Page 103 of A Deception of Courts
“My life is yours,” Erix said, clear and stoic.
Althea’s brow softened, her hands tightening on the sides of her chair. “If you wish to continue your service to the Cedarfall crown, you will do as I ask of you, no questions.”
“Anything,” Erix replied, almost choking on the word. “Name what you need of me, and I will see it done until my last breath.”
Althea looked over Erix’s shoulder – directly at me. “You are to protect Robin Icethorn. Stay by his side, at all times, and keep him alive. He isyourresponsibility as his guard, that hasn’t changed since my mother gave you that command, and it will not change now.”
I felt every drop of blood inside of me cool. I dared not move a muscle as they both looked at me.
“Robin does not require me anymore,” Erix replied, all without looking at me.
I was thankful he didn’t glance back at me. If he had, my knees might have failed me completely. How I fisted my hands, his words cutting deep.
“He has Duncan Rackley to protect him now. Robin has his power–”
“And he will have you,” Althea persisted. “If Robin is still determined in his desire to be the lamb sent to the slaughter, it will be with as much protection as I can offer at his back.”
Even if I wanted to agree with Erix, I couldn’t form the words.
“Althea is right,” Duncan spoke for me. His sudden presence was beside me, a shadow over my shoulder. I was so focused on Althea and Erix that I hadn’t noticed. “Erix, you have Robin’s best interests at heart, as do I. If you refuse Althea’s request, I may just never forgive you. He needs you, and I need you. You have proven your loyalty over and over, that is all I could ask for. So please, I know I’m in no position to ask you to do this, but I will get on my knees and beg if it comes to it.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, or how Duncan’s plea warmed my soul more than I was brave enough to understand in that moment.
Duncan took my hand in his and squeezed. His grip was soft yet firm. As his thumb began tracing small circles on the back of my hand, my thoughts calmed enough for me to say something.
“They’re right, Erix,” I added. “I need you.”
Even the weakest of spring breezes could have toppled Erix over. We all watched as a wave of relief cascaded over him. He straightened, pushed back his shoulders and lifted his chin until he looked down the sharp arrow of his nose at me. “Then I will prove myself to you again.”
I smiled honestly. “There is no need, you’ve already done that, as Duncan has said.”
Althea stood from her throne abruptly. A black band gathered her mess of red curls into a bun and swept it off her sharp face. Still covered in muck, blood and other soils of war, she provided her final decree to the room. “Erix, Rafaela. Gather those who want to fight and get them dressed in the Hunters’ clothes. Aunt, you have an hour to get as much Mariflora tonic as the Asps can supply. I want every person in this room to waste not a moment in preparing for our strike.”
“I will see it done,” Lady Kelsey said, pride burning in her eyes for her niece. “My queen.”
Althea bristled but made no comment on how that could be an issue. “We must fortify our minds, or this will be over before it truly begins. Go, with haste, we should not waste a moment. Robin, Eroan, you can use this room to complete the final task you have to do.”
The room was already emptying before she finished speaking.
“I will work as fast as I can,” Eroan said, glancing toward the covered body laid out before him. “But understand that a glamour is a sensitive and delicate thing. It can be as weak as powder upon one’s face or as strong as a mask. I will need time to ensure this works.”
“Eroan,” Althea replied softly. “Do your best with what time is given. You may just be the reason we save the realm.”
I sensed determination swell within the slender frame of Eroan, he straightened, lifted his chin as cold eyes set with focus. “Then I will not let you down.”
“One last chance, Robin,” Althea said to me. I could hear my breathing as the room emptied. All but Althea, Gyah, Duncan and Eroan, who fussed around the sheet-covered body as Roan rolled his sleeves up to his elbows in preparation. “If you tell me you have changed your mind, we will find another way. It hardly sits well with me knowing that you are going to put yourself in this position, but I understand why you must be the one.”
“And I will,” I said firmly, trying to mirror the outward resolve that Althea exuded. “We all have a part to play. This is my plan; I understand the dangers. I cannot allow anyone else to do this.”
Rafaela caught my eyes from across the room. There had been a change to our plan, but I hadn’t shared that with anyone as a promise for her aid. Before, I was to give up the key before infiltrating Aldrick’s lair. But if there was any time its power was useful, it was now. Rafaela had a contingency plan in case it all went wrong.
“I will be by your side, friend, every step of the way.” Althea placed a hand on my shoulder, standing at my side, offering me a meek smile.
“Which is why I have the strength to even take the first step,” I replied. “For you… for your family.”
Althea pursed her lips and exhaled a long, taut breath out of her nose. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me in close. As I inhaled, all I could smell was fire. It was both pleasant and unpleasant.
I didn’t pull away.
