Exchanged Page 15

  A little part of her was hurt by Oberon’s actions. His stiffness was like that of a man awaiting execution rather than a dance with his wife. His eyes never dipped to meet hers unless she asked him something directly. Titania had done a marvelous job of putting up her defenses, of accepting that Oberon would never allow her to rule with him as an equal, of convincing herself that being a powerful queen would satisfy her more than being loved. It only took seeing two couples genuinely enjoying each other’s company to break the web of lies she had so closely woven around herself. She was supposed to be better than that.

  The next tune started, and Oberon offered his arm, breaking Titania from her thoughts. She took it and glanced at him as he led her to the middle of the floor. His reluctant face was now smooth and pleasant. As much as he complained of her duplicitous nature, he could be just as good as she when it came to deception. His hands fitted to hers, spun her with a flourish, and led her in time to the slow rhythm.

  It never ceased to surprise Titania how quickly they fell into dancing with one another. She forced herself not to think of Oberon’s warm arms and instead thought about what he had been doing out of the ballroom. “Have you enjoyed the evening?”

  “Why do you ask?” He looked at her with a contemptuous smile. “Do you really want to know, or are you simply interested in information that might prove useful to you?” They stepped more closely together to avoid a wildly spinning couple. “I noticed Queen Ginette and Miss Aubriel left you for their own private meeting. That must have been frustrating.”

  Not as frustrating as you rubbing salt in the wound. Their conversations always felt more like battles, each of them trying to leave the other more hurt. Normally, she wouldn’t have hesitated to lash out at him, but she found her words blocked by an infuriating longing.

  Titania took a deep breath. “They did have a walk in the garden. I heard it went quite well.”

  Oberon looked at her more closely, as if trying to see past an illusion she was attempting to create for some nefarious purpose. He would find neither. She had never been skilled at creating illusions, and they weren’t to her tastes.

  “I’ve heard the same,” he finally said. “Both Queen Ginette and King Jekob have taken a liking to Lord Thray’s exchanged. I should’ve known he would choose someone diplomatic.”

  They shared a small smile without ill feelings. Titania couldn’t recall the last time such a thing had happened. She would need to tread carefully if she wanted Oberon to open up. “Has everything gone well tonight? I noticed you out in the gardens. Is anyone making trouble?”

  His smile vanished. “Back to your scheming already? There’s nothing you need to be concerned about.”

  Anger roared to life in her like a bonfire. “I am your queen,” she whispered dangerously. “It is my duty to ensure all is well with our subjects and guests. As I cannot see and hear everything, how else am I to know except by asking?”

  “Don’t sound so innocent.” His voice dropped to match hers. “I heard about how you attempted to put Aubriel under contract. And don’t bother trying to explain it to me. I don’t want to hear your twisted justification.”

  Titania sputtered. “I needed to make sure she wasn’t going to spill our secrets to the whole of the Forgotten Mists and beyond.”

  Oberon’s hands clutched her more tightly. “That’s the problem with you, Titania. You lack trust. Everyone is an enemy and treated as such.”

  “After Callannon’s last exchanged, can you blame me?” That was entirely the wrong thing to say.

  Oberon’s eyes darkened, and a dangerous calm washed over him. “You have no right to show concern for Callannon over that matter.”

  She laughed bitterly. “You accuse me of having no trust, yet you put your advisor before all else. It is he you confide in, share your secrets with. I would think you were in love with him if it weren’t for your notorious...” She tried to stop but realized she’d gone too far.

  “Why don’t you finish that thought?” Oberon growled.

  “What were you doing in the garden?” Titania refused to be cowed by him. If all chance of civil conversation was gone, she would at least find out what she originally wanted.

  “As I said, it’s none of your concern. Besides, what are you afraid of? Infidelity?”

  The word, spoken, stole her breath. It brought the demons to life that cut at her through all she had. She wasn’t stupid. It was naive to pretend not to see the signs, to hear the gossip. When the information came third-hand, it was easy to bat away, to use as fuel to further her competition with him. But to hear him say it?

