“Tsk. I’m sure the lord paramount can manage without you fora few more hours. He, too, has a rather full plate, what with the dissent already brewing within the ranks of our Arcanian friends.”
Cedric’s brow furrowed. “I am far too hungover for this kind of cryptic nonsense, Tris. Speak plainly or do not speak at all.”
Tristan laughed. “I’m talking about how your lady love took one look at the newest members of the delegation and promptly punched one of them square in the face.”
Cedric’s mouth popped open.
“Heard she broke his nose, actually. Put on a whole shadowy display that several of the housekeepers are still whining about.” Tristan nodded approvingly. “Our lady of darkness indeed.”
“Why would she do that?”
Tristan shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. But neither she nor the broken-nosed fae she unleashed herself on have been seen thus far this morning, so if you catch up with her”—he raised his brow suggestively—“do let me know what she says. I’m dying for a little gossip.”
Cedric lingeredin the quiet solitude of his chamber after Tristan left, taking the time to bathe and eat, pointedly avoiding Addison’s judgmental glare when she checked on him—likeshewas one to talk—until the ache behind his eyes subsided. The pressure he felt in his chest only served to grow, however, the longer he waited. Time was moving too quickly. There was so little of it left before he would be departing. And there was still so much he needed to learn—about his mission and the task ahead, about his power and what might happen next—before he did.
So, Cedric went looking for answers.
Unfortunately, he only made it halfway down the eastern corridor when he heard his name, spoken in a voice that was smooth and low and unmistakable.
“Cedric.”
Lord Church approached from the other end of the hall, framed by the soft light from a nearby arched window. His black-and-silver robes were immaculate, one hand grasping the head of his silver-capped cane. “Walk with me,” he said.
It wasn’t a request.
They moved in silence for a time, their boots echoing softly against the marble floors. Cedric didn’t speak—not yet. He was too aware of the coiling pressure in his gut, the sense that whatever this conversation was going to be, it wouldn’t end with him feeling any lighter.
“Word has reached my ears regarding an...occurrence last night,” Lord Church finally said. “The Victor of Havensreach involved in a tavern brawl? Really?”
Cedric forced a short breath. “Things got a little out of hand, but all was well in the end. The tavern is no worse for wear and I had the opportunity to meet with more of our esteemed citizens, my lord.”
“So I’m told.” The lord’s gaze flicked sideways. “But are we really going to pretend like the cause of the brawl was anyone other than the Revenant?”
Cedric stiffened. “It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t start anything.”
“You’ll forgive my skepticism. Trouble does seem to follow where she goes, does it not?”
Cedric bit his tongue.
Lord Church slowed to a stop. “You have to understand, my son. Perception matters. Especially now, when peace is a fragile thing. The council is already on edge with these latest...disturbances.” His tone dipped with meaning.
“What disturbances?” Cedric asked.
“Surely, you’ve heard the rumors. Villages along the Chasm have been going silent. Caravans delivering mana from the Midlands disappearing. Rumblings of the Cult of Malakar’s presence are only growing stronger.” The lord’s mouth tightened. “I fear we are on the precipice of something, Cedric. The second half of the Crown must be found.”
Cedric gave a slow nod. “Of course, my lord. That’s why you’re sending me to Elderglade.”
“Yes.” Lord Church paused. “Do you know much about the sylvan settlement there?”
“Only what I have read in my studies, though I know Magister Yvan sent a good deal of additional materials along with the castle records. I will endeavor to look through them all before we leave.”
“Hopefully the answers we seek will be there, one way or another.”
Cedric wasn’t entirely sure what he meant by that, but before he had a chance to ask for clarification, the lord continued.
“Elderglade is an...interesting place.” His cane tapped along the floor as he resumed walking. “Sylvans are such funny little creatures.”
Cedric’s brows shot up in surprise. He had not realized Lord Church had ever been to Elderglade. He wanted to ask him about that, but instead, different words tripped out of his mouth. “People, my lord.”
