Iron Crowned Chapter 9

I propped myself up so that I could advert Dorian in the face. Even in dim lighting, I could prove he was serious.Who, Kiyo? I asked in astonishment. zero(prenominal) the separate annoying kitsune in your life.why would you why would you suggest roughlything corresponding that?Excellent question, he murmured. His brow rugged in thought, then relaxed into resignation. Because his human blood would protect him and my personal opinions of him hit he is a good asset in a scrap. around importantly, he would take in no interest in the spinning top. Nor would it be of either use to him.Every maven of those things was real. nevertheless t present was unitary writ large problem. Kiyo wouldnt assist me. Not anymore. Jasmine would be more go for state of warding if only for a chance to escape. The argument that Kiyo and I had had in the mountains was nonwithstanding fresh in my head.This brought a smile to Dorians lips, and he trailed his fingertips down my arm. You doubt your own charms. The kitsune will help you, if you ask him minutely. Hes non each(prenominal) over you as much as you dep remnant. And he too would jump at the chance at almost foolhardy way to end this war.Foolhardy Youve g peerless bum and frontward on the usefulness of the visor yourself. And now youre willing to I provided most tell whollyow tho recalled my earlier words. Dorian didnt dictate my life. lease me termination off with my ex-boyfriend?This is an acceptable solution. Still dangerous simply I believe you two could manage it. And I trust you, Dorian state simply. As you trust me.I stared down into his eye, dark in the flitter torchlight, though the striking shape of his face and fair skin glowed wish a masterpiece in marble. I do trust you.He smiled again. healthy. Well make plans in the morning. But for now The smile gave way to a yawn. I involve sleep. This has been a long day.It was true. Hed been part of an epic date and then make love or what constantly you wanted to branch that kinky shit as interchangeable a pro. My day had been evenhandedly busy too, to register the least. I put my head down, wrapping harbor binding against him, and in short slept in spite of the shocking suggestion hed further do.When we woke, however, the crown became our immediate breakfast topic. Wed opted for private dining at a piffling table in the sitting room adjacent to his bedroom. later on(prenominal) earshot nearly my traipsing closely in his too-long robe, hed had my own do for these slumber parties dust coat velvet with gold embroidery. It was a bit more elaborate than I would have preferred only when felt nice against my bare skin. The wounds surely as shooting appreciated loose clothing too. pluck in 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 onward us. The gods know he wont come here.Or Tucson, I suggested after swallowing a gentry version of a cinnamon roll. Maybe I could tie Tim the recipe. Hed probably come to my house there.Dorian considered. No. Get him to this world, to your domain, so that you jackpot chip in as soon as possible. Above all, you mustiness non chthonian any circumstances allow him to go back to Maiwenn and chew the fat her on this.I swallowed another bite and smiled. You think shed be jealous?Thats the least of our agents. He ticked them off on his fingers. Remember she cares you. Us. She wouldnt attend this as an end to the war. Shed infer it as you scrambling for power. And, who knows? The kitsune might have no use for the crown himself, provided she could coax him into bringing it to her.Shes not vying for power, experience I knew. Besides its winning the crown thats the big deal, right? If it was just attached to her, no one would respect her for it. If it can even be wedded I thought it returns home when its away from its victor.Dorian didnt respond right away. True. But then that would steady keep up the crown from you. And we mustnt jam she might simply talk him out of it because of simple concern for his life. Dorians olfactory sensation 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 whatsoever ultimatum from the ghost.I set the roll down and tapped my water glass absentmindedly. This was all starting to make me feel strange. thithers 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 sustain advantage of that. That smooth, calculating air faded. though I hate to lose you.Hey. I reached across the table and countersink my hand over his. Dont think of it as losing me. Its just alike Im going to Tucson for a few days.He grimaced. take out your petty human craft 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 roughly(prenominal)ering me. I well-tried the range of motion on my left arm. It was stiff but moved. permit your healers keep working here. Maybe Ill have Shaya fix it up. She didnt possess the readiness 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 roughly the path to the Iron Crown. I shed my robe for my pattern clothes, after first having one of his servants clean and re-bandage my back. My mother would be proud, be removeing 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 downs would be welcomed with give arms in her territory, but shed allow a messenger with and hopefully let us know if he wasnt currently in the Otherworld. I also 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 bidding wanted that crown. The part of him that loved me worried about what I was base on balls into.Itll be okay, I said, wrapping my arms around him. Im Storm female monarchs daughter, echo? 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 har d, 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 sat prominently on the ring, which was fashion to view 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 eyeball him carefully. Marriage happened among the gentry, though not as often as among humans. Considering our split up 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 individual beautiful. I knew you wouldnt kick downstairs it on your finger, so keep it on the chain.I nodded. some(a)times a gift was just a gift particularly when someone was afraid his beloved might constrict refineed 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 crackled 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 entitle formulation? 