  Titania broke away from Oberon, stepping out of the arms she longed to keep around her. His hazel eyes flashed concern, regret, and bitter pain.

  “Titania,” he said, reaching out. “I’m sorry.”

  She stepped back to avoid his reach and did what she had been raised to do. “Your highness,” she said, sinking into a low curtsey.

  It wasn’t running away, exactly, even as she turned and walked away from him and everyone else. Titania needed to hide the weak tears that burned at the back of her eyes. No one could know how vulnerable she’d become.

  Chapter 10

  Falling asleep with Aubriel in his arms was nearly as pleasant as waking with her in them. She was here in his bed, exactly where he wanted to keep her. The blankets were a twisted mess around their legs from love-making the previous night. He still didn't feel as if he would ever have enough of her.

  The bright gold of morning illuminated her face, taut with worry. Callannon brushed the hair. “Aubriel,” he softly called.

  She grasped at the sheets. “Callannon.” Anguish and grief laced her voice, thick with sleep. After all she endured the previous day, it was no wonder that bad dreams plagued her.

  He touched her shoulder. “Wake up, Aubriel.” It was no use. His lovely exchanged writhed and struggled, but wakefulness did not come. Tears ran down her face as she called his name again. Moving to clasp her arms, he gave her a firm shake. “Wake up!”

  With a gasp, Aubriel’s eyes snapped open and found his. “C—Callannon? You're here?”

  He scooped her into his arms and rolled so that he lay on his back with her atop him. “This is my bed.”

  She laughed through her fading sobs as he wiped away her tears. “I dreamt that I was awake in my tent, as if last night had all been a dream. You weren't there.”

  “No. I was here with you.” He stroked her hair to calm her. She smiled at him, forcing him to breathe slowly and change the topic to give her time to recover. “You never did tell me what you thought of the ball or what happened in the gardens with Ginette.”

  “I meant to, but you distracted me.”

  “And you were too busy saying my name to speak of much else.”

  Callannon smiled broadly at the smack Aubriel delivered to his arm. She sat up, all sadness vanished, giving him the most pleasant of views. “You, Lord Thray, won't be learning anything from me.”

  Aubriel pulled away from him and dodged his attempt to snatch her back. The bed was cool without her, but he enjoyed the sight of her wearing nothing but the purple token in her hair. His blood raced when she bent to pet Acorn, who greeted her with a lick on the hand. Whether or not she did it on purpose, he had no idea.

  “There’s no need to get ready yet,” Callannon attempted to persuade as Aubriel threw open her wardrobe.

  “Why are all the dresses like this?” She pulled out the teasing yellow dress she had worn the previous day, now clean and pressed.

  He shrugged. “They are a popular day dress among the nobility, or so said the shopkeeper. I thought it would look good on you, and I was right.”

  “I can feel the air around my thighs!”

  “If you come here, I can give you something else to feel.”

  His doublet, tossed on the floor the previous night, came sailing at him. A quick bat of his hand sent it splaying over the bed.

  “You’ve gone from gentl
eman to courtesan.”

  “Are you displeased?”

  “No.” Aubriel replaced the dress and turned thoughtfully toward him. “It’s difficult for fey to conceive, yes?”

  The blood drained from his face. He knew that mortals reproduced quickly and didn’t like to think why she would pose such a question already. “Why do you ask, Aubriel?”

  Acorn gave a yip as Aubriel picked the fox up and set her on the bed. “Ginette spoke to me last night about wanting a child. Now she also wants me to provide her with fertility herbs.”

  Callannon fell back on the bed, relief washing over him. It didn’t even bother him when Acorn moved to lick his face. “So that’s what this is about.”

  “I don’t know where to get the herbs in this realm, or even if they grow here, but Ginette is expecting me to deliver.”

  “I...may know someone that can help.” He stroked Acorn’s fur. “My supplier might have something. I’m not expecting him today, but I can send him a message asking him to come right away before delegation starts. If he delays too long, I can have Mrs. Delia accompany you, which may be best regardless. If he thinks the herbs are for you...it might start an unfortunate rumor, but I pay him extra for my privacy, so there’s no need to worry.” Callannon paused and had to subdue a concern that shot through him. “He may also be one of the few people who has actually been to the Forgotten Mists.”

