Page 34 of Death Will Follow

“Where do you suppose we stand?” she asked before biting into a ham and cheese sandwich.

“We already have the support of the Winter and Lunar Courts,” Callan said, gesturing around the room. “Estrid and Rowan are desperate to get Fawn back, so I’d wager we’ll have support from Autumn as well.”

“What about Solar?” Nova asked. “Siris seemed unconvinced, and Sienna spoke little.”

“As the Celestial Courts, we’ve always had a cordial relationship with Sonnend,” Nox replied from where he sat in the chair behind Fawn’s desk. “Siris and Sienna are practical folk. Their border is most at risk. They see the warning signs. I believe they’ll stand with us.”

“I’ll tell you who won’t stand with us.” Lucan curled his lip, baring his teeth. “That Wyldling prick.”

“Perhaps his sister can make him see reason,” Bryn offered with more optimism than Nova deemed realistic.

“I wouldn’t count on it,” she said distractedly, recalling the weight of Arthur’s arrogance when he addressed her. “Lord Arthur feels he has something to prove. He’ll go his own way, for better or worse.”

“That just leaves Summer,” Lucan said.

A light knock sounded, and Lady Samira appeared in the doorway. She instantly commanded the room’s attention, chest high and chin level, her head nearly reaching the top of the doorframe.

“Samira,” Callan said with familiarity as he rose to greet her. “I thought you’d already left.”

“I’m about to, but I couldn’t leave without saying hello,” she replied, her dark brown eyes finding Nova’s.

Callan held his hand out to Nova, and she joined them while Lucan and Bryn fell into a debate of bows versus blades.

“Samira, this is Nova.” Callan gestured between the two of them.

Nova started to bow, but Samira reached out and touched her arm, halting her.

“You spoke with such conviction before the Council,” she said. “I would have supported you wholeheartedly even if I didn’t already know Callan and trust his judgment.”

“I served as a hired sword in Samira’s Court for a time,” Callan explained.

“Your support is most welcome,” Nova replied. “We need all we can get.”

After a brief chat, the three of them joined the others in the sitting area, and Samira helped herself to a cup of tea.

As Nova was about to take her seat once more, the fire flared on the hearth with a roar that died down as quickly as it arose. Nova spun to find Evander charging toward her, his impish face twisted in an expression of pure ire.

“You,” he spat, a ringed finger pointed at her. “This is your fault.”

Before Evander could reach her, Callan invaded her field of vision, placing his body in front of hers and cutting off his cousin’s path. Evander collided with Callan, but kept coming. When Callan caught him around the ribs, halting his advance, Evander jabbed a finger in the air again.

“You’re the cause of this whole fucking mess.”

“Calm yourself, Cousin.” A warning bristled beneath the surface of the words intended to douse the flames of Evander’s temper.

“I will not!” Evander shouted, shoving against Callan’s chest and stepping out of his reach. He turned his attention back to Nova. Though his teeth were clenched in anger, anguish shone in his eyes. “If we hadn’t gone to you . . . If Fawn hadn’t come to your aid, the Shadowbringer would never have known how powerful she is. If it weren’t for you, Fawn would be home where she belongs.”

Stunned into silence, Nova opened and closed her mouth. How could she refute him when she’d secretly spoken the same words to herself countless times since learning of Fawn’s abduction? She glanced around the room. Lucan was on his feet, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. She shook her head at the commander.

Evander tried to close the distance to her again, but Callan seized him roughly by the collar and walked him back.

“Keep. Your. Distance.” Callan’s voice was calm, but the command in his words crowded the room. “It would bring me no joy, but I will end you if you threaten my mate.”

“Get your hands off me.” Evander shoved once more against Callan’s chest. He shook his head, his nose wrinkled in disgust, the collar of his fine jacket hanging loose and misshapen around his neck. “You’re no cousin of mine.”

With a final look to Nova, Evander turned, charging past the shocked onlookers and out of the library.

In an instant, Callan was at her side, Lucan as well. All eyes on her. Too many eyes. Her chest tightened painfully as if it might crack open and spill her sorrow—her guilt—on the floor at her feet. She waved everyone off, crossing to the wall of windows and staring out over the sea of terracotta-colored leaves rippling in the breeze. Callan stayed away, but his uneasiness lingered at the edge of her awareness. Soon, Nox was distracting the others with idle chat.