The Emerald Dagger Read online

  "Peter, you're an only, as your son puts it, and Regan's a baby sister herself. Neither of you know what it's like."

  He shifted his gaze to her face. "Kelsey, will you talk to him? Maybe it will help."

  "I've already started." She hooked her arm through his and pulled him toward the door. "Let's eat. I'm starved, and I'm looking forward to seeing Tessa."

  "The queen will not join you for dinner. In fact, I cannot either."

  She stopped and faced him. "What's going on?"

  "King Truthspeak of the Fairies is here."

  "But he never leaves his own Enid-Etain."

  "He arrived this morn and demanded an audience with Tessa." Peter raked his fingers through his hair. "But enough. It does not concern you, and I will not have such spoil your visit."

  She recoiled, dropped her hand to her side. Not concern her? She felt as if he'd just spit in her face. But Peter didn't notice her reaction; once again, he stared beyond her. "Will Regan at least be joining me?" she said, not bothering to keep the wounded sarcasm from her voice.

  "She and our daughter plan to do so."

  Kelsey turned toward the door. "I'm ready when you are." This time she made no move to hook her arm through his. Peter followed her, seemingly oblivious to the pain he'd just inflicted.

  "The formal dining hall has been readied for your honor," Peter said, as they exited the stairwell and entered into the hall.

  Kelsey nodded in silence.

  "This way," he said.

  She pressed her lips together. Did he think she didn't know where the formal dining hall was? She'd only lived in the castle seven years. She pushed by him and started down the hallway. "You don't need to show me. I'm sure Tessa and King Truthspeak are waiting for you."

  "It is my duty as your host," Peter said.

  Kelsey whirled around. "I'm not a visiting dignitary. I lived here. Remember."

  The look on Peter's face at her outburst almost made her laugh.

  "Kelsey, I am sorry. Of course you know the way. I did not mean to insult you." Peter looked puzzled.

  Insult me? You stupid ass? She wanted to scream. Don't you get it? But he didn't, judging by the perplexed look on his face. She turned and strode away without another word.

  "Kelsey?"

  She didn't stop or look back.

  Chapter Six

  Golden candelabras lined the center length of an oak table. The honey-hued expanse of wood polished to a soft sheen stretched three-quarters the length of the room. Light from flickering flames cast a soft glow across the formal dining room. Silver tureens, plates and chalices glistened. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors made up the far wall, and on this night their red-velvet drapes were drawn wide and the doors open. A breeze drifted in, and Kelsey inhaled the scents of roses, damp grass and earth.

  Portraits lined the walls. Likenesses of Tessa, her father, her mother, and all of Raya's rulers back to King Ivor De'Amberville and his sword-wielding Queen Raya.

  A hushed expectation hung over the empty room. She heard muffled voices and then a smothered laugh. She moved to the doors and looked out. Marble statues of naked forest nymphs glowed beneath a full moon. Two boys stood before a statue and stared upward. One was Daniel. His companion was older, perhaps thirteen or fourteen.

  "Go ahead. Touch one," the older boy said.

  "No, Patrick," Daniel said, laughing again.

  "They're breasts, just like your momma has." Patrick leapt onto the fountain's small wall and reached upward to caress a rounded ivory breast. “Men like to touch them."

  "But why?"

  "It makes their shafts hard and women willing to pull up their skirts."

  "Have you touched one?" Daniel asked in wonderment.

  Patrick laughed. "Many."

  "And your shaft grew hard?"

  "As hard as my father's heart."

  Kelsey gasped and two heads swiveled her way.

  "Aunt Kelsey," Daniel said, racing toward her. "This is Patrick."

  The older boy jumped down from the wall and sauntered forward. He stopped before her, and his gaze moved across her body before it settled upon her face. His eyes looked into hers. An insolent challenge radiated from them.

  "Lady Kelsey," he said, giving her a courtier's bow. His mocking tone branded the tribute a lie.

  "Good evening, children," she said, and watched with a smile as Patrick's cheeks flushed. "I know your father will not be joining us tonight," she said to Daniel, and then glanced at Patrick. "What about yours?"

  Patrick shrugged. "He said he would. Time will prove that true or not."