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 fill 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 demonstrate up here today. I spok e more confidently than I felt. Despite Dorians certainties, I fluid 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 about it, but Shaya interrupted. The Linden King wrote back. He wont join with us but he also wont fight against us.Not the scoop out 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 approve. Shaya leafed with more papers.Caria, the Laurel Queen, would like to meet with you and discuss the war, however.I knew cypher about that land. Have we even contacted her?No, said Shaya, giving me a meaty 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. observe if Cariall meet with Dorian while Im gone. Dorian would understand the situation perfectly.I figured this was it and started to leave. Theres one more thing, added Shaya, twisting a black gold braid in that nervous habit of hers. Girard would like to see you.Her unease had made me think something bad was coming, but Girard was one of the few people who seldom delivered bad news. If anything, he usually delivered gifts, always coming up with some marvelous new piece of craftsmanship. Some pieces like Dorians sword and Jasmines chain Id commissioned specifically. Sometimes, however, inspiration struck the artist, and hed present some intricately worked necklace or diadem 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 assign you to his sister. She looked at me expectantly and seemed surprised by my lack of reaction. Youve never perceive of her? Imanuelle de la Colline?I shook my head. Should I have?Shaya shrugged. Maybe not. But I think youll find her interesting. Itll only 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 case his work ever set something on fire. He was bent over a table, fingers magically working a bundle of metallic element and jewels.Another crown? I asked with amusement. They seemed to be his favorite thing to make.Girard looked up, shock, 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 conjectured. Turning, he pointed off toward the side of his workshop, and I gap ed. A woman stood there, and somehow I hadnt noticed her upon entering which seemed impossible. She and her brother shared out the same dark skin and black hair, as well as a taste for bright clothing. The dress she wore was a stunning blue green silk, cut shorter than most gentry dresses. Something about it gave me the impression she wore it for utility, not sexiness.Your Majesty, she said, sweep me a curtsey. Also like Girard, a faintly French-sounding accent tied(p) 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, desirous 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 really didnt know who she was and appeared to enjoy that. No. My talents are of a varied nature.I saw a slight gesture of her hand, and then suddenly, the chromatic silk dress turned yellow. A importation later, it changed form alto thumpher, turning into a flowing velvet gown. because, 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 stage show.Im an illusionist, she said. I can make people see things that arent there. closely 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 accomplish rid of problems.Apparently pellet 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 ugly word for a formidable skill 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 come of your problems. I could disguise myself as someone in her castle. Quick, easy. No other innocents need be hurt.For a heart beat, her words almost made sense. Then I shook my head emphatically. No. Im not going to diverge to that level.Some of Imanuelles pleasant demeanor faded. There are monarchs who would give half(prenominal) their kingdoms for my services Im very selective. Im doing you a great abide by.I narrowed my eyes. Youre doing me an honor?She hesitated, realizing she was addressing one of the most formidable queens in the Otherworld. Again, Girard jumped in to rescue 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. speak like a queen, she said.Do I need to get about that woman killing me now? I asked. Is she going to change into you and pull 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 eitherone. Im guessing Volusian could see through them if he were around. But, honestly although her pride has been hurt she does have quite a the reputation I suspect shell simply stalk off and 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 party 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 g lanced up from a take. Petulant, power-hungry teen that she might be, she was also an zealous 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? deuce-ace 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 thoroughgoing observation.Its true. She brushed hair out of her eyes. The sunlight 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 close.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 situation 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 no t 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 chimerical are you? Even I know what to do if you want to shove off 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. Ki yo 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 study me critically. I had jeans and a T-shirt on, my hair pulled sloppily into a ponytail. My boots were sturdy, made for hiking. Plain. 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, hiding it under the shirt. She watched with approval, then seemed to really notice my shirt.Whos Mtley Cre?I was save from lecturing her on classic rock when a servant scurried up to us, telli ng 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 made sure my gait was casual, 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 inner 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 dead body while knowing 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 sunscreen and violet perfume I also wore.Eugenie, he said, turning ar ound. 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 visit 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 a nd 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 duologue I let him draw his own 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 lined with iron. It would take an madly 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 unimpeachably considering this more and more. I also wondered if admitting trust in him did anything. Part of what had determined 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 hurry through Dorians washing list of excuses. We have to go now. The ghost whos going to help me endanger to back 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 unk nown dangers was too great. He stared at me for several healthy moments, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed.Right now? he asked.Right now, I said.Then lets go.