Hidden Darkness (Hidden Saga Book 4) (9 page)

Wednesday night

I couldn’t wait to dance with Ryann. With all the time we’d spent together, it wasn’t something we’d done yet. I couldn’t exactly go to her school dances or join her in a night club, after all.

              Banquets in the Light Court always involved ballroom dancing, something similar to what I’d read about in Regency novels. I was looking forward to teaching her all the steps to our traditional dances and seeing the delight in her eyes when she realized it was actually a particular skill of mine. Growing up in the royal family, I’d had no choice but to put up with a dancing instructor during childhood.

              The members of my court were in their best formal attire, the men in white shirts and long pants, the ladies in dresses that swept the floor. Festive music flowed through the room as thick and delicious as the scents of the food displayed on the buffet-style table in the center of it. I sat at the front of the ballroom with Ryann by my side.

              Taking her hand, I raised it to my lips for a kiss. It was the most affection I could get away with in this situation. I would have preferred a real kiss, or better yet, a dark corner. “You are gorgeous. Is that a new dress?”

              She smiled. “It is. You like it? It’s part of my honeymoon trousseau, but the seamstress allowed me to wear it early because this is a special occasion. When do you think Nox and Vancia will arrive?”

              “Rikard said they should be here any minute. They called when they reached the Deep River city limits. Be patient.” I laughed, squeezing her tiny hand. “If I didn’t know how much you love me, I’d be jealous over how eager you are to see your old flame.”

              She slapped lightly at my arm. “
Lad
. I want to see both of them. I want to hear about Europe.”
And you do know how much I love you.

             
I nodded, kissing her hand again before scanning the crowd. “It looks like our esteemed guests are enjoying themselves.”

              Ava and Culley were talking with a group of people. She looked especially nice tonight in a dramatic black gown that made her stand out among all the light-colored dresses. The females around her wouldn’t be jealous of her wardrobe, though—they probably hadn’t noticed it.

Their eyes were firmly locked on Culley. With his thick, dark hair and deep tan, he was the perfect picture of a glamorous Dark Elf, dangerous and charming. He reminded me of Nox in many ways—a little
too
much for my liking, actually, especially when he trained his predatory eyes on Ryann.

Her fingers, still laced through mine, tightened. “They’re here.” She jumped up, pointing toward the ballroom doors. “Nox and Vancia. They’re here. Come on.”

I laughed as I followed my gleeful companion across the dance floor. “You know, they’re supposed to come to
us
.”

“Don’t get all high and mighty on me now. You’re both kings—it doesn’t matter whose court you’re in.”

Reaching the new arrivals, we exchanged greetings and handshakes, or in Ryann’s case, hugs all around.

“Wow—you look great,” she told Vancia. “You’re so tan and relaxed-looking. Have you been painting a lot?”

“Yes, every day. It’s been glorious,” Van said, her eyes glowing. “I set up a canvas along the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, painted on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Italy is almost too much—there’s more beauty there than an army of artists could ever begin to capture. I’m glad to be home for a few days, but I can’t say I’ll be sorry to head out again for the next leg of our tour—we’re going to Asia next—China! I can’t wait to learn some new painting techniques there.”

“First you’ll have to fill us in on
all
the details of your trip so far,” I said to her, then realizing my mistake, turned to Nox with a sheepish grin. “How are you brother?”

He laughed. “
Very
well. And you won’t be getting
all
the details—you’ll just have to wait for your own honeymoon to find some things out.”

“That’s not what I meant—I was speaking of the fan pod situation, of course. How are relations with the European tribes? You mentioned some resistance?” 

“Yeah. It turns out the French are very attached to the fan pod system. It’s been a little harder to convince them than I’d hoped. But I think we’re making progress. How’s the domestic diplomacy going?”

His eyes scanned the room, no doubt in search of my new ambassador.

“Very well, I think. They’re both pleasant enough.”

Nox’s eyes came back to me. “Both? What are you talking about?”

At that moment, Culley turned toward us, then whispered to Ava and tugged her across the room toward our group.

“Our ambassador brought a considerable bit of luggage,” I said under my breath as they approached. Then, smiling widely, I started the conversation. “Ava Morten and Culley Rune, I believe you already know Nox and Vancia Jerrick.”

There was a tense silence as Culley and Nox stared at one another. Ava and Vancia shared a similarly hostile glance. Okay… so there may have been a little
more
history than I’d expected. 

Finally, Nox extended a hand to Culley. “Audun didn’t mention he was sending his own son to the Light Court as Ava’s plus-one. What an honor. Good to see you again after all these years, Culley.”

“Oh, the honor’s all mine. And believe me, no one was more surprised than I. Ava and I are betrothed, but Father sprang the happy news of our trip on me at the very last moment. Of course, we know the Dark Council members sometimes keep things to themselves when it serves their purposes.” He paused for effect. “You’re looking good for a dead man, my friend. You seem to have a talent for re-birth.”

