Scorched Fury: A SkinWalker Novel #5 (DarkWorld: SkinWalker) (26 page)

This man brushed me up the wrong way, my gut told me he represented some form of danger. I drew my panther sense of smell to the surface and scented him.

He did smell familiar, as if I'd been around him before. But I couldn't put my finger on it.

Familiar. And dangerous.

CHAPTER 36

H
E
LET
GO
OF
MY
HAND
and then walked to the opposite chair. A guard scurried forward and pulled it out for him. The flustered man hurried back to his post against the wall beside the closed door.

Once seated, Andyr pulled his chair closer and rested his elbows on the table, performing the same steepled finger motion that Horner had in his office not too long ago.

"So what is it the Elders wish to propose?" he asked, the smile on his face neutral as he watched me.

There was an arrogance in his expression, his bearing conveyed that he thought he knew more than I did, and that he had the upper hand.

I smiled pleasantly, ever the diplomat. "The Elders wish to reinstate the mining agreement, and renew trading for Erulite."

"I wondered how long it would take for them to demand this again," said the Queen bitterly.

I couldn't help the frown that appeared on my forehead. "Do you not want to boost your economy with the mining trade?" I asked, watching her expression.

She gave a tiny shake of her head and took a breath. "That's not what I mean."

Andyr leaned closer. "You must excuse our Queen. The murder, and the accusations involving the death of your predecessor, affected her greatly." They exchange looks, the queen's slightly embarrassed, Andyr's slightly arrogant.

What in Ailuros' name is going on here?

"But I do hope that we can move past that," he said, giving her a cynical look.

"Move past it?" she asked, leaning forward until her ribs touched the table. Her cheeks blazed red, her golden eyes swelled. "
The man
was murdered, and we were blamed. He'd become part of this court. A friend, even. And we'd been accused of killing him, been given no recourse to defend ourselves."

"But I don't think that that's exactly what happened," I said without hesitating.

I reached over into the satchel and withdrew the leather folder. From inside, I retrieved a stack of paperwork. It was a full description of everything that the Elders had been informed of, with regard to the envoy's death.

Reid Barton, a Fire Mage, had been sent to Dracys to look after the mine, because his power allowed him to provide safety for the miners. It didn't hurt that his fire magic would allow him to fit in with the people of the land. I'd skimmed the details, and noticed how sparse they were.

The only information that the Elders had received from the Dyr was that Reid had been killed, and no foul play was suspected on the part of the Court. That his body had been returned to the Earthworld via the portal in the cave, in pieces, hadn't featured in the report submitted by the Dracys Senate.

The Queen frowned as she read the file. When she looked up her eyes were filled with tears.
 

Queen Lyra and Reid?

Holyshit.

That would explain her emotional reaction to this whole process. That would also explain Andyr's arrogance. He was using her emotional lapse against her.

"But this isn't right," she whispered, her hand going to her pale throat. Her black painted fingernails were a stark contrast to her porcelain skin, even if you ignored the gold filigree nail caps.

I cleared my throat. "I assure you that is all the information received from your delegates."

She was shaking her head as I spoke. I understood now that there was more miscommunication regarding Reid's death than we knew.

"His death was suspicious." Her voice was a whisper. "The general had his men search the mines, looking for the killer. Reid certainly wouldn't have killed himself."

"Can you explain to me what exactly happened? Right now even the Elders have no idea how he was killed."

"He was killed in the mines. His body was found in the bottom of a ravine." The queen's voice shivered and she swallowed hard. Sienna cleared her throat. "Within the mines there are numerous ravines, and earth-holes that go deep into the ground. The miners are well aware of the dangers. And so was Reid."

Despite her words, her voice told me what she really felt.

"So you suspected foul play?" I said, more curious now than ever. "Why did you not explain that to the Elders?" A glance in Andyr's direction showed he was perfectly serene. Except for the swirling of his gray eyes. And the hint of a glow on his skin.

What the hell was he?

"Because we believed we would be blamed for his death," Queen Lyra said.

"But that's a ridiculous assumption. Just because he died on your soil doesn't mean you killed him."

"At the time that was the impression." Lyra's voice said that she disapproved. She sighed. "I admit that we were concerned about the circumstances of his death." She pushed to her feet and began to pace. "To be completely honest, I was worried that our relationship would come to light."

