Ruins of bone, p.20
Ruins of Bone, page 20
For all that he’d warned me against bargaining with him, he’d offered a concession decidedly in my favor, a very un-fae-like approach. “Then it’s settled.”
And somehow, with that declaration, my uncertainty eased, even though a gleaming binding mark appeared on my upper right arm. This time, the bargain had been of my choosing, and the mark represented safety, not a threat. I leaned back against the bedpost, and Jade rested her head on my lap, while Asrina came to rest on my shoulder, gold-tinged images of happiness pouring into my mind.
“Your notion of a will provides a start, but it won’t prevent Damir from attempting to torture you into selling Kilmere outright, now that he knows he can.” His eyes darkened. “Such things take time, however. It would be difficult for him to seize you and keep you from me long enough to execute such a strategy.”
Torture me into submission? I’d not considered that possibility, yet Riven spoke of it as if it was something to be taken for granted. I skimmed my fingers along my arms, where the slightest trace of bruising remained. “I cannot sign Kilmere away without the permission of my father and trustees. He knows that. Does that mean they’re at risk?”
“Not yet. Perhaps your conventions will serve to our advantage in this. You must have permission from all your trustees to transfer ownership?”
I nodded.
“Then make me a third, if you’re willing,” he said. “As with the will, it doesn’t have to stand if we deal with Damir.”
“I don’t know if my current trustees will readily accept such a change—”
“If you tell them you’re being threatened, will they act on your behalf?”
“If they were convinced it was necessary.” Which would happen if Father insisted—they were far more likely to listen to his words than mine. Yet to persuade Father might well be as difficult as ridding a forest of a barberry invasion. Jade lifted her head to offer my chin a reassuring nudge, and I stroked her in return.
“Even if I secure the legal protections, what of my family? Will Lord West strike at them if thwarted in other ways?”
“He’s cannier than that. Right now, it gains him nothing—and to target mortals involves risk. If he desires Kilmere as much as you say, he’ll not chance spoiling his endgame for the pleasure of hurting them.”
“But might he harm them to force me to submit to his wishes?”
“It’s unlikely to occur to him that you might value them above Kilmere.” His voice became flat. “Among fae, a family is more a unit of power than affection. Most refrain from the dangers of forming any true attachment—or revealing it, if they’ve done so.”
“He’s spent time in our world, though, so he must know matters are different for mortals.”
“Time in the mortal world to wrest from it what one can and time engaging with mortals and learning their views are entirely different things. He’s not the sort to do the latter.” Riven folded his arms across his chest. “Based on his actions thus far, I’d say he believes they’re expendable to you, otherwise he’d have threatened you into compliance by holding their welfare over your head long ago. He had no reason to believe you’d any knowledge of protections they might have. For now, that works to our advantage. Still, there are no guarantees in this affair, only calculated risks.”
That wasn’t what I’d wanted him to say. I wanted a promise that my family would be safe, that Lord West would be stopped before he harmed anyone else—but that was impossible to guarantee.
Riven was right, though—Lord West had not pursued my family. He’d not threatened them as leverage, only presented himself with the general charm of fae to win them over and gain access to me. Yes, he’d needled me about his plans for them at the very end, but otherwise he’d shown little interest.
And if I remained in Avons, seeking some means of defense rather than pursuing the answers that could free us, I’d lose my chance of securing their safety. Whatever protections we put in place, sooner or later Lord West would find a way around—and I must be ready when he did. “If I go to Kilmere, will they be at greater risk?”
“They should be safer. If Damir believes you threaten his plans for Kilmere, he’ll focus on protecting his interests there—whatever they may be.” He leaned forward slightly, and the scent of sun-warmed forest swirled round us. “Is that what you intend?”
“Yes—Kilmere brought Lord West into my life, and there must be a reason he wants it so badly. If we can uncover it, perhaps we can thwart his plans.” I stroked the soft fur between Jade’s ears, and she rumbled her approval. “There’s also the curse. If the deaths that have taken place have something to do with Kilmere, I can’t simply let the townsfolk suffer.”