Culley grinned, referring to Nox’s surprise re-appearance at the Summer Olympics following his supposed death in a high-speed car crash. No one but Vancia, Ryann, and I had known it was a ruse until he’d walked out on that stage, flanked by celebrities from around the globe.

“I take it your betrothal is a recent development?” Nox’s gaze slid from Culley to Ava.

She answered. “Yes. Apparently Thora and Audun have had it in mind for years, but Culley was finishing his education at Eaton, and I was modeling. Now the time is right.”

“Apparently,” said Nox. “Well, congratulations to you both. I believe you already know my wife?” he said to Ava.

“Yes,” Ava said, her eyes dropping away from Vancia’s unfriendly expression. “Vancia, please accept my best wishes on your marriage.”

Vancia didn’t even bother with a smile. “I would. If I could believe anything you have to say.” 

Ava’s eyes flew back to Vancia, wide and horror-struck. The two girls shared a long look before Ava mumbled, “Excuse me,” and skittered away in the opposite direction.

“You must be wiped out after your trip, Vancia,” Ryann said, breaking the awkward silence that followed. “Let’s get you some food and some saol water, maybe a glass of wine. Or two.” She tugged Vancia toward the table where a feast had been laid out for guests to peruse.

Culley, Nox, and I all let out simultaneous laughs of discomfort.

“Well, then,” Culley said. “It seems I have some ruffled feathers to smooth. See you boys later.” He headed off in the direction Ava had gone.

“How are
your
feather-smoothing skills?” I asked Nox.

He smiled at me and slapped me on the back. “Getting better all the time. I hope you’re brushing up on your own since you’re about to be a married man. Let’s go dance with our girls, hmmm?”

I turned to him, genuinely happy to see him again. “Best idea I’ve heard all night.”

I’d deserved Vancia’s remark, but that hadn’t made it hurt any less. After what had happened in L.A., she believed I was a traitor, a horrible friend.

That one hadn’t been my fault. I’d truly liked her and tried to be a friend to her during our time as roommates there. But then Davis had used his Sway on me, and I’d found myself powerless to resist telling him everything Vancia had said and done, including some things she
really
didn’t want him to know.

              Tonight, I’d have no such excuse.

No one was swaying me to do what I was about to do—coercing me maybe, but technically I had a choice. I supposed I
could
defy Audun and just walk out of here, leave Lad and Nox to live and rule in peace, leave the royal couple to carry on with their plans to marry and live happily ever after.

              But then I pictured my mother being kicked out of the Dark Court, sent away to live the rest of her life alone, with no support. I pictured my father’s face and the way he’d cared for her, the way he’d always instilled in me that family should stick together. These people all hated me anyway. I laughed bitterly. Tonight I guessed I’d at least
earn
their poor opinion of me.

              As Lad and Nox made their way toward the buffet table and their significant others, I hurried to intercept them. Now that Nox’s relationship was bonded and secure, my glamour would be wasted on him. That’s why it was Lad I touched on the arm.

              “May I have a word with you in private?”

He glanced down at me, surprised, and then I saw concern cross his face. His gaze slid to Ryann, who was deep in conversation with Vancia.

“It’s about what happened with Vancia,” I offered. “I’m afraid it may affect diplomatic relations between our courts. I need your advice. It will only take a moment.”

Lad nodded, and then spoke to Nox. “Tell her I’ll be right there, would you?” Giving his attention back to me, he seemed to have second thoughts. “Maybe it would be better for you to speak to Vancia directly.”

“I will. I just need a word with you first.”

It wasn’t actually advice I needed. It was his undivided attention… and a little information. Information I could erase from his mind and replace with something damaging.

I sat at a table near the wall, gesturing for Lad to sit beside me. He took a seat, appearing stiff and distracted. He cast another glance in Ryann’s direction then turned his focus back to me.

“How can I help?’

There was that twinge again, that unwanted surge of regret—even before I’d done anything. Still, I pushed ahead. “What is your most treasured memory of Ryann?”

He blinked. Blinked again. “What? What does this have to do with your quarrel with Vancia?”

“I’ll explain in a minute. I need an example so I can compare my situation to something—to help you understand.”

He regarded me with narrowed eyes for a moment, but then answered my question. I was almost sorry he did.

“There are many, so it’s hard to choose just one. But I’d say it was probably our first kiss.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Why would you need to—” 

“Indulge me,” I said. “There’s a point to this.” Again, a cold, squirmy feeling passed through my insides at my deception.

“Well… I had rescued her from a near-attack by coyotes, pulled her up into a treetop with me, revealing my inhuman attributes. I knew I was in trouble.” A nostalgic smile spread across his face as his eyes gazed into the past. “But not as much trouble as I was about to be in. I carried her to a safe spot, got her back to the ground. I was trying so hard to resist telling her anything. I definitely didn’t plan to do it. I’d never kissed anyone, you see. The Light Elves don’t…” He looked at me to see if I already knew.

“Yes, I know. Go on.”

