Iron Crowned Chapter 9

I propped myself up so that I could look Dorian in the face. Even in dim lighting, I could get a line he was serious.Who, Kiyo? I asked in astonishment.No, the other annoying kitsune in your life.Why would you why would you suggest somewhatthing wish well that?Excellent question, he murmured. His brow furrowed in thought, therefore relaxed into resignation. Because his human blood would protect him and my personal opinions of him aside he is a good asset in a fight. Most importantly, he would admit no interest in the elevation. Nor would it be of any use to him.Every one of those things was true. save there was one obvious problem. Kiyo wouldnt help me. Not anyto a greater extent. Jasmine would be more willing if plainly for a chance to escape. The argument that Kiyo and I had had in the mountains was still fresh in my interrogative sentence.This brought a smile to Dorians lips, and he trailed his fingertips down my arm. You dubiety your own charms. The kitsune will help you, if you ask him nicely. Hes non over you as much as you stand for. And he too would jump at the chance at some foolhardy way to end this war.Foolhardy Youve departed back and forth on the usefulness of the pass yourself. And now youre willing to I around said allow besides recalled my earlier words. Dorian didnt dictate my life. accept me going off with my ex-boyfriend?This is an accep put back solution. Still dangerous moreover I confide you two could manage it. And I trust you, Dorian said simply. As you trust me.I stared down into his eyes, dark in the flicke hedge torchlight, though the undischarged shape of his face and fair skin glowed resembling a masterpiece in marble. I do trust you.He smiled again. Good. Well process plans in the morning. But for now The smile gave way to a yawn. I withdraw sleep. This has been a long day.It was true. Hed been part of an epic battle and then made love or whatever you wanted to classify that kinky shit as handle a pro. My day had been pretty busy too, to say the least. I put my head down, wrapping back against him, and soon slept in spite of the shocking suggestion hed just made.When we woke, however, the crown became our immediate breakfast topic. Wed opted for private dining at a small table in the sitting room adjacent to his bedroom. After hearing ab surface my traipsing almost in his too-long robe, hed had my own made for these slumber parties clean velvet with gold embroidery. It was a bit more elaborate than I would have selectred further felt nice against my bare skin. The wounds certainly apprehended loose clothing too.Invite him to your castle, said Dorian. Fully rested, hed shifted completely into cunning mode, barely touching the elaborate spread of pastries and meats his servants had set in front us. The gods know he wont capture here.Or Tucson, I suggested after swallowing a gentry version of a cinnamon dither. Maybe I could get Tim the recipe. Hed probably come to my stomach there.Dorian considered. No. Get him to this world, to your domain, so that you can take off as soon as possible. Above all, you must not chthonian any destiny allow him to go back to Maiwenn and consult her on this.I swallowed another bite and smiled. You think shed be jealous?Thats the least of our reasons. He ticked them off on his fingers. Remember she fearfulnesss you. Us. She wouldnt see this as an end to the war. Shed see it as you scrambling for power. And, who knows? The kitsune superpower have no use for the crown himself, but she could coax him into bringing it to her.Shes not vying for power, last I knew. Besides its winning the crown thats the great(p) deal, right? If it was just given to her, no one would respect her for it. If it can unconstipated be given I thought it returns home when its away from its victor.Dorian didnt respond right away. True. But then that would still suffer the crown from you. And we mustnt forget she might simply talk h im out of it because of simple c erstrn for his life. Dorians tone implied this was a petty concern. No, dont give him a chance to talk to her. Invite him to you and ask beg, if need be for his help. Stress whatever urgent reason will work. A need to end the war. Make up some ultimatum from the ghost.I set the roll down and tapped my water glass absentmindedly. This was all starting to fixate me feel st disgorge. Theres a lot of conniving here.There always is in politics. In war. In love, even. But this can help us more than you can imagine. We must put our faith in the old adage that the ends justify the means.I sighed. Okay, then. Ill do it. When?As soon as possible. Katrice is regrouping. We can take advantage of that. That smooth, calculating air faded. Though I hate to lose you.Hey. I reached across the table and laid my hand over his. Dont think of it as losing me. Its just like Im going to Tucson for a a few(prenominal) days.He grimaced. Except your petty