  Aubriel pulled on a green dress that matched her eyes. “You think I won’t be safe?”

  “I think you will be suitably safe with Eder, and he’s proven discreet so far, but I don’t want to test his trust if I can help it. Besides, Mrs. Delia should be able to concentrate the herbs for you to increase their potency. You might need that if you want the herbs to have any effect on a fey.”

  ~*~

  Aubriel waited on the manor steps as the odd cart pulled up with its strange beasts. Mrs. Delia waited with her unperturbed, but Bree wasn’t so calm. The words Callannon spoke to her before leaving to meet the kings and queens still circled through her mind.

  “He’s as dangerous as Salda,” Callannon had told her, gripping her tightly in his concern. “I trust him, or I want to, but try not to share anything personal or from your past.”

  The cart door opened and broke Aubriel from her thoughts. The fey that stepped out was tall with skin that glinted gold. The way he eased forward and carried himself reminded her of Callannon. He gave a deep bow. “It is an honor to meet Lord Thray’s exchanged.” He straightened and took her hand. “I am Eder, at your service.”

  Eder kissed her hand. Fey were so much more casual about intimate gestures than she was used to. Aubriel fidgeted with her dress. It was unfair that the women wore clothing much more revealing than the men.

  Mrs. Delia cleared her throat. “Eder, this is Miss Aubriel of the Forgotten Mists.”

  “Really?” His eyebrows raised. “I’m not surprised. Callannon does have a taste for the rare and exotic.”

  If you only knew. “He does, and I hope that his taste in business partners reflects that as well.”

  “Of course. What is it you come seeking?”

  Aubriel caught Mrs. Delia’s posture out of the corner of her eye and attempted to adopt it, looking in-charge and unquestionable. “Some herbs that are rather difficult to come by in the Summer Kingdom.”

  Aubriel caught a hint of curiosity in Eder’s eyes, but he only nodded. “What are they, and how much would you like?”

  ~*~

  After sending the herbs and some strict instructions off with a servant, Mrs. Delia turned to Aubriel. “If you wish to take some time to yourself, I can let you know when the potions and lunch are done.”

  “Thank you.” Lunch would be the perfect way to find Callannon and the royals, and once she was with them, Aubriel would help however she may. “Until then, I’m going to look at the books in Callannon’s study. He mentioned that he has quite a collection.”

  “I will go with you. Lord Thray keeps his study under lock and key.”

  At the door to the study, Mrs. Delia whispered a word and waved her hand, causing the lock to snick open. “There you are. I’ll return once everything is ready.”

  Aubriel waited until Mrs. Delia walked away before pushing open the heavy door and entering the study. For the briefest moment, she thought she saw Callannon sitting behind his desk, lit by the rich sunlight filtering in through the huge windows. The person behind the desk had long pointed ears poking out through ruby red hair.

  Holy Rabek, is that—?

  “You must be Miss Aubriel,” the woman said, looking Aubriel over like she was a prized horse. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

  Captain Salda. Her resemblance to Elston hit Bree like punch to the gut, leaving her breathless. The demeaning stare, the arrogant posture, and what was likely to be an ornery disposition bore down on her. After escaping her world, Aubriel thought she’d never have to worry about Elston again, yet here he was in a kindred spirit. Even the captain’s armor seemed similar to the paladin’s.

  Aubriel stood firm. “And I have heard about you, Captain Salda.” She stepped to the side and motioned to the door. “I do not recall you being invited into Lord Thray’s study.”

  “The staff seemed quite busy, what with the foreign king and queen visiting, and I didn’t wish to bother them.”

  “You’re not bothering me.” Aubriel stayed at the door, praying the illusion over her form held up to the captain’s scrutiny. “What is it I can help you with?”

  “I was simply admiring Lord Thray’s collection.” Salda stood, drawing a quick symbol in the air and waving a hand to close multiple open books on the desk, then walking to the nearest shelf. “He has interesting taste.”