“There are rumors of a curse?” His attention sharpened. “Tell me what you know of it.”
I recounted all the information I’d gathered—including the references in the faerie tale left by Ibbie and the dark hints given by Lord West. His gaze never wavered, nor did he appear shocked or troubled, as any mortal would before such revelations. The tangle of emotion inside unraveled as all I’d held in for so long poured out.
The smallest of golden sparks drifted about Riven as he considered. “You believe these deaths are Otherworldly in origin?”
“The peculiarities about Kilmere, along with the interest Lord West has in it, seem to support the theory. But I have constructed a number of possible explanations, all of which I possess insufficient evidence to confirm,” I said. “I’ve even wondered if it were possible that some fae creature could have made its home in Kilmere and then struck out as people disturbed its rest.”
“Possible, yes. But most low fae couldn’t function centuries away from their world. They’d have no desire or ability to make a permanent home in yours.” Riven plucked his jacket from the back of the chair, as if he intended to depart now. “However, if that’s the case, it should be easy enough to determine.”
“If I can convince Father to sanction the trip—and agree to the drawing up of the will and the alteration of trustees.”
He lifted a brow. “Do you require such permission?”
“I’m not yet of age, so I must have his approval,” I said softly. “And it’s no small request, since I mean to disinherit my family in your favor.”
Riven tugged on his jacket in a single graceful motion. “You have twenty years, do you not? I thought your world reckoned that full-grown.”
“In the sense that I could wed and have a family, yes, but—”
“You still have no legal authority?” He stood. “Your world is a peculiar place.”
“Peculiar it may be, but it’s customary that women reach their majority at four and twenty—three years past the age required of men, because it’s believed that our sensibilities are more tender, and we require more time for our reason to overtake our natural propensity toward emotion.” I might not like it, but for now, I must work within it. I tilted my head. “Besides, you cannot say your world does not have its share of unusual conventions.”
Of which I’d only caught the slightest glimpse.
His lips tilted upward. “I’ll grant the point. But will your father consent?”
“I will do my best to persuade him.”
Something shifted slightly in his features. If I failed, would he propose the use of glamour?
I hurried on. “Let’s assume that he will.”
Though it was a great leap.
“Then Kilmere is of next importance. If the protections are procured, I’ll inform Damir, which will check him long enough for me to visit the ruin. Will you come with me, or do you intend to travel by mortal conveyance?”
After my excursion to the Otherworld, I’d learned that high fae could open passings between the worlds—despite the established belief that Otherkind could only travel through Crossings, which the Vigil kept well-guarded. I still had many questions about that, but this was scarcely the time. I brushed my hands together, clearing off the fur that had collected on them. “I cannot simply leave without warning. If I vanish for a day, or however long it will take to explore Kilmere, my family will worry—and that’s if I can manage to slip out unnoticed. But if I wait long enough to persuade them that I must go, I’ll have the time to investigate Kilmere as required and deal with whatever we find there.”
“Very well,” he said. “As soon as the matter of the will is settled, I’ll see if there are traces of Otherkind, as you call them, about the region and within Kilmere proper while you make your arrangements. It might prove to be a simple matter.”
Yet somehow I doubted it.
“Asrina will remain with you as a precaution,” he said.
I glanced at her, all glorious with light. “And if Lord West seeks to incapacitate her again?”
“I don’t think he’ll strike again, not yet.” His fingers tapped against his leg. “Once he knows I’m involved and you set protections in place, he’ll have to reconsider his strategies. Still, I’ll set a ward on her.”
It all sounded well in theory, but if I failed to convince Father . . . what then? Riven might well suggest glamouring him—and even if he did not, I’d have to guard myself to avoid unintentionally glamouring another of my loved ones.
