“But your presence has, let’s say, escalated things.” Her gaze slid sideways to me. “There’s no need to march your armies north to Pensdurth, my dear.”
My spine went rigid.
“Someone’s been talking,” Casteel murmured, slowly climbing the steps.
Raising a brow, she gave Casteel a once-over. It struck me then that she seemed to have no reaction to the eather in him. Would a demis normally feel that?No, thevadentiaanswered. Demises were not true gods. Their ability to sense the essence was little better than a mortal’s. So, if she wasn’t a demis, if she wasn’t Isbeth, then what was she? Because she didn’t feel like a god.
“Who?” Casteel demanded softly.
“The same as always.”
My mind immediately went to our failed plans regarding Oak Ambler. Isbeth had known we were coming. She had prepared for it. It could’ve been because she’d simply thought ahead or because someone had told her. However, not many knew aboutour plans, and those who did never would’ve risked their King or Atlantia.
Casteel’s smile was easy, but I felt the tension gathering in his muscles. “That’s not an answer.”
“No, it’s not.” Her gaze returned to mine. “Kolis wants to speak with you.”
“Kolis can go fuck himself,” Casteel replied.
Her laugh was low and throaty. “And he would love if your husband and”—she glanced at Kieran and winked—“yourdearfriend would join you.”
A fine shiver erupted along the nape of my neck.
“Andyou.”She nodded toward Attes. “He would really love for you to join Penellaphe for a chat.”
The shiver spread down my back as her gaze returned to mine.
“You have until noon tomorrow.”
“Or?” I asked.
“Or this city will be owned by the dead,” she said with a beautiful, red-lipped smile. “And that is no idle threat.”
“He’s not that powerful.” I stepped toward her. “Not after being entombed for so long and only just awakening.”
“Penellaphe,” she chided. The muscles beneath Kieran’s fur rippled. “He’s been well taken care of for centuries. He’s only been recently freed. There is a big difference between the two.”
My body flashed cold, and my gaze darted to Casteel. That was not what we’d understood. “Why would we believe that?”
“You don’t have to.” Clasping her hands, she took a step back. “Fail to arrive by noon, and you will find out whether I speak the truth.”
“You and he must think we’re fools,” Casteel snarled. “If you believe we will come to chat.”
“I never believed you to be a fool.” Her head tipped. “Reckless? Stubborn? Yes. Never a fool.” Those thick lashesswept down, then up as she turned her gaze to me. “You will come to Seacliffe Manor.”
My fingers curled against my palms. “Why do you think that?”
“Because the Chosen will not let a city full of innocents perish.”
Casteel made to step forward, but Kieran blocked him.
“A Fate will be there,” she added. “To make sure the conversation remains…appropriate. He”—she nodded at Attes—“can confirm that is how things are done.”
I glanced at him. He said nothing.
“Now, I will see myself out. Your soldiers can escort me to the Rise, and Iwillbe allowed to leave.” She turned with a swish of her gown. “If not, there will be no need to wait until noon to see exactly how strong the true King is.”
“Why would he care what happens to you?” I asked.