  "Momma is, and Catherine too," Daniel said with a scowl. "I wish they'd hurry. I'm starving." The boy darted toward the open doors.

  "Where are you going, knave?" Patrick said.

  "To snatch something from the kitchen when Cook's not looking. I'll be right back." The young boy disappeared into the dining hall.

  Kelsey faced Patrick and took a deep breath. "Your mother, will she be joining us?"

  The boy's eyes narrowed, but then he smiled. "No."

  The door from the hallway into the dining hall opened and Kelsey heard voices.

  "Margeaux, we're fine. Look, Catherine's asleep, and I will be sitting down," Regan said.

  Kelsey walked back into the room. Regan stood in the doorway holding her daughter. She smiled at Kelsey and walked toward her. Margeaux followed, and behind the elven healer came three maids with an ornate cradle. They placed it beside a chair at the end of the table. One pulled the coverings aside and Regan nestled Catherine among the folds of ivory silk. She stood for a moment looking into the face of the baby, then sank into the chair next to the cradle.

  Kelsey saw that Regan's lips were stretched tight and white at each corner. Margeaux saw too and reached into the pocket of her gown and pulled out a small vial.

  "No," Regan said. "Later. Some wine will do for now."

  As if on cue, a maid came from behind a tapestry on the far side of the room. She carried a silver carafe. The young woman hurried to Regan and filled her chalice with red wine, then did the same for Kelsey and Margeaux.

  Patrick held up his chalice as the maid passed. The girl stopped, then looked to Regan for guidance.

  "Only a little," Regan said, then added at Margeaux's quick frown. "It will not harm the boy, and we are celebrating."

  Kelsey watched Patrick bristle at being called boy, but he remained silent. She watched the serving girl press the side of her breast against Patrick's arm as she poured, and noticed a quick glance between the two of them.

  He looked up, met Kelsey's gaze, and smiled a challenge.

  She held his gaze until he looked away in angry defeat. Rut all you want, it's not my problem. But you do care, an annoying little voice inside her head observed. You care very much.

  She ignored the voice and sipped her wine. The taste exploded in her mouth, rich and full-bodied. The liquid traveled in warm rivulets down her throat as she swallowed.

  "Very nice," she said and took another sip.

  Patrick gulped wine and swallowed. "I've had better at Lord Hafgan's."

  Regan smiled. "Yes, Cinnard's warm days and cool nights must produce excellent grapes."

  Patrick looked nonplussed, and his expression grew sulky at Regan's mild response.

  "Patrick is fostered to Lord Hafgan," Regan said. "He seems to show a talent for the healing arts."

  "Oh," Kelsey said. "I'm sure Rourk is very proud."

  The boy remained silent.

  "A healer there, what is his name? Oh, yes, Kerry Daemon, has taken the boy beneath his wing," Regan said.

  "Healer Daemon is quite adept," Margeaux said. "Lord Hafgan is very pleased with Patrick's progress."

  "As am I." Rourk's voice came from the door leading into the hallway.

  Kelsey felt her heartbeat quicken.

  Rourk stood framed in the doorway with Angus just behind him. The tall man's shoulders almost scraped the doorjamb's sides. He must have showered
only moments before, for his shoulder-length auburn hair still glistened with wetness. His green gaze settled upon his son, and his full lips curved.

  Unwanted came the memory of those lips pressed against hers, and a warm flush encased her body. She reached for her wine and took a long drink. A stream of candlelight flashed across the engagement ring she wore, causing it to spark like liquid fire. She stared at the diamond, willing the image of Duncan's face into her memory. What she'd had with Rourk was over. He had a wife and son.

  She motioned for the serving maid to refill her chalice, and then gulped again from it. Already she felt the effect of the wine in her head, but didn't care. Kelsey wondered what would come of her meeting with Rourk tonight in Tessa's solar. She sighed. Her hand trembled, and she set the chalice down.

  "What gives, big sister?" The words drew Kelsey's gaze to Regan's face.

  "What?"

  "Why the heart-stirring sigh?" Regan asked.

  "Just glad to be here," Kelsey said.

  "Not as glad as I am to see you." Regan had a pleased look on her face. "I speak for all of us, don't I?"