With Jade and Asrina as companions, I crept down the stairs and sought Father in his study, while Riven waited in the nearby drawing room.
As usual, he didn’t stir at my entrance. I settled into the chair across from his desk. “Father, I need to talk to you about what happened yesterday.”
That brought him up from his star charts with a jolt. He peered at me through his spectacles. “Ah, Jessa. You look much recovered. Are you well?”
“Still a bit sore, but I feel much better.”
“Good, good.” He set down the charts. “I thought I’d take the details from you and then go to the Magistry with a report this morning. If they’ve questions, they can come speak to you here.”
“I’d rather you not, because—it was no accidental attack.”
He half-rose from his chair. “What do you mean?”
“The invitation I received was a false one, meant to lure me into Lady Hampton’s home, where an assailant waited. He made an attempt on my life, for the purpose of claiming Kilmere afterward.” The words tasted bitter. “I have reason to believe Lord West is behind the attack.”
Father collapsed back into his seat, his features suddenly haggard. “Jessa—I cannot—you are certain?”
I nodded.
His hands tightened slowly about a wood pen till it snapped, staining his fingers. “Lord West is behind it, you say? That any man would stoop so low—but it’s all the more reason to involve the Magistry. He must pay in full for his deeds.”
With nothing more than my word to go on, he believed me—and was prepared to go to war against forces he did not understand. My chest tightened. “You know how difficult it is for them to prosecute powerful men. And I do not have the sort of evidence they require. I did not speak of it last night, because I saw no way forward, but I’ve since thought of a way to thwart him, only I must have your consent.”
He dabbed at the ink stains. “What do you plan?”
“It will sound peculiar, so I must ask you to trust that I’ve considered all the angles of the situation before coming to this conclusion.”
Jade gave my ankle a reassuring nudge, and I drew a deep breath. This was the difficult part—how to say enough to sway him, but not enough to endanger him. I folded my hands in my lap. “Do you recall Lord Riven? He tenanted Wyncourt for a time, and he’s acquainted with Lord West. He was the one who informed me of Lord West’s true nature, and how he’ll stop at nothing to accomplish his ends.”
“I recall Lord Riven, but how will his information keep Lord West from making another attempt on your life?”
“Lord Riven has the power and position to discourage Lord West from pursuing the matter further—and there’s enmity between them. I’d like to use that to my advantage by drawing up a will stating that Kilmere and the trust from Lady Dromley will go to Lord Riven upon my death or marriage. I’d also like to make him a third trustee, so that Lord West realizes he cannot force the trustees to consent to a sale of the property. I’ve spoken to him, and he’s agreed, provided that you give your consent. Once Lord West gives up on the matter, the will can be revised.”
Only he’d never give up, which meant we must find some way to force his hand. I refused to consider the difficulty of the task.
“That’s rather extraordinary—irregular in the highest degree.” He dropped the blotter he’d used to swipe at his fingers. The lines about his eyes drew deeper. “You trust him with this?”
“Yes.”
Father fell silent.
Jade abandoned her post at my feet to prowl the room, as though she could not endure to remain motionless any longer.
Does something trouble you? I asked.
I share your father’s concern. This plan requires a great deal of trust in Riven.
And you believe that a mistake?
I cannot say. Only that Riven is feared among his own people for the power he holds. He’s not pressed his advantage, not yet, but I don’t see him as a safe choice. Still, you require him to keep Damir away—thus the difficulty.
Jade was right. When in the Otherworld, I’d witnessed how Mocvar—powerful though he was—feared Riven. Was I mistaken to place so much trust in him? You think he has another purpose in offering aid?
I don’t know. I wish I did.
So do I.
Father shifted, the chair creaking beneath him. “I don’t like it, Jessa. To act so puts you at the mercy of a veritable stranger. The trust is a considerable sum, even apart from the value of the properties, and if this Lord Riven took it in mind to press his advantage, it might go poorly with you. Even the news spreading about could raise questions.”
