Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty

Tim surfaced the next morning after some liaison or a noher, and I decided not to mention that our wards had been broken. He handled my array of paranormal activities sensiblely good-naturedly, but that was largely because they ordinarily didnt follow me home. So, I called the witch whod originally laid the wards and asked her to come back and discreetly redo them, scheduling a time when I knew Tim would be fall out.After that it was off to the first shamanic job Id had in a while, fighting a nixie whod taken up residence in some poor familys swimming pool. The rest period with which I dispatched her was a bit alarming. Earlier in the year, Dorian and I had fought off a root word of them that Jasmine had send. Dorian had d mavin the fighting, and at the time, theyd seemed overwhelming. Now, with my magic becoming more and more instinctual, fighting a water supply creature ilk this was ridiculously simple. Admittedly, I hushed banished her the aged(prenominal)-fashi integrit yd way, not wanting to rely on magic more than I had to. I didnt agree with Roland somewhat its use-though my fight with him quiet down stung-but it was exhilarating recalling how slow Id fought the water elemental. If I could yet summon water creatures like Jasmine could, my life would be easier gloss over.And speaking of Jasmine, I summoned Volusian away from her later that evening. I was vent to the Thorn Land shortly and felt confident that she wouldnt pulsate knocked up before and so. Well, I hoped so, at least.Volusian appeared in the darkest corner of my bedroom, scaring off one of the cats that had been sleeping on my bed. My mistress calls, he state in his monotone.I admit a job for you.Of course.I choose you to go to Yellow River and underwrite out the house of a shaman thither. Do not permit him see you-or sense you, if you can help it. My vibe from Art was that while he could fight transcendental creatures, he didnt possess the kindred sensitivity I did.And what would my mistress like me to do once I am in that respect?Look around. Tell me if theres allthing suspicious going on-particularly in bear on to any nobility girls. Make sense?Volusians look was scathing. Certainly it makes sense. Do not confuse me with the other underlings who serve you. at one time he had the address, he disappeared in that way of his, and I sighed. It might be worth enslaving another minion articled for the Underworld. It was easy enough for me, particularly if I got one who wasnt in addition strong. I didnt have a extensive amount of respect for Volusian, but hed been right more or less one thing. He was so powerful that his skills were collapse suited to protection and difference. A lesser spirit would suffice for all these errands I seemed to be direct him on lately.That was a thought for another day. For now, it was back to the Thorn Land. I planned on expenditure the night there since I wanted to raise an early start on our demon hunting. Ki yo had verbalise hed come at sunrise, and I didnt want to miss a moment of being with him.When I arrived at my castle, I was a bit surprised to see a party going on. Well, not a true party, but Shaya, Rurik, and a few of the other decimal point servants were hanging out in one of the parlors, drinking wine and laughing. Girard was still around and had joined them. Even Ysabel was there, looking happy for a change. none of them seemed to have expected me that night and closely leapt up like naughty children. Shaya started to stammer something like an apology, but I silenced her with a gesture.No, no. Keep having fun. I somehow evermore thought of them as utilitarian fixtures around here, but of course, they were only tender-hearted-well, figuratively speaking-and entitled to their downtime.After a few dying(p) moments, they settled back down, and Rurik offered me a glass of wine. I shook my head. You know, he state, that your minion disappeared.Yeah, I know. I sent him on a tas k.I doubled the guards on her when I perceive.Good. Lets hope shes managed to keep her clothes on in this short of time.You should have killed her, Ysabel noted darkly.I ignored that and turned away, leaving them to their party. Im going to check on her myself.The bedroom Shaya had assigned Jasmine was one floor up and very cleverly chosen-not that Id expect any less from Shaya. It was spacious and furnished but not so large that the guards within couldnt see her most of the time-the bathroom excluded. The rooms one window was only a tiny slit, too small for anyone to get out of. Four guards stood on duty outside and four within. To my relief, Jasmine simply coiffe on her bed, reading one of the books Id sent. Girards new cuffs had a pineer, thinner chain that gave her much more range of motion but was jam-packed with weigh. Those blue-gray eyes looked up at my approach, but the rest of her didnt move.Oh. You.I sat down on a narrow wicker bench and sent the guards outside with a curt nod. I came to check on you.Right. Because you care so much.I do. Well, kind of.The only things you care nigh are having the heir yourself and forcing me to get rid of your monsters.Demons, I corrected. And believe me, the last thing I want is to have the heir.I heard the guards talking. They said youve been hanging out with Dorian a lot. wherefore else would you do that? No one else would quite have our fathers grandson. Well, except Aeson. A grimace fell over her face at the mention of her old lover.Dorians except my friend, something youll understand when youre older. Oh, Eugenie, you are such a hypocrite. And youre better off without Aeson.Her eyes returned to her book. I love Aeson. You have no idea what love is.Oh, I do. I know that its the best high and the lash hurt all at the same time-not to mention confusing as netherworld.Jasmine looked back at me, still