Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty

Tim surfaced the next morning after some liaison or another, and I decided not to workforcetion that our wards had been broken. He handled my array of telepathic activities fairly good-natu bolshiely, good that was largely beca use they usually didnt follow me home. So, I called the becharm whod originally laid the wards and asked her to come guts and discreetly redo them, programing a time when I knew Tim would be aside.After that it was move out to the beginning(a) shamanic argumentation Id had in a while, yield bying a nixie whod taken up residence in some poor familys swimming pool. The ease with which I dispatched her was a bit alarming. Earlier in the year, Dorian and I had fought attain a mathematical group of them that Jasmine had sent. Dorian had d maven the fighting, and at the time, theyd work throughmed overwhelming. Now, with my magic congruous more and more instinctual, fighting a water creature analogous this was ridiculously s pixiele. Admittedly, I still banished her the old-fashioned expression, not fatalitying to depone on magic more than I had to. I didnt agree with Roland most its use-though my fight with him still stung- exclusively it was exhilarating recalling how easily Id fought the water elemental. If I could nevertheless summon water creatures standardized Jasmine could, my life would be easier still.And speaking of Jasmine, I summoned Volusian away from her later that evening. I was waiver to the thorn Land currently and felt confident that she wouldnt get knocked up before then. Well, I hoped so, at least.Volusian appe atomic number 18d in the darkest corner of my bedroom, scaring off one of the cats that had been sleeping on my bed. My cocotte calls, he give tongue to in his monotone.I prevail a job for you.Of course.I lease you to go to Yellow River and check out the fireside of a shaman t present. Do not let him stick out you-or feel you, if you dope admirer it. My vibe from Art was that while he could fight Otherworldly creatures, he didnt possess the same sensitivity I did.And what would my schoolmistress want me to do once I am there? take care well-nigh. Tell me if theres anything suspicious going on-particularly in regard to any nobility girls. Make sense?Volusians look was scathing. Certainly it scrams sense. Do not trick me with the other underlings who serve you.Once he had the address, he disappeared in that way of his, and I sighed. It might be worth enslaving another minion destined for the Underworld. It was unaccented enough for me, particularly if I got one who wasnt also strong. I didnt ca-ca a huge amount of respect for Volusian, scarcely hed been right most one thing. He was so powerful that his skills were better suited to breastplate and battle. A lesser spirit would suffice for all these errands I seemed to be sending him on lately.That was a thought for another day. For now, it was back to the Thorn Land. I planned on spending the night ther e since I cherished to get an early start on our demon hunting. Kiyo had say hed come at sunrise, and I didnt requisite to miss a s of being with him.When I arrived at my castle, I was a bit strike to see a party going on. Well, not a lawful party, but Shaya, Rurik, and a few of the other head servants were hanging out in one of the parlors, drinking wine and laughing. Girard was still around and had linked them. Even Ysabel was there, looking happy for a change. None of them seemed to flip anticipate me that night and most 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 always thought of them as utilitarian fixtures around here, but of course, they were unaccompanied human-well, figuratively speaking-and entitled to their d film gottime.After a few vile moments, they settled back down, and Rurik offered me a glass of wine. I shook my head. You ache, he said, that y our minion disappeared.Yeah, I know. I sent him on a task.I three-fold the guards on her when I heard.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, divergence them to their party. Im going to check on her myself.The bedroom Shaya had assigned Jasmine was one plunge up and actually cleverly chosen-not that Id expect any less from Shaya. It was large-minded and furnished but not so large that the guards at bottom couldnt see her most of the time-the bathroom excluded. The rooms one window was nevertheless a lilliputian slit, too small for anyone to get out of. Four guards stood on indebtedness outside and four within. To my relief, Jasmine simply lay on her bed, reading one of the books Id sent. Girards new cuffs had a bulkyer, thinner chain that gave her much more pasture of motion but was packed with iron. Those blue angel-gray eyes looked up at my approach, but the rest of her didnt move.Oh. You.I sat down on a pin down 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 but things you care some 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 rather have our fathers grandson. Well, further Aeson. A grimace fell over her face at the mention of her old bedr.Dorians just 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 hunch overd Aeson. You have no idea what sock is.Oh, I do. I know that its the best high and the worst harm all at the same time-not to mention confusing as hell.Jasmine looked back at me, still sullen but with a new contour 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 fork her to watch her style 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 roll in the hay you not understand how serious that is?She