“Father, I don’t believe—”
He held up a hand. “Let me manage the situation for you. Even if we don’t have enough for legal action, I can make it clear to Lord West that under no terms will he ever receive Kilmere.”
“Please don’t—he’s an exceedingly dangerous man.” My arms stung, as though the shadow-bindings lashed them once more. “My assailant yesterday said that Lord West intended to wrest the properties from my grieving father. I cannot endure the notion that you’d be at risk, that he’d seek your life as well as my own, if you did not cooperate.”
Father stood and rounded the desk to stand before me, an uncharacteristic display of emotion. He reached out to grasp my hands, and his own had gone cold.
“You don’t have any reason to trust Lord Riven, and I have no better explanation to offer, only that I know this is the path that must be taken,” I said. If only I could tell him the whole—but how could I choose to place him in such an impossible situation, caught between fae and Vigil and all the forces at work in this situation? I squeezed his hands tighter. “Do you trust me enough to believe I’d arrive at the best conclusion?”
He released my hands, a strange expression flickering in his eyes, something akin to pain. “You are very like your mother. It will be as you wish. We’ll go this morning to the solicitor and to your trustees. One of the Magister’s recorders shares membership in the Royal Society of Astronomers, and I believe he’d be willing to seal the documents today. Meantime, I shall inform Holden that Lord West is not to be admitted to our home under any circumstances. I cannot think he’d have the audacity to call, but we shall see you kept safe. If Lord West thinks he can inflict his will with impunity, he’ll soon find he’s mistaken.”
I stood, and I laid my head on his shoulder, stealing a moment of solace. “Thank you.”
Right or wrong, I was now committed.
Chapter 18
After securing Father’s agreement, I’d told him I’d need a quarter of an hour to prepare to go out, and also that I’d already asked Lord Riven to join us this morning, in hopes that he’d agree. He’d grumbled slightly about presumption, but then admitted his presence would expedite matters.
I took my leave of Father, joining Riven in the drawing room long enough to inform him of how everything had unfolded.
“Good. I’ll call at the front door in a quarter hour,” he said.
I hurried up the stairs to fetch my hat and gloves, Asrina and Jade keeping pace. After collecting them, I slipped my reticule over my arm, thankful that Asrina no longer required it.
She fluttered at my shoulder, her light warming me.
And I hesitated. I’d endangered her once already. If she stayed as Riven bid, she might find herself at risk again. “Asrina, do you want to return to the Otherworld?”
An image flashed through my mind, of light forming a connection between us.
What was she trying to say? Riven had appeared able to communicate with her far more precisely than one would expect from vague images. Perhaps there was another way—after all, I’d not been able to perceive the images her light cast until recently. I regarded her blaze-bright form. “Is there a better way we might communicate?”
She nodded, then lifted her hands in a sort of beseeching motion.
I turned to Jade. What must I do?
Sun sylphs do not vocalize. They use the shifting of temperature caused by their light to create sound and form words. If you did not have something of Other about you, you would not be able to hear—but you do, so perhaps you may.
And the images she used before?
Are much like the language of hands your kind use for those who cannot hear, though even more limited in effectiveness.
I see. It was worth a try. I extended my hand toward Asrina, and she fluttered onto my palm. Then, in the same way I extended my senses to the plants around me, I opened them to Asrina.
“You listen, good, good, good.” Her light pulsed rapidly, as words tumbled out. “I am bound to Riven; I will stay.”
“Bound? What does that mean?”
“In the Court of Gold, sun sylphs must serve bond-terms to high fae. I did as a youngling, but no longer. With Riven, it is a bargain, a good bargain. He accepts those of my flight who have not yet served their terms, but does not send them idly into danger as some do. And he sets wards on the dwellings of our flight, so that risnha don’t steal them. In exchange, some of us have bargained whole-life service.”