  Margeaux and Angus were quick to agree, Rourk's response came slower, and Patrick did not answer at all.

  Regan reached to run her finger along the cheek of her baby daughter. "What do you think of her? Isn't she perfect?"

  "Beautiful."

  Regan glanced toward the doorway. "Now where's that scamp of a son of mine?"

  "He was here earlier," Kelsey said, "admiring the statue in the garden." Patrick choked on his wine and she smiled. "He said he was starving and was going to raid the kitchen."

  "Cook'll paddle his bottom if she catches him," Regan said.

  "She wouldn't dare," Patrick said.

  Regan glanced at him. "Why not?"

  "He is the High Mage's son, and above such things."

  Rourk took the chair next to Patrick and Angus, the one across from Kelsey.

  "Cook does not recognize such things," Rourk said. "We are all the same in her eyes, from stable boy to the queen herself."

  Patrick sipped from his chalice and swallowed before answering. "Tis not right. At Lord Hafgan's, folk know their places."

  Kelsey saw Rourk's lips tighten.

  "I wonder where Peter and Tessa are," Regan said.

  Kelsey looked at her in surprise. "They're not joining us. Didn't Peter tell you?"

  "Tell me what?"

  "King Truthspeak of the Fairies is here. He is speaking with the two of them right now."

  "Fairies," Angus grunted.

  Regan became very still. "No, he didn't tell me, and after what happened with Zara's dragonet, he should have."

  Rourk turned toward Regan. "What happened with Zara?"

  "Didn't I tell you?" Regan rubbed at her temple. "Maybe I didn't. I can't remember."

  She glanced from her daughter to the door, and then back again. "But Tessa must know. If King Truthspeak is here, then what Zara says could be true."

  "Go. I will watch Catherine," Margeaux said.

  Regan stood and started toward the door, then looked back at Kelsey. "Why do you sit there, Queen's-Commander?"

  "I wasn't invited."

  Regan cocked an eyebrow. "Since when does the leader of the queen's troops need an invitation? If what Zara says is true, you'll be needed."

  Rourk and Angus stood.

  "If you feel the Queen's-Commander is required, then so am I," Rourk said.

  "And why wasn't I told?" Angus said. "Yes, they are only fairies, but..."

  They headed toward the open door.

  "Wait," Patrick said. "What about dinner?"

  "Go ahead and eat," Regan said. "This may take awhile." She looked at Margeaux. "If Catherine wakes before I'm back, bring her to me."

  "Momma." Daniel raced through the door and straight to Regan. "Cook gave me a sweet roll and didn't even scold."

  "That's great, sweetie," Regan said. "But right now Momma has to go see Daddy."

  "I'll go too," Daniel said.

  "Not this time. You have to stay here and help Margeaux take care of your little sister."

  "But, Momma—"

  "Don't argue, Daniel," Regan said, walking toward the door. "I don't have time for it."

  Kelsey glanced back as she exited the dining hall. Daniel had moved to stand beside Patrick. Rourk's son smiled as her nephew glared across at the baby. Shaking her head, Kelsey followed Rourk, Angus and Regan down the hall.

  They looked first in the assembly room, and she heard Regan swear when they found the room empty.

  "The war room," Rourk suggested.

  They heard the agitated voices before they opened the door.

  The queen and Peter sat in chairs, while a little man, nude except for the crown upon his brow, flittered around them with his paper-thin wings.

  "They are missing, I tell you," the king of the fairies said. "They are not visiting others. Two score or more do not suddenly depart to visit relatives, all on the same eve."

  "When did you notice they were gone?" Queen Tessa said.

  "Two eves ago, but they are not the first. A fortnight ago another bunch from a far north village was reported missing." He fluttered around Peter's head, clearly agitated. "I did not act, because I thought as you, they are simply on a visit. They have not returned and those I sent to check say their tables are laid, as if they had been ready to partake of the evening meal."

  Tessa glanced their way. She waved them forward. "You are late," she said.

  Four pairs of eyes glared at Peter, but nothing was said as they settled into chairs.

  "Many of King Truthspeak's fairies are missing," Tessa said. "He fears they are being preyed upon."