human wrinkle doesnt carry such risks. Fetches aside. I do wish youd let my healers take care of those wounds before you go.The stitched-up cut itched, though the rest werent bothering me. I tested the range of motion on my left arm. It was stiff but moved. Let your healers keep working here. Maybe Ill have Shaya fix it up. She didnt possess the skill of a bona fide healer but could do some quick patches.Dorian didnt like that but let the matter go. We finished breakfast, rehashing what little he knew about the path to the press Crown. I shed my robe for my normal clothes, after first having one of his servants clean and re-bandage my back. My mother would be proud, seeing me follow doctors orders.We didnt know where Kiyo was exactly, here or the human world, but Dorian sent a messenger to Maiwenns court, inviting him to mine. No one from our lands would be welcomed with open arms in her territory, but shed allow a messenger through and hopefully let us know if he wasnt currently in the Otherwo rld. I besides sent Volusian to Tim and Lara, warning Id be gone for a while and to cancel all my appointments. Lara wouldnt like that, but I had a feeling it would be the least of her worries when faced with Volusian for the first time.When the time for me to leave came, Dorian couldnt hide his conflicted feelings. The part of him always striving for advantage and control wanted that crown. The part of him that loved me worried about what I was walking into.Itll be okay, I said, wrapping my arms around him. Im Storm Kings daughter, recollect? Thisll be cake. And hey, if that ghosts lying, Ill be back tonight.I dont know if Id prefer that or not, he mused. He rested his hand behind my neck and gave me a long, lingering kiss. Be careful, Eugenie. Fight hard, but be careful. And take this. From a hidden pocket in his cloak, he produced something glittering and handed it to me.I held it up. It was a ring, hanging on a fine chain. Both were made of gold. A diamond flanked by sapphires sit prominently on the ring, which was fashioned to look like a circle of leaves.Is this magic? I asked.He shook his head. Just something to remember me by. Just something to think about.I eyed him carefully. Marriage happened among the gentry, though not as often as among adult male. Considering our divorce rate, maybe that was smart. They didnt give engagement rings like humans did, but hed know my worlds custom. This ring suddenly made me uneasy.Its a thing of beauty, he said, seeing my reaction. For someone beautiful. I knew you wouldnt wear it on your finger, so keep it on the chain.I nodded. Sometimes a gift was just a gift particularly when someone was afraid his beloved might get killed soon. I kissed him again. Thank you.Id come alone via the human world, so he sent an escort back to the Thorn Land with me. No one except Dorian and Masthera knew what I was going to do, but the group could sense something big was about to go down. Tension flipled around us as we traveled . Like so many, these soldiers considered Dorian and me a powerhouse. They could hardly wait to see what would happen next.Kiyo wasnt waiting for me in the Thorn Land, not that Id expected results that quickly. No refusal had come from Maiwenn either, which I took as a good sign.What are you and my lord planning? asked Rurik when he saw me. Youve got that look.What look is that? I asked curiously. He reminded me of Tim.The look that says youre planning something.I rolled my eyes. Eloquent as ever, Rurik.Should I assemble fighters? he asked, shrugging off my comment. Shaya joined us then, scrolls in her arms.No. I do this alone. Well, not exactly. Kiyos coming with me. I hope. He should be showing up here today. I spoke more confidently than I felt. Despite Dorians certainties, I still wasnt sure whether Kiyo would help or not. Rurik and Shaya interchange glances. Stop that, I told them. Its perfectly platonic. Dorian suggested it.Rurik looked like he still had a few things to say a bout it, but Shaya interrupted. The Linden King wrote back. He wont join with us but he also wont fight against us.Not the best news, not the worst. Well see if he comes crawling when his powers in dispute. The words came out with more venom than I expected. Rurik seemed to ap conjure. Shaya leafed through more papers.Caria, the Laurel Queen, would like to meet with you and discuss the war, however.I knew nothing about that land. Have we even contacted her?No, said Shaya, giving me a meaningful look. But her kingdom borders the Linden Land.Ah. I smiled. My comment to Ranelle that others would be eyeing her kings land as his power faded was true. In refusing my offer to defend against that, theyd allowed someone else to solicit me for the other side of that future dispute. Hell regret his neutrality later. See if Cariall meet with Dorian while Im gone. Dorian would run across the situation perfectly.I count on this was