“The doors were crafted by the fae, of course. Trolls aren’t known for their artistry.” Keradoc grabbed the polished door handles, then turned to me once more, his face so close I could see the silver light of the leaves reflected in his dark pupils. “The entire floor comprises the living quarters for myself and my guests—primarily fae nobles and their families, or the occasional military commander. More often than not, it’s just me and my…” He trailed off, the barest breath of sadness lingering.
You and your what?I wanted to ask.Partner? Concubines? Imaginary friends?
I closed my eyes and blew out a breath, trying to shore up my walls again. Every minute passed in Keradoc’s presence only confused me further, shaking my confidence and sending my nerves into hyperdrive. Whowasthis man? This enigmatic fae? In the span of a couple of hours, he’d gone from legendary warlord to smooth-as-silk conversationalist to ballroom charmer to illusionist to kidnapper, and now he was showing me around the castle like a proud homeowner welcoming an old friend?
“As much as I appreciate the historic-homes-of-Midnight tour,” I said, opening my eyes to meet his intense gaze again, “why did you bring me up here, Keradoc? Where are my men? Is this all just… just a game of show-and-tell to you? What am Idoinghere?”
My questions erased the last of the mirth between us, and his gaze turned as cold as the walls, his jaw tightening, his spine straightening as if he just remembered he was supposed to be detached and demanding, not friendly or playful. With a great sigh, he pushed open the massive doors and stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter ahead of him.
Another command.
I did as he asked, immediately drawn in by the sight before me. It was a massive suite, featuring a large common room with a fireplace, several couches, and an eating area set along the back with a dining table fit for a dozen people. A row of tall, glass-front doors opened onto a balcony offering a stunning view of the city and the mountains to the east—the Dead Claw range, if I remembered right. There were two large bathrooms accessible from inside the suite as well as from the main hall, both with massive black onyx tubs I was already dying to sink into. At equal intervals around the common room, I counted six alcoves carved right into the stone, each one large enough for a four-poster bed, an armoire, and a small desk. More magickal chandeliers hung from the ceiling in every room, flickering in time with the fire.
Like everything else in the castle, the suite was a mix of medieval royal opulence and primitive, rough-hewn architecture that made me feel like we’d tunneled into some ancient dwarven city beneath the mountains.
“Stunning,” I whispered, though I hadn’t meant to say it out loud.
“I’m pleased you think so,” Keradoc said from behind me, his sudden nearness startling. I’d been so lost in the splendor of it all, I hadn’t sensed his approach. “This is your home now, Miss Barnes. Take your pick of the bedrooms and make yourself comfortable. I’ll have some clothing sent up for you later.”
Though I sensed it was coming, his words hit the bottom of my stomach like cold rocks. It didn’t matter how beautiful his castle was or what comforts he was promising. All the opulence in the world couldn’t disguise what this place truly was.
“This is no home,” I hissed, whirling around to face him. “It’s a prison.”
“You’re not my prisoner.”
“No?” I pressed a hand to my chest, feigning a relieved laugh. “Wow, so glad we clearedthatup. Awkward! Anyway, if you’ll kindly show me to the dungeons to collect my friends, we’ll be on our way. Great party, though. We’ll have to do it again a year from never.”
“I cannot allow you to leave the castle unguarded. But that’s merely a safety precaution. And just for tonight, I’d like you to remain in your suite—there are too many unsavory guests afoot, most of whom have the manners of wild boars. But once I’m rid of them, you’ll be free to wander the castle as you wish. I’ll show you the kitchens tomorrow, the gardens… well, what passes for gardens in Midnight. You’ll have free reign.”
“Gardens?” I mocked. “Why didn’t you say so? You’re right—totally not a prison. Do I have to sign up for my time in the yard? When do I meet my cellmate? I sure hope we have the same taste in music!”
“Throw a tantrum if you must, but I think you’ll find me quite accommodating, provided you hold up your end of the bargain.”
“We’re bargaining now, are we? I don’t recall any negotiations. You’re getting your weapon. What am I getting?”
“You and your companions are still breathing, are you not? That will continue to be the case for as long as you continue to cooperate.”
“Yeah? And how long do you expect me to stay here,cooperating?” I made air quotes around the word.
“As long as it takes you to craft the ritual, call upon your Darkwinter ancestors, and secure our victory.”
A bitter laugh slipped from my lips. “Let’s get something straight, Keradoc. War isyourgame.Yourvictory. I’m just a pawn, so stop pretending there’s anything mutual about it.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but a sharp rap on the door cut him off.
“Enter,” he said gruffly.
A fae woman with hair the color of pale sapphires and eyes the same shade of violet as Keradoc’s stepped through the doorway, escorted by two fae guards. All three wore the same dark-gray military uniform, but significantly more patches and pins decorated hers.
The guy on her right was a new face, but I recognized the one on her left as the fucker who’d kicked Elian in the back in the throne room. He glared at me now, his face contorted with unchecked hostility.
A chill skittered down my spine.
“Forgive the interruption, sir,” the high-ranking fae woman said. “I come with urgent news from the north.”
“What is it, Oona?” Keradoc’s voice was tight and exasperated, but that’s not what caught my attention.
It was the name. Oona.