  The fairie darted around Angus' head, then back to Tessa. "I don't want his kind here."

  "What?" Angus demanded, his face reddening. "You think dwarves are responsible?"

  "You have no love for fairies."

  "Aye, but we do not hunt them any more than we do annoying flies."

  The fairie king streaked toward Angus, but Rourk stepped between them, and the y drew up short, just before he crashed into the big man's chest.

  "Enough," Tessa said. "Your Highness, you will join me, please." She cast a warning glance at the dwarf.

  "I have something to add," Regan said. "Earlier I met with Zara, well actually she mind-called to me, that's why I left the castle."

  Kelsey saw Peter glance at his wife.

  "Zara says that fairie demons on the back of giant wolves, attacked and killed her son."

  "What? That's impossible," the fairie king sputtered.

  "Zara does not lie," Regan said. "You've no love for the dragons. You constantly complain of the tithes you pay to them."

  "And you, human, allow your woman's heart to influence your head."

  Regan advanced on the fairie with a raised hand. "I haven't forgotten the part your dear son played in almost destroying Daradawn. How is Talix?"

  King Truthspeak's lips thinned to a tight white line. "I have no son."

  Kelsey grabbed her sister's arm as Regan passed.

  "Enough," Peter said. "We will look into it."

  "Tis only because of what the dragon says that you deem to," King Truthspeak railed.

  Peter looked coldly at him. "You speak nonsense, but does the reason you state make a difference?"

  "You will rest overnight with us," Queen Tessa said. She stood, signaling that the meeting was over.

  "No, I return to my lands," the fairie said. "You will come to me on the morrow?"

  Regan nodded. "I'll go."

  "You will not. You have but given birth hours ago," Peter said. He turned to the fairie king. "Someone will come to see what is happening in your lands."

  Regan locked gazes with Peter. Kelsey could feel their battle of wills and her body tensed in response to the verbal clash she expected to erupt, but instead Regan turned and marched from the room.

  "I'll go," Kelsey said, watching her sister depart. "Is
the Queen's-Commander good enough for you, Your Highness?"

  "No, you are our guest," Peter said.

  "She was first the Queen's-Commander," Tessa said. "It pleases me that she goes."

  "Will you require troops?" Rourk said.

  "Not yet. I want to see what's going on without a lot of attention."

  "Then I alone will accompany you," Rourk said.

  "As it used to be, and still should be," Queen Tessa said, with a nod of her head.

  Kelsey glanced at Angus, but the dwarf remained silent.

  Angus bowed before Tessa. "With my queen's permission, I will escort Patrick in his return to Hafgan's estates on the morrow."

  "You have it," Tessa said, and with that she sailed toward the door and exited without a look back.

  The fairie king did not hesitate, but followed. He threw a quick scathing glance at Angus as he streaked by. The dwarf paid the fairie no heed; instead, he stared in deep thought at the wall across from him.

  "Angus, what's wrong?" Kelsey said.

  He met her eyes. "Nothing. Lord Hafgan has invited me time and again to revisit his estate, and I have decided to do so. You will be busy elsewhere. I will return in but one night."

  Kelsey knew the dwarf did not tell all, but trying to pry it from him before he was ready would be futile, so she settled for a good night and departed the war chamber.

  *****

  Kelsey leaned over the balcony wall and stared down at the bailey below. It still seemed odd for the area to be empty, and not be the tented town it had been while Dirkk held them hostage behind Raya's walls. She straightened, entered her chamber and moved to stand in front of the privacy screen. Her gaze kept drifting toward the door. She didn't want to arrive in Tessa's solar too early but, if she was late, would Rourk wait, or would he think she wasn't coming and leave?

  She smoothed her hair. Or maybe he wouldn't even come. They'd agreed to meet after they'd eaten, but after the trouble with the fairies, maybe he thought the meeting had been canceled.

  Kelsey looked at the diamond ring on her finger. Who was she kidding? She still loved Rourk. How could she marry Duncan feeling this way? She couldn't. She slipped the ring from her finger and placed it on the nightstand. Rourk had a wife and could never be hers, but Duncan deserved so much more. She would tell him when she returned to San Francisco.