“Not mincing words tonight I see,” Lord d’Refan said.
My father sighed deeply before responding, his words laced with exhaustion. “No, Lord d’Refan. I think it’s best suited for both of us if we don’t dance around the subject or play games.”
Lord d’Refan was quiet for a moment. “Games, hmm? Is that what you call rescuing and hiding a Keeper in your own home?” His words were quiet, coated in danger and retribution.
The table went still. “Out,” my father commanded, the servants rushing to fulfill his command.
“We thought we could use him . . .” my father started before Lord d’Refan cut him off with a harsh laugh.
“Careful,Lord. Don’t forget who I am and the powers I possess. Not to mentionyouare allied tome,” Lord d’Refan hissed. My father gave a curt nod of his head.
“Yes. We rescued a Keeper from the Borderlands a few months ago. Just before Ellowyn’s ceremony.”
“Why.” It wasn’t a question.
“There were . . . whisperings about her. We wanted to be certain.” My face paled and I whirled my head to face my father, my hair whipping back and hitting Fay in the face. She sputtered and pawed it from her mouth, which would have been funny if the situation were different.
I started to open my mouth but felt a kick under the table. Peytor caught my gaze and gave me an imperceptible shake of his head.
Keep quiet. Don’t draw attention to yourself. What you say and how you act will impact everything.
My stomach dropped to my knees as pieces of the puzzle started to come together. The information I knew was only the basis of a whole other realm of secrets my family and Lord d’Refan were keeping from me.
My gut churned and white-hot anger rose in my throat as I realized the depth to which I was lied to. I smelled the distinct smell of acrid smoke and found my Destruction Magic pooling in my palms. I hadn’t trained with it, barely touched it since Awakening, yet it was almost as easy as breathing to pull on it.
The General’s eyes widened slightly, and he shot me a look from across the table with an imperceptible shake of his head.
I took a few deep, calming breaths, forcing the magic back down into its box. Now wasn’t the time to unleash, not until I got the answers I needed at least. I shook my head, my magic and its accompanying smell dissipating as I dragged myself back into the conversation.
“And?” Lord d’Refan ground out, his eyes fixed on my father.
“No resolute confirmation as usual. At least none we could ascertain.” His voice was resigned, almost sad.
Lord d’Refan vibrated with such an intensity that Finian shrank back from him.
“Pity. Fortunately, I intercepted this Keeper you saved. It seems that he was on his way somewhere west, rather quickly I might add.” My father and mother both paled a bit at Lord d’Refan’s words. “He is in my care now, and I assure you I will be able to . . . find the answers we both seek.” His smile was predatory and not comforting in the slightest.
“So you’re quite lucky, really, that you were searching for the same answers I so desperately crave. It’s the only thing that’s currently saving your treasonous heads. You did the hard part for me, finding this Keeper in the Borderlands and smuggling him here. I suppose I owe a thank you.”
My father’s eyebrows hit his hairline before he quickly schooled his features.
“But I still question your . . . loyalty. Which is disappointing, really. I thought we had an understanding, Lord d’Aelius.”
My father blanched again, and I was certain this dinner was aging him before my eyes.
“We do, Lord d’Refan. How can we . . . prove this to you once more?” My father was grasping at straws, and my mother kept shooting glances toward me.
Here it comes. He’ll ask for me. For whatever secrets I hold that my parents have kept from me.
My heart beat out of my chest, and I was certain my pulse was visible across the room. The tension ratcheted up again, and Lord d’Refan took his time answering, choosing to take another bite from his now cold meal and a long pull from his glass before settling once more in his chair.
I could literally see the sweat beading on my father’s forehead, andMatteo kept flicking his eyes from my father to Lord d’Refan, trying to assess the threat and what he could do to help.
“As you know, we’re here to Bond Vessels to those who have Mage Sickness. Fay will be performing as many of these Bonds as she can tomorrow. Everyone else will come back to Vespera with us so she may continue her work at a later time. I have supplied the Mages with the sickness, but I amseverelylacking in Vessels.” His words hung in the air as we all waited with bated breath for the axe to fall.
“You will supply me these Vessels in whatever capacity I demand. This includes, but is not limited to, your son.”
It was like the room simultaneously exploded in sound while everyone also let out a relieved breath.