it and started to leave. Theres one more thing, added Shaya, t wisting a black braid in that nervous habit of hers. Girard would like to see you.Her disquiet had made me think something bad was coming, but Girard was one of the few people who rarely delivered bad news. If anything, he unwashedly delivered gifts, always coming up with some marvelous new piece of craftsmanship. Some pieces like Dorians sword and Jasmines chains Id commissioned specific affiliate. Sometimes, however, inspiration struck the artist, and hed present some intricately worked necklace or top that I felt certain was beyond human skill. He could even touch iron in very small amounts.Im sure hes made something great, but Im not in the mood today, I told her. I want to see Jasmine.Hes not here to display work. He wants to introduce you to his sister. She looked at me expectantly and seemed strike by my lack of reaction. Youve never heard of her? Imanuelle de la Colline?I shook my head. Should I have?Shaya shrugged. Maybe not. But I think youll find her interesting. It ll only when take a minute.It was true I was in a hurry, but Shayas attitude intrigued me. We went to Girards workshop, rooms Id given to him on the castles outer edge in miscue his work ever set something on fire. He was bent over a table, fingers magically working a bundle of metal and jewels.Another crown? I asked with amusement. They seemed to be his favorite thing to make.Girard looked up, startled, and bowed. No, Your Majesty. Its something Lord Rurik has requested. If youd like another crown I waved him silent. No, no. God knows I have plenty. Hardly seems like Ruriks style, though.Girard didnt comment. Client confidentiality, I jobd. Turning, he pointed off toward the side of his workshop, and I gaped. A woman stood there, and somehow I hadnt noticed her upon entering which seemed impossible. She and her brother shared the alike dark skin and black hair, as well as a taste for bright clothing. The dress she wore was a stunning teal silk, cut shorter than most gentry dr esses. Something about it gave me the impression she wore it for utility, not sexiness.Your Majesty, she said, sweeping me a curtsey. Also like Girard, a faintly French-sounding accent laced her words.This is my sister, Imanuelle, he said. Like Shaya, he seemed to expect me to know who his sister was.Its nice to meet you, I told her. When no one said anything, I shifted restlessly, impatient to go. Seeing this, Imanuelle strode forward, her steps graceful and liquid.Your Majesty, she said. Ive come to offer my services to you, should you like to hire me.I glanced at the other faces, seeking more information, but received none. What do you do? I asked. Do you work metal like Girard?A mischievous smile crossed Imanuelles face. She had caught on that I real didnt know who she was and appeared to enjoy that. No. My talents are of a different nature.I saw a slight gesture of her hand, and then suddenly, the teal silk dress turned yellow. A moment later, it changed form altogether, turn ing into a flowing velvet gown. Then, she wasnt Imanuelle at all. A clone of Shaya stood before me. After letting that sink in, Imanuelle returned to her original form. She bowed, as though having just performed a deliver show.Im an illusionist, she said. I can make people see things that arent there. Most importantly, I can make myself look like anything I choose.It was one of the cooler gentry powers, but I didnt entirely see how itd be useful for me. So I can finally be in two places at once? I joked.That brought another smile. I suppose but Ive honed other skills to accompany these. Ones many monarchs find useful. I get rid of problems.Apparently guessing my confusion, Shaya sighed and dropped her usual formality. Youre better off not dancing around the subject. My queen prefers directness. She turned to me. Imanuelle is an assassin, Your Majesty.Imanuelles smile tightened a little. I think she preferred her more flowery description. Thats an hideous word for a formidable sk ill set.It took me a moment to catch on. So, youre here to Wait. You think Im going to hire you to, what, assassinate Katrice?Imanuelle shrugged eloquently, and her brother spoke up for her. Some might see that as a quick way to end the war, if I may be so bold. Girard had picked up that I didnt like this idea at all and was understandably nervous. He valued his position with me.Its a dirty, sneaky way to end a war I exclaimed. Itd make me no better than Katrice and her bastard son.It would eliminate Katrice directly, said Imanuelle. Since she is the source of your problems. I could disguise myself as someone in her castle. Quick, easy. No other innocents need be hurt.For a heartbeat, her words almost made sense. Then I shook my head emphatically. No. Im not going to stoop to that level.Some of Imanuelles pleasant port faded. There are monarchs who would give half their kingdoms