  Aubriel clenched her hands in her skirts. “If you’re done looking, you should go. Like you said, we’re quite busy with our guests and aren’t able to entertain you as well.”

  Salda raised a perfectly shaped brow. “Speaking on behalf of Lord Thray already? That was exceptionally quick. Tell me, what do you think of your exchanged’s fascination with mortals and gateways?”

  A streak of electric panic coursed under her skin. “Why don’t you ask Lord Thray yourself? I’m sure he’ll give you a more satisfactory answer than I.”

  Salda closed the distance between them, standing so close that Aubriel’s nose was nearly pressed against the captain’s armor. “You don’t fool me. What exactly are you up to?” She looked over Aubriel like she was searching for something.

  Aubriel crossed her arms. “It doesn’t matter. This isn’t your home, and you have no right to snoop around in Lord Thray’s private affairs. Captain Salda, leave.”

  Salda stared defiantly with her dark, cerulean gaze. Ages passed as neither of them refused to back down. The captain finally sighed and took a step away from Bree. “It’s about time I saw to Queen Titania.” Her gaze narrowed. “Don’t think this is the end of our conversation.”

  Aubriel held her breath as Salda walked past her, but the captain’s heeled boots paused on the opposite side of the door. “There was a new book on Lord Thray’s desk since I last visited. Might it have something to do with your and Queen Ginette’s conversation last night?”

  A chill seeped through Aubriel’s skin. She spun and pushed the door shut on the captain before racing to the desk. Next to the mussed research, a large book stood out to her as if lit by a beacon: Rare and Exotic Herbs of the Outer Planes.

  “Callannon,” she whispered under her breath. “What were you thinking?”

  The book was already out and discovered, so there was little point in avoiding it now. Callannon must have put the book here before meeting the royals, but why would he do such a thing? There couldn’t have been time for him to read it, and hadn’t he trusted her expertise on the fertility herbs?

  With a sigh, she opened the cover and flipped through the pages. A small marker held the spot for lemon balm. Odd. Further flipping revealed two more markers holding the pages of innocu
ous plants. Aubriel smiled. Callannon set up a red herring, marking the pages of herbs that reduced stress. Maybe they still had a chance of keeping Ginette’s secret after all.

  A knock at the door sounded before it slid open. “It’s time,” Mrs. Delia said.

  ~*~

  “Enough small talk,” Oberon said with a rub of his hands. “We’ve been tip-toeing around it all morning, and it's no closer to being settled. We’re friends here and can speak openly.”

  Callannon hid his surprise at seeing Titania nod her agreement from her place beside Oberon on the blanket, her huge violet hat flopping. The pair had been oddly cooperative through the talks so far. Whatever the reason, Callannon simply accepted it and measured Ginette and Jekob’s reactions. Conversation had come easily as they walked along the estate, and the scheduled interruption from Aubriel for lunch was well received by all, though Callannon barely tolerated the unwanted addition of Captain Salda. Thankfully, the captain remained silent most of the time.

  The jovial mood took on a tense undercurrent as the seven of them sat on picnic blankets in the shade of the gardens. Ginette gave a short nod. “What’s on your mind, Oberon?”

  “We all know there is one subject in particular that has caused strain between our kingdoms in the past.” Oberon glanced at Callannon for reassurance, but it was Titania who spoke next.

  “The slavery of mortals and smaller fey.”

  Almost imperceptibly, Aubriel tensed beside Callannon. She glanced at him, and he squeezed her leg gently without shifting. He wanted to hold her and assure her that all was well, but such a display would be suspicious, and such promises would be false. When she intercepted the treaty talks with Mrs. Delia and two large picnic baskets, she seemed rattled. He didn’t wish to put her further on edge, but the current conversation had to occur for the treaty discussions to move forward.

  “We are aware of the Summer Kingdom’s views on slavery,” Jekob said in a low voice. “You don’t have as many mortals entering your lands as we do, and you don’t see the destruction they cause or how servitude can temper said destruction.”