“Right. I’d read about kissing in books—also her fault—she’d dropped her little fable and fairy tale book the night she was lost in the woods as a child, and I kept it. I learned to read English so I could communicate with her. Anyway, there she was, gazing up at me—so beautiful I could hardly breathe—begging me to open up to her. Our faces were close together, and her eyes closed, and I could hear her soft breaths. It was the best feeling I’d ever had in my life.”

The story was so sweet I almost sighed. It was also full of ammunition for my own personal weapon.

“That’s beautiful,” I said aloud. Then to his mind, I spoke the words that would obliterate every lovely curve of those mental pictures.

You never shared that first kiss.

You never found that children’s book.

You learned to communicate the human way because your father was suspicious and needed you to spy on them.

You met Ryann and you were curious, so you formed a tentative friendship in order to gather information for the Light Court. You found that you liked her, but you’ve never fully trusted her. Humans can’t be trusted, after all. There are too many of them and too few of us.

Lad stared at me, unblinking, and then took a sudden, deep breath. “What… what were you saying?” He blinked rapidly now, his head turning from side to side, as if he wasn’t quite sure where he was.

I had to strike again while he was off-balance. “What’s your worst memory of her?”

“Um… worst memory. I don’t…”

“Tell me now. What mental image nearly kills you every time it pops unwanted into your mind? Quickly.”

Still reeling from my memory-altering glamour, he answered, almost robotically. “Seeing her with Nox. The two of them kissing in her yard on the swing. And then in front of the campfire the night she broke things off with me. She told me she loved him that day. And when I went to L.A. to warn her about her mother and Davis—I walked in on them…” His voice drifted into silence.

“Walked in on what? What were they doing?”

He winced, as if giving voice to the words was physically painful. “They were kissing. She was sitting on him. Her shirt was off—his hands were on her.”

Jackpot.

Audun had been correct. He’d heard from his mentor Davis that Nox and Ryann had been romantically involved. And he was right about another thing—those memories were painful enough to drive a wedge between the Light and Dark Kings so wide it would never be bridged. All I had to do was get out the mental crowbar and go to work.

Listen to me, Lad. Every time you look at Ryann, you will see Nox’s hands on her skin, his head bent over her. You’ll hear the sounds of his lips on her body, and her sighs of pleasure.

Lad frowned, his eyes tightly closed. He shook his head, groaning. He was fighting me. “No. But they didn’t—”

Maybe they did. Or maybe they did everything but… maybe she’s given him what she’s never given you—what she’ll never give you now, because her heart belongs to him, and she secretly longs for him whenever she’s with you.

He moaned, his eyes still shut. “I did catch them in bed the night Davis sent his men to attack us. She thought I was dead, and she was in bed with him.”

That’s right. What do you think happened in that bed, huh? You know Nox’s reputation—you’ve seen how women react to him. As far as Ryann and Nox knew, your body wasn’t even cold, and they were wrapped up in each other’s arms.
I was improvising now, but it seemed to be working.
She couldn’t wait for you to be out of the picture, so she could be back with Nox, the one she really wanted. She dreams of his touch, his kiss. How could she not?

I watched a tear slide down Lad’s handsome cheek and knew I’d succeeded.

Real or implanted, memories could be so powerful. They worked hand-in-hand with your most glorious life experiences—or your most haunting fears—growing, branching off, painting new pictures in your mind. The result could be a breathtaking masterpiece or a horror show. Thanks to me, Lad’s mental reel was now set on a constant loop of pain and betrayal.

God, what have I done?

Shaken, I touched Lad’s hand to awaken him from the near-hypnotic state I’d put him in. He opened his eyes, and stared at me, his expression blurred with disorientation.

“Thank you for all your advice,” I said, making my tone bright and casual, though sickness swamped my belly. “Shall we get back to the party? Where is everyone? Oh—there they are. Culley and Vancia are getting to know one another, and I believe Nox is dancing with your fiancée. Don’t they move well together?”

Lad followed my line of sight and literally growled before standing abruptly and stalking out of the ballroom. 

              I stood slowly, staring after him, filled with despair. I’d done my job. And now I hated myself.

A voice at my ear made me startle.

“I see we’ve been a busy little worker bee tonight.” Culley. And his tone was so smug. “Mommy will be very proud. Care to dance, love? I believe we have reason to celebrate.” 

I turned and regarded his glib expression. “How do you live with it?”

“With what?” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“The aftermath. The destruction.”

Pulling me into a slow dance, he whispered the answer in my ear. “Try not to focus on all that. It’s better to just enjoy the spoils of war. I know I’ll be enjoying mine tonight.”

His eyes drifted over to Ryann, who was turning around in a circle on the dance floor, obviously searching for Lad.

An ice-cold sensation filled my chest. “What are you going to do, Culley?”

His gaze came back to me, and he gave me a fiendish smile. “The same thing you’re going to do—throw an
after
-party. By tomorrow… we should both be able to go home.”