for my services Im very selective. Im doing you a great honor.I narrowed my eyes. Youre doing me an hon or?She hesitated, realizing she was addressing one of the most formidable promote in the Otherworld. Again, Girard jumped in to save her.Forgive our presumption, Your Majesty. We only wanted to offer it as an option.Its been offered, I said bluntly. And refused. Thank you for the honor. Youre welcome to visit your brother, of course, but Id prefer that you stay here no longer than absolutely necessary.I turned dramatically away from them, just catching the outrage on Imanuelles face, and strode out. Shaya hurried by my side.Spoken like a queen, she said.Do I need to worry about that woman killing me now? I asked. Is she going to change into you and snap a knife on me?Im sure youd respond as efficiently as you do to the other attacks on you, said Shaya dryly. Her illusions arent foolproof to everyone. Im guessing Volusian could see through them if he were around. But, honestly although her pride has been hurt she does have quite the reputation I suspect shell simply stalk off an d leave you be, if only for her brothers sake.Well, thats nice. One less person trying to kill me. I raked my hand through my hair. Anything else I need to deal with?That was a loaded question, of course. Shaya had a few more business matters for me to look over before I could finally see Jasmine. I hadnt talked to her after the dinner at Dorians and felt shed be a good distraction as I waited to see if Kiyo would come. I found her outside in one of the gardens, sitting in the shade of a mesquite tree as the sun grew higher and the heat increased. Her guards stood stoically nearby, and her fine chains glittered in the light. At my approach, she glanced up from a book. Petulant, power-hungry teen that she might be, she was also an avid reader, using fantasy to escape her mundane existence when shed still lived among humans. This book was one Id brought her recently, the first in a trendy series.Is it good? I asked, sitting down opposite her.Not bad, she said, playing cool. A moment later, she gave herself away. Are there more out in the series?Three more, I think.She said nothing but smiled as she set the book beside her.Did you have fun at Dorians? I asked.Yeah. It was nice to be out. Her eyes gazed off, not really focusing on anything. I think the best part was watching Shaya scare off all the guys hitting on me. She turned back to me. Is that what its like for you all the time?Not since I got together with Dorian. Theyve slacked off and Shaya doesnt scare them away. She abandons me.Jasmine smiled again. Dorians crazy about you. Obsessed.Thats kind of an extreme observation.Its true. She brushed hair out of her eyes. The temperateness was turning it to gold, making me a little envious Id gotten true red from our father, rather than strawberry blond. She could wear pink. Its good, she continued. His obsession. That bitch Ysabel wants him, you know. And she hates you. So does her mom.Yeah, I kind of figured that out.She shrugged. Well, then, keep Dorian clos e.Im not worried.Ysabels got kids, and you wont give him any.I was so sick of hearing about me and procreation. Lots of gentry women have kids. Are you saying I should worry about all of them, Little Miss Love Guru?Not all of them look like you. I mean, not exactly like you but I think Dorian gets off on redheads. Maybe he figures hell have red-haired kids that way. I dont know. But, whatever. Im just saying shes waiting there for you to slip up with Dorian. And hes already gone for her before. Shes got a bigger chest than you, too.Hey, I said indignantly. Thats irrelevant. Besides, he went for her and she annoyed him. And Im not going to slip up. Hes not going anywhere. I frowned, surprised by my next words, that Id actually say them to her. Its Kiyo Ive got to pull in.Jasmines gray eyes widened in shock. Him? Hes no use to you unless, oh Jesus. You guys arent planning some three-way, are you? I mean, I know you and Dorian get into some No I exclaimed. Its nothing like that. I need a favor from Kiyo, thats all. A big one. A dangerous one. Im not sure whatll convince him. I smiled weakly, remembering Dorians expression when Id showed up in the tight gentry dress. Id know what to do if it was Dorian.Jasmine scoffed and gave me a scathing look. How stupid are you? Even I know what to do if you want to suck in Kiyo. Look human.I am human. Whos stupid now? Good grief. Wed advanced to snippy quarrelling. We were becoming real sisters more and more each day.Youre half human. Dorian likes that because he thinks he can knock you up but the rest? He wants you to be a queen. One of the shining ones. Kiyo doesnt. He hates all of that. He doesnt want you anywhere near it. You hooked up before you were into all the Otherworld stuff. Be like that.I stared at her, startled because she had an excellent point. Do I look human