to drop down beside her before he could do so himself.

Jealousy. That was all it was. And while I had no right to it, I welcomed it, because it showed me I did have feelings for this woman who loved me.

He didn’t grumble, but he did scowl before smacking his ass down on the cushion on my other side.

“There are plenty of other seats in the room,” I said as Zayde settled on a large chair and tugged Layla down onto his lap. Vera stood in front of the fireplace, and Reyla dropped onto a thick cushion on the floor near Zayde’s chair. Airia perched on the edge of a low table, facing us but some distance away, as if she felt like she didn’t quite belong.

“I need an army.” Tempest’s gaze landed on each of us in turn. “And I’m hoping you’ll help me come up with the best way to form one. Flying dregs are attacking the border villages already.”

“How do you know this?” Brodine asked, his face serious. “And I’m here for you, Tempest. You know that. You don’t even need to ask.”

The others murmured agreement.

“I can communicate with Jessia, the new commander of the fortress.”

“Jessia is the new commander? Good for her,” Reyla said with grim satisfaction. “She’s perfect for the job.”

“They’ve fought off a few flying dreg attacks so far.” Tempest leaned forward, bracing her palms on her thighs. “But they’re losing riders and dragons. Too many already, and it’s just started. And they’re coming for us. So . . . ideas?”

“I’ll make the perfect commander,” Brodine said. “But where’s your army? We need power and lots of it, plus weapons. Dragons.”

“Madrood is arranging for dragons,” Tempest said. “He said there are many who’ll come back to help us. They’ve been waiting.”

“What about riders?” Reyla asked. “If the fortresses are busy and losing them to flying dregs, where will we find enough to help us on this front?”

Airia grunted. “Four of us is nowhere near enough.”

Tempest swallowed. “I was told we’re surrounded by riders.”

Airia’s eyebrows lifted, and she peered around. “Where?”

“In the city and in the countryside, of course,” Vera said. “All Tempest needs to do is awaken them.”

“The stone people?” Airia breathed. “I saw them when I went to the aerie to groom the three dragons.”

“How am I supposed to awaken them?” Tempest asked Vera.

“When the time comes, you’ll know.”

Tempest growled. “Please don’t be vague. If I’m going to act, I need to know how.”

“Once you’ve drawn in Lydel Court’s core of power, you’ll know how to free your people.”

“I’ll help,” Layla told Tempest. “I still can’t believe I’m here, that I’m part of this court and not an orphan Nullen. But I know you, Tempest. You’re determined, ruthless.” Her eyes widened. “Delaine can attest to how ruthless you are. You attack everything with your whole heart. If anyone can destroy the king’s army, it’s you.”

Zayde nodded. “If you’d like, I could travel to Riftflame and speak with them about an alliance. They’ve held out against my father. Together, we’re stronger. They might be willing to send some flights to Lydel to help. Actually, I know they will.” The grimness in his eyes would make even a dreg shake.

A thought occurred to me. “If you mention dragons . . .”

“In what way?” Zayde cocked his head toward me.

“A disease swept through their flock seven, eight or so years ago.” I met Tempest’s gaze. “They lost many of their dragons, but even worse, the sickness was passed on to their eggs and none hatched for a few years until the disease died out. I bet they’d be even more eager to ally themselves with us if we offered eggs.”

“Madrood said he’d bring me dragons,” she said. “He didn’t say anything about eggs.”

“Ask him if he could provide Riftflame with eggs,” Zayde said. “That would make an amazing bargaining chip.”

She closed her eyes and spoke with Madrood. I was still stunned that she was able to bond with the wretched beast. If he made one wrong move toward her . . .

I’d have no problem wiping him out.

“He said he’ll ask. He can’t do anything else,” she said. “He said they’re quite protective of their young and the thought of sending eggs to another court worries him. But they’re excited about rejoining our court, of riding into battle against the king, and he can also see where an alliance with Riftflame could make all the difference, especially if they could hit Ivenrail’s army from the north. He’ll let me know how many eggs they can offer.”

We needed this alliance, especially with flying dregs attacking on two fronts.

“Maybe I should go to Riftflame myself,” Tempest said.

Zayde’s sly smile rose. “I’m your best and probably only chance of convincing them to make a deal.”

She drilled him with her eyes. “Why you in particular?”

“Because my mother was the youngest sister of Riftflame’s high lord.”

“What?” she barked. “Why are you only now mentioning that important detail?”

“Very few know this,” Zayde said. “When my mother discovered she was pregnant, she fled Riftflame. I was born in a border fortress, and she died not long after. She told them who my father was, however, and he came for me. He took me back to Bledmire where he passed me off to one of the staff to raise, then promptly forgot about me until I was old enough to matter. I’m not the heir to Riftflame. My uncle has six sons, and my mother was one of his three sisters, each of whom have children of their own. I doubt my eighteen cousins and aunts will die before me to make me high lord of the court, and I don’t want it even if they did.”

Tempest sagged back in her chair. “This is . . . I don’t quite know what to think of it, but it could definitely make a difference. Yes, go to Riftflame and see what you can do. Will they listen to you?”

Zayde’s smile grew. “My mother was the high lord’s favorite sister. He was devastated by her death, and he’s told me on more than one occasion that I’m welcome to visit Riftflame at any time. Now is the time.”