sullen but with a new sort of consideration. What do you want? Are you just here to babysit me until that fucking imp comes back? God, I hate him.I started to tell her to watch her language and then decided there was no point. I came to tell you were going to take out those demons tomorrow.At gunpoint.I dont have a choice. Theyre terrorizing people. How can you not understand how serious that is?She shrugged with her typical apathy and pushed some of that long blond h stress out of her face. Your problem. Not mine. Self-centered brat. She frowned for a moment, though. Are they still taking girls? She sounded just about concerned. Almost.I dont know, I admitted. I dont know if this groups connected or not. I actually mean there are humans involved.The book slipped to her lap, forgotten. Why would they do that? That doesnt make any sense.Ill tell you when youre older, I said dryly, which was silly considering all that shed been through. And youre certainyoure certain the group chasing you wasnt human?Yes, for like the hundredth time. They were shining ones.You said they were soldiers. A startling thought came to me. Leather armor? Red shirts?Thats how soldiers dress, isnt it? Well, maybe not the red shirt. Depends on who they effect for, I guess. I dont remember the color.Does it happen a lot? I asked, recalling past thoughts about the similarities between the two of us. Are guys coming after you a lot toyou knowGet me great(predicate)? Yeah, sometimes. There was a sad look in her eyes, a very vulnerable one.Butyou dont always give inJesus Christ, Eugenie. I wont sleep with anyone. What kind of a slut do you recall I am?A capacious one, actually. But I didnt adduce so, and I wondered if shed ever been raped. Sorry. You just seem so anxious to have that baby.Yeah, well, not with just anyone. And certainly not through rape. She held her head up, a fierce look in her eyes. No one does that to Storm Kings daughter. Its an insult to our fathers awesomeness. Try as she might to deny her heritage, only the human part of her could have pulled up awesomeness to refer to a tyrannic fairy warlord.You know I dont quite share the same regard for him that you do.I know, she said. Which is why you have such bad taste in men. You wouldnt device me sleeping with a kitsune. I need someone worthylike Aeson.I started to argue again that Aeson had been a despotic asshole but knew logical system and love rarely worked together-particularly if my own life was any indication. I was lay asided from further commentary when a coldness settled into the room and Volusian appeared.Fuck, said Jasmine. Man, did she have a mouth on her.I stood up, cut across my arms and difficult to look imposing. It was a common attitude I kept around Volusian so there would be no question of my see to it. Did you go to Arts house?Yes, mistress.And? Did you find anything?No, mistress. I could not enter.What do you mean? Did he invite you out back for beer too?Volusian didnt blink. The house was warded.The house was warded, I repeatedly flatly. And you couldnt cross it? Theyd h ave to be some serious wards if he couldnt, said Jasmine.Thanks, Little Miss Stating the Obvious. I racked my brain, thinking of the local witch network. I didnt know them well enough, not like I knew the shamans. Where the hell would he find someone that strong?The wards were not the usual type found in the human world. They were laced with magic from this world as well, continued Volusian.What? How would Art get gen depict help to lay wards-especially if hes abducting them?Maybe he put a gun to their head, said Jasmine, in a fair imitation of my own dry tone. Another family trait, perhaps.Ive got to get into that house, I muttered. I guess thats gotta detainment like everything else, though. Well, thanks for trying, Volusian.I neither require nor desire your gratitude, mistress. I want nothing in these worlds save your death.Jasmine laughed.Well, Im sure you guysll have a great time together. I opened the door and beckoned the guards back in. With Volusian back, only two needed t o be inside. Ill see you both in the morning for demon hunting.After that, I considered joining the others for their impromptu party but decided that would be the same as a stomp crashing her employees happy hour. Instead, I made my way to my own room but was intercepted by Girard.Your majesty. He brush me a bow in that flourish-filled way of his, making his cloak flare out dramatically. Ive made considerable progress on the project you requested.Already? I knew he had magic for this kind of thing, but still.He smiled. The queen asks, and I obey.From within the folds of his cloak, he produced a rolled-up piece of parchment, which he opened up for me. On it was a detailed diagram of a sword, and scrawled all around it were assorted technical notes about burden and composition. Those meant little to me. Mostly I noticed the swords beauty, particularly its hilt.This is lovely, I said.I should hope so. Fit for a king.In spite of myself, I smiled back. Dorian had left me in a miasma of emotions, but Id been trying hard not to let that interfere with the honest favors hed done me. And when hed mentioned needing a new sword, Id gotten the idea yesterday to have Girard make one. By all accounts, there were few more skilled, and his ability to touch iron made him particularly saluteed.Girard traced the draw and quarter of the swords blade and tapped the end. I can work iron into the tip here, and it shouldnt defame the Oak King so long as hes holding the hilt. It too shouldnt affect his ability to control the rest of the blade. As a master of the earth and its contents, Dorian could infuse copper and sometimes bronze blades with magical heat.But the tip willing be deadly to his enemies, I said. The idea to work iron into it had been mine.Considerably. I can begin production right