“I will have everything ready to go at dawn.” He said gravely.
Large raucous laughter erupted from the elemental twins. “I don’t think I ever heard them laugh.” I said.
“That’s because they don’t.” Tyr said, his expression thoughtful when he shot a look behind him. “Until now.”
I grunted. Kicking a wraith to the side and watching it fly ten feet from me. Landing in a loud thud. “Mid morning will be fine.” I said, my plan still forming. “We all need our rest and I need to speak to Jar before we leave.”
“Consider it done.” Tyr said seriously, kicking another dead wraith out of the way.
I eyed the distance his wraith had flown and then we both grinned at each other mischievously.
“Whoever kicks the next wraith the farthest buys the other a drink?” I challenged him.
Tyr’s eyes gleamed in the dark. “Prepare to lose, you’re going to be buying me several, your majesty.”
Chapter 52
“Daemon,thankyouforcoming.” Jarquinn called from his worn wooden work desk as I stealthily entered the healing quarters.
I had never been able to sneak up on the ancient fae, even when I was a cub.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I studied him in his predictable light blue robes. His tall frame and sharp lethal grace gave him a dangerous air that one would be foolish to ignore. Jar was like a father to me, especially after the loss of mine, I had never feared him but I did respect him.
“I wanted to have a word with you anyway.” I stole a glance at the sleeping faeling on the bed by the window. “I know you organized for Penina and Xi to take Remnant out this morning.”
Jar nodded. “Yes, your suggestion of pastries was most helpful, your majesty.”
Ichuckled remembering the mixture of fury and eagerness as she stormed out the door heading straight towards buttery baked goods at Griffins Gateau.
“The truth is,Fortawill not find what she needs to heal in here.” Jarquinn added, picking at his long sleeve with deft fingers.
“He’s nervous.”The cat observed.
I narrowed my eyes on his pristine sleeve. “What’s going on Jar?” Alarmed, I took a step back towards the door. “Is Remnant in danger?”
Jarquinn was in front of me before I could think about dragging my soulmate back home. His shifter speed and ancient origins made him faster than even me. A testament to the true animal that lurked below, one I had never seen in my lifetime.
“Calm yourself Daemon, my cub. All is well withforta. Aside from needing fresh air and exposure to society, she is well. I swear it on the goddess.”
I reached up and encased his in my own with concern. "Then why are you so fucking nervous, Jar?”
“Language, cub!” Jarquinn chastised me sternly and then gripped my shoulder with his free hand to guide me further into the room. “It is about the girl.” He said quietly, motioning for me to sit on the long prime tree root that extended beside her bed.
“Riella?” I looked down at the sleeping faeling with alarm. Her small tanned face was serene while she slept. Black hair had been braided to the side and it reminded me of my mother in another time, long ago. Fluffy cloud blankets had been carefully and lovingly tucked around her, engulfing her small form. “What is wrong with her?”
“Nothing is wrong with her physically.” Jarquinn said slowly. “She is healing well in her induced sleep and she will undoubtedly wake in the next couple of days.”
I sighed with relief, tiredly scrubbing at my beard. I had stayed up too late with Tyr. Thank the goddess for fae metabolism or I’d still be stumbling around drunk this morning. “What is it then?”
“It is about the child's origin. She is not water fae—she never was.”
My brows furrowed. “We knew this…are you telling me that you have discovered what she is? Is she a shifter?” I looked back down at the innocent child again, my protective nature still calling to me. “The other night, when I came home, she felt familiarto me. I know you noticed it too.”
“Be prepared, fairy boy.”
I stiffened.“What do you know of this cat?”
Silence.