Maybe my brother had finally learned how to be conniving. The lesson would’ve been beaten into him sooner if our father had remembered he existed before he turned fourteen.

Tempest’s gaze sought Layla’s. “Would you go with him as my official emissary for Lydel? We can talk about what I need, what the border fortresses need.”

“I feel as if I was born for that role,” Layla said. “Finally, I’ll get to put all my court teachings to use.”

“Perfect. We’ve got the start of a plan.” Her hand stretched toward mine, and I took it, linking our fingers together.

Warmth flooded me, and I felt close to scattering the mist that held me away from her. Could I blow it off and finally let my feelings consume me? I knew I’d loved her. That was as clear to me as my own soul. I just couldn’t seem to grab onto the feeling and hold it within my heart. Whenever I thought I was close, it slipped away.

“Alright then,” Tempest said. “Zayde and Layla will form an alliance with Riftflame. I’ll take in my court’s core power and find a way to awaken my slumbering army. Brodine, I’m going to take you up on your offer to run that army. You’re an amazing strategist.”

“Perfect choice,” Reyla said.

“I am a killer on the Wraithweave board.” His glance fell on me, and he nodded and grinned as if we were allies in this. “I heard you play. If we can locate a board, I’d love to challenge you.”

“I don’t play games,” I said. “Nothing I do is pretend. ”

His smile fell. “Oh, yeah, I guess I understand.” His attention slid to Tempest. “I’m yours to command.” Rising, he bowed before taking his seat again.

“Aunt Vera?” Tempest said. “You have skills we haven’t explored yet, but being able to foretell the future—”

Airia gulped. “She can?”

“Not consistently enough to make much of a difference, I’m afraid,” Vera said.

“Would you and Vexxion be my advisors?” Tempest asked. “I wish I’d paid more attention during classes, though we didn’t get into anything like this often. They’d never believe one of us would one day become high lady of a fae court, let alone need to lead an army against the king. I need help with strategies and tactical support.”

“I’ll help all I can,” Vera said.

“I’ve always been yours,” I said. Despite the mist holding me away from her, that belief was solid in my heart.

She squeezed my hand. “Thank you. You have skills unlike anyone else in this room, and I’m going to use them.”

My smile grew. “Any time, Tempest. Any time.”

“What can I do?” Reyla asked.

Airia nodded. “Give me a job too.”

“I assume I’ll have staff who can run the real machine of an army?” I asked Vera. “I’m thinking of those needed to take care of the dragons and supervise weapon’s production.”

“Indeed,” Vera said. “Lydel has been self-sufficient for longer than anyone can remember. Once everyone is freed, they’ll come to you to offer their services. Our court is loyal and knowing that Mayline’s daughter has claimed her court will rally them around you.”

“Would you supervise the care of the dragons?” Tempest asked Airia.

“I’d be glad to.” Her eyes glowed with excitement. “A friend back in Bledmire mentioned the area of Lydel that’s part of the main continent, the section the king now controls. There are people there who might be eager to join us, and there are dragons. I’ll find a way to reach out to them.”

“Perfect,” Tempest said. “Reyla, this battle won’t be fought only with weapons and dragon fire. We need someone to find new and creative ways to use magic. I want you to lead that charge.”

She held up her glowing finger, a trick most fae children mastered before they turned three. “You know I can’t do much magic.”

“You mastered that spell almost from the moment you learned it. I think you have incredibly strong, untapped power.”

I sensed that as well. “Where do you come from?”

“I was found crying in a tree after a village was raided,” Reyla said. “I vaguely remember my parents. They were killed during a dreg raid. A rider took me to the fortress and here I am now.” She nodded to Tempest. “I’ll be happy to explore new ways to use magic.” She shot an arc of power at the sword hanging on the wall, making it rattle, before blowing on the tip of her finger. “Would you look at that?”

“I’ll work with you.” Tempest squeezed my hand again. “We’ll all work with you. ”

“I’d be happy to lead some classes,” I said. “My skills might be unconventional but they’re effective.”

“I want to learn magic too,” Brodine said seriously. “I was locked up in my head for too long, and I’ve missed out on what everyone else has been learning.”

“I could offer some classes also,” Vera said. “I was an instructor long ago, and while my skills may need polishing, this is one area where I believe we can excel.”

“Can I attend these classes too?” Airia asked tentatively. “My lord didn’t teach me any magic. Everything I can do, and it’s not much, I had to pick up on my own from friends.”

“Of course.” Tempest cleared her throat. “Speaking of which,” she kept her voice neutral, but her sharp gaze pinned Airia in place, “I asked but you never told me who collared you.”

Airia fidgeted for a moment, and I got the impression she was going to leap up and flee the room, but she placed her hands on the table on either side of her legs, flattening the palms to connect with the surface. Her wild eyes swept around the room before she sucked in a deep breath and released it with her words. “I didn’t tell you because you wouldn’t let me come with you if you knew.” She stood and her body tensed, her face cratering. Did she think we’d kill her on the spot?

I snapped out my threads but kept them restrained—for now. “Tell us.”

Her chin lifted, and her gaze met Tempest’s. “Lord Kerune placed a collar around my throat.”