away, but Ill need to get an understanding of his current swords balance before I can finalize this one.Hell be here tomorrow. You can talk to him then. Dorian too had offered to help oust my demons.Excellent. And Mistress Shaya tells me you have the materials here that I could use, if I have your permission to do so. Otherwise, I can return to my workshop in the Rowan Land.I shook my head. No, no. Use whatever you need here.His lips twitched in a wry smile. Thats probably just as well. Were I to return homewell, I suspect my lord prince would spend days asking me about you.I sighed. Is he still upset about that?He was, forgive me, quite heartbroken over your rejection of the gift and of him.I didnt want that. I liked him-still do. I just wanted us to be friends.In my experience, your majesty, men and women often have difficulty with that. Its not impossible-but not always easy.I thought about Dorian. Thats for damned sure. Well, thank you for this, and let me know if theres anything I can do to help with it. But seriously-dont go work on it now. Go back to that party. Drink up. Flirt with Shaya. She could use a good guy.Girard erupted into laughter. It was a ri ch, honey-filled sound. I treasure my neck too much to risk the captain of your guards wringing it.It took me a moment to catch on. Who, Rurik? He doesnt like Shayanot that way, at least. Shes too, I dont know, refined. He only goes after trashy kitchen girls.Girard still shrugged.Im serious I wasnt sure why this astounded me so much. They might seem close, but its because they work together. Theyre just friends.Girard flashed another grin. Didnt you just hear what I said about men and women being friends? He dared a wink and bowed again. Until tomorrow, your majesty.I watched him go, that flamboyant red cape swirling around him. I was still in disbelief. Shaya and Rurik? No, it was ridiculous. I was certain she had no interest in him, and if he did want her, it was only for the same cheap reasons he wanted any woman. She was too smart for that.You give my lord gifts yet still claim no interest.I turned and saw Ysabel standing near a corner in the hall. Shed apparently overheard my conversation with Girard. Did this woman have nothing to do except lurk in halls and wait for me? Hes done a lot of favors for me lately. Its the only way I can genuinely repay him.No doubt there are other ways you could repay him, she said snidely.I started to give the friends line but had already had enough of that with Girard. Please, I dont want to go through this same old variant and dance. And you know, we both fulfilled our side of the deal with Dorian. I let you teach me. Youre free. Hes coming here tomorrow to help with the demon problem. Go home with him afterward.Those big blue eyes widened in surprise. Why?Why what?Why would you let me go?Because you dont want to be here. You gave me the foundation of what I need to know, and Ive been building on it pretty quickly. With a shiver, I recalled how Id nearly suffocated that gentry in my yard. That had been intentional. I had no accident excuses as Id had with her. It was probably something I shouldnt mention to her quite yet. As it was, she looked troubled enough.Yesyou have learned quickly. The magic burn down so strongly in you, I dont think it needs much of an excuse to burst out. You really are like Storm King.Did you know him? I asked curiously. I was always conflicted on hearing about him. Part of me wanted nothing to do with him, yet the other part longed to know more.I wouldnt say know, she mused. My father was one of his bodyguards, so I saw Storm King a few times. He wasterrifying. Terrifying and awe-inspiring. She tried to hide her fear but shuddered anyway.From what I hear, thats the reaction most people have. Kiyo too had seen Storm King in his youth, and Id once had a flashback of my own brief meeting with my father.The power you try to summonhe was able to bring it about in a heartbeat. He had only to think about a storm and the world would tremble with its force.Well, I guess everyone can rest easy. Im a long ways from that.Do you know why? she asked.Practice?She shook her head and pursed her lips. Because for all your titles and regard and impressive use of magic so faryou are still human in your heart. Human, by her tone, was a very ugly thing to be.Not according to my stepfather. It didnt seem like Id ever tally anyones expectations.You think like one. You want to divide everything up logically. The way you approach magic, its veryscientific. Not a word gentry used very often. You treat it coldly. You parcel up each fragment of air and categorize it. Magic requires control, yes, but at its heart, it is tied to your emotions. You said youd summoned lightning accidentally. What was going on?I was scared. It had also happened, I realized, when I was aroused. And, um, excited.You were lost in your emotions, and the power seized you. But youll never be able to do that regularly, never by choice. You repress your emotions. You dont give in to them. Her smile turned triumphant. And that is why my lord will never love you like he does me.Of course. I should have k nown there was a prick waiting at the end of this lesson. I wondered what shed think if she knew her lord had been pretty willing to love me up yesterday.Well, thanks for the pep talk, but Im going to my room now. I meant what I said. Go with Dorian tomorrow and love him as much as you want. Ill carry on without you somehow. No point in secrecy the sarcasm I felt.Ysabel gave me a sickeningly sweet smile. Youre presuming youll come back.I jerked around and gave her a not bad(p) look. Are you threatening me?Certainly not. I have nothing to do with your adventure tomorrow. But youre going to face demons. Anything can happen. And if you dont return, I wont weep.Great. Nothing like a good omen to go into battle with.