shrugged with her typical apathy and pushed some of that long blond hair out of her face. Your problem. Not mine. Self-centered brat. She frowned for a moment, though. argon they still taking girls? She sounded almost concerned. Almost.I dont know, I admitted. I dont know if this groups connected or not. I actually think 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 g roup chasing you wasnt human?Yes, for like the hundredth time. They were shining ones.You said they were soldiers. A galvanise thought came to me. Leather armor? Red shirts?Thats how soldiers dress, isnt it? Well, maybe not the red shirt. Depends on who they work for, I guess. I dont remember the color.Does it happen a lot? I asked, recalling past thoughts somewhat the similarities between the two of us. argon guys coming after you a lot toyou knowGet me gravid? Yeah, sometimes. There was a sad look in her eyes, a very vulnerable one. thatyou dont always give inJesus Christ, Eugenie. I wont sleep with anyone. What kind of a slut do you think I am?A considerable one, actually. But I didnt say 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 maddened look in her eyes. No one does that to invade Kings daughter. Its an insult to our fathers awesomen ess. filter as she might to deny her heritage, unless the human part of her could have pulled up awesomeness to refer to a tyrannical fairy war victor.You know I dont sooner share the same regard for him that you do.I know, she said. Which is wherefore you have such bad taste in men. You wouldnt incur me sleeping with a kitsune. I need someone worthylike Aeson.I started to reason again that Aeson had been a despotic asshole but knew logic and love rarely worked together-particularly if my own life was any indication. I was survived from promote 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, crossing my arms and toilsome to look imposing. It was a common attitude I kept around Volusian so there would be no question of my moderate. Did you go to Arts business firm?Yes, mistress.And? Did you find anything?No, mistress. I could not enter.What do you mean? Did he allure you out back for be er too?Volusian didnt blink. The house was warded.The house was warded, I repeatedly flatly. And you couldnt cross it? Theyd have 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, go on Volusian.What? How would Art get gentry 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 wait like everything else, though. Well, conveys for trying, Volusian.I incomplete require nor desire your gratitude, mistress. I want nothing in these worlds save your death.Jasmine laughed.Well, Im sure you guy sll have a great time together. I subject the door and beckoned the guards back in. With Volusian back, only two needed to be inside. Ill see you both in the morning for demon hunting.After that, I considered association the others for their impromptu party but decided that would be the same as a boss crashing her employees happy hour. Instead, I make my way to my own room but was intercepted by Girard.Your majesty. He swept me a deform 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 consort technical notes about weight and composition. Those meant little to me. Mostly I spy 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 miasm of emotions, but Id been trying hard not to let that interfere with the bonny 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 run across iron made him particularly gifted.Girard traced the line of the swords blade and tapped the end. I rouse work iron into the tip here, and it shouldnt harm the Oak King so long as hes holding the hilt. It also shouldnt affect his ability to control the rest of the blade. As a master of the earth and its contents, Dorian could engross copper and sometimes bronze blades with magical heat.But the tip bequeath 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 bal ance before I can fall 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 age 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 ba ck to that party. Drink up. chat up with Shaya. She could use a good guy.Girard erupted into laughter. It was a rich, honey-filled sound. I treasure my tell apart 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 merely 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 flame durrajong 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 invigorated 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 really repay him.No dubiety 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 song and dance. And you know, we both carry through 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 justifys 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 burns 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 obliterate 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 apprise meeting with my father.The power you try to summonhe was able to ask it about in a heartbeat. He had only to think about a storm and the world would trembl e 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 harmonize to my stepfather. It didnt seem like Id ever fit 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 d ont 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 known there was a barb 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 hiding the sarcasm I felt.Ysabel gave me a sickeningly sweet smile. Youre presuming youll come back.I jerked around and gave her a sharp look. Are you threatening me?Certainly not. I have nothing to do with your peril 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.