now?Jasmine studied me critically. I had jeans and a T-shirt on, my hair pulled sloppily into a ponytail. My boots were sturdy, made for hiking. Pla in. Yeah, she said, sounding surprised. Scruffy and human. Hell be into that. Except for the ring. Its from Dorian, right? Put it under your shirt.I touched the ring hanging on my chest, having forgotten about it. Howd you know it was from him?Because you wouldnt get it for yourself, and no one else would either. Its also got oak leaves.I peered down at it. Sure enough. I hadnt identified the leaves earlier. I followed her advice, concealing it under the shirt. She watched with approval, then seemed to really notice my shirt.Whos Mtley Cre?I was saved from lecturing her on classic rock when a servant scurried up to us, telling me Kiyo was here. The ease Id felt with Jasmine vanished. I stood up, forcing calm, half-wondering if I should take her after all. No. Kiyo was the right choice.Good luck, Jasmine said, picking up her book. And remember be human.I followed the servant away, embarrassed that I was taking advice from an insane fifteen-year-old. Except I knew she was right. I ma de sure my gait was daily, nothing regal. Then, I sent the servant away, deciding itd be best to come to Kiyo on my own, rather than approaching with an escort, no matter how insignificant.He was waiting inside a parlor, pacing restlessly. I knew how uneasy I made him, and this invitation had no doubt put him on guard. I watched him unnoticed for a moment, admiring that muscled body while wise(p) it was wrong to do so. Sneaking up on him was impossible, though. He could smell me. My sweat and skin alone would have given me away, let alone the vanilla extract sunscreen and violet perfume I also wore.Eugenie, he said, turning around. Nice to see you. He seemed impassive, but his eyes made me think he really did like seeing me physically at least.Sorry for the abrupt request, I said. You were probably visiting Luisa, huh?The mention of his daughter softened his expression a tiny, tiny bit. Yeah, shes she grows every day. Its amazing. He flipped back to alert mode. But thats not why you asked me here.No. I settled into one of the chairs, crossing my legs and hoping I looked casual and unassuming. I need your help.He continued standing. Thats unexpected.Well, I got an unexpected offer. Do you still want me to get out of this war?Of course. He made a face. Oh, Eug. Please tell me you dont want me to negotiate or something.I smiled, both at the suggestion and his use of the nickname. No, I need you for something thats more your specialty. I dont suppose youve ever heard of the Iron Crown?Kiyo hadnt. I provided a brief rundown, explaining how the person who fought through and won it could allegedly inspire fear and awe.And thats enough to make Katrice back off? he asked skeptically.So they say. I shrugged. Its weird to me too, but everyone Ive talked to claims itll intimidate Katrice and her armies. Best not to mention that everyone was Dorian, a ghost, and a crazy seeress. Itll prove what a badass I am. And if that forces her into peace talks I let him draw his o wn conclusions.Its a gamble, Kiyo said. He still sounded doubtful, but there was a crack there. He wanted the war over. He wanted me out of it. But why ask me? Why not Dorian?Because he couldnt survive the quest. The ways lie with iron. It would take an insanely strong gentry or people with human blood, like you and me. Plus, I trust you.I didnt know if the human solidarity had gotten me anywhere, but he was definitely considering this more and more. I also wondered if admitting trust in him did anything. Part of what had driven us apart was my accusation that he didnt care enough about me to punish Leith.Id like to help you, Kiyo said finally. Its crazy but no crazier than half the stuff around here. I should talk to Maiwenn first, though.You must not under any circumstances allow him to go back to Maiwenn and consult her on this.Theres no time, I said, hastily running through Dorians laundry list of excuses. We have to go now. The ghost whos going to help me threatened to bac k out if I didnt act soon. And were currently on hold with Katrice. If I could return with the crown before the next battle, it would be well, itd be amazing. No more bloodshed.I could see him wavering, but he wasnt quite convinced. Really, I didnt blame him. If I had an ally who could advise me on some bizarre quest, Id want to talk to her too before jumping in.You can talk to her if you want, I said. But Ive got to leave now. I cant stand waiting. Ill just go by myself.That drove the dagger in. No matter how sketchy the logic, no matter how smart it would be to get Maiwenns advice the fear of my running off into unknown dangers was too great. He stared at me for several heavy moments, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed.Right now? he asked.Right now, I said.Then lets go.