She turned and faced me, lifting her chin in defiance. "We cared deeply for each other. And often I wondered if he'd been killed because of his feelings for me. Or rather my feelings for him. Caring for an outlander is a dangerous thing, especially for the queen."

I'd suspected as much.

Love was usually at the root of all problems.

Andyr got to his feet, a vein now throbbing on his forehead. "You shouldn't allow yourself to think that way. His death was an accident." He seemed to be controlling the urge to say more and I was glad because, considering everything I'd just learned, I wasn't above telling him to shut up and sit down.

But Lyra shook her head. "To this day I do not believe that. No matter how hard I investigated I was blocked at every turn. Someone kept the truth from me because they knew I would have torn them limb from limb for what they'd done to Reid. Someone who also wanted to halt trade with the Elders."

"So whoever provided us with that information wasn't working on your behalf?"

She shook her head and took a seat again, straightening her spine, drawing her composure over her like a shroud.

"With that in mind, I think we will call a formal meeting to discuss reopening the mining efforts. I think it would be best for everyone. And this time I won't accept any arguments against it." When her eyes met mine, they still glistened with tears. "And I would like to request that the Elders give consideration to reopening the investigation into Reid's death. It would give me great joy to identify the killer and have him punished suitably."

I nodded. "Of course. I believe I speak on behalf of the Elders when I say that we will do whatever we can to apprehend the perpetrator."

"If I may, I would like to make a request," the Queen said, her voice hushed.

When I nodded, she gave Andyr a short glance, an almost belligerent glare, before returning her attention to me. "If we may be allowed to sentence him here in Dracys, I would most appreciate it. It would be better for everyone I think if the killer is given justice on our soil. I understand that Reid was a mage from your lands, that people there, his friends and family, would be seeking justice for his death too. But I formally request permission to sentence and punish the killer"

I nodded. "This particular part of the agreement, I cannot decide on. I will have to take that to the Elders."

Though I was afraid of an outburst, which I'd understand considering the subject matter, Lyra seemed satisfied. She sat back letting out a soft breath, suddenly deflated, weakened by the discussion.

She waved at Sienna. "Sienna will look after you. She's my assistant but to be honest she's more of an advisor to me. She has more smarts and tactical intelligence than many of the generals in the army." I noticed she never said
my
army or
my
court. "She will help you draw up the finer points of the agreement. We shall meet here tomorrow morning, after the Senate has time to discuss, to finalize the particulars regarding the renewed mining effort. In the meantime, the City of Dyr is happy to welcome you. We will hold a banquet tonight, and you will be our Guest of Honor. No better way to give a blessing to your visit and to the reopening of the mines."

I wondered if she was being a little presumptuous considering the Senate hasn't yet agreed, but it seemed the effort already had her blessing.

Maybe that was all it really took.

Rising, I gave a formal bow. "You have my deepest gratitude. I am most grateful that the proceedings are being taken seriously on both sides. And tomorrow I hope that we will all come to a mutual agreement."

Sienna walked towards me. "I will see you to your room."

Both the queen and Andyr got to their feet, and I didn't miss the glare that he sent in her direction. Nor did I miss the tight grip that he had on her upper arm, as if he wanted to thrust her to the private chambers but was controlling the urge. Her opinion clearly didn't sit well with him. And I wondered what kind of power the man really had over the ruling of this country.

And what stake he had in the mines themselves.

Sienna was already walking towards the double doors, and I hurried to follow, throwing my rucksack and satchel over my shoulder.

Killing demons were a damn sight easier than all this political talk.

CHAPTER 37

S
HE
LED
ME
UP
ANOTHER
FLIGHT
of stairs, and headed down a western corridor, where the setting sun shed bloody rays of light in through the numerous balconies that dotted the way. Despite being open to the outside, the palace remained warm and I found myself wanting to shrug off the fur-lined coat.
 

The halls were wide and high, and I marveled at the workmanship, the smooth stonework, the sconces set high up on the walls burning fat candles.

Sienna remained silent as we walked, our steps dogged by her ever-present guards, until she pointed to a wide passage on her left. "I'm at the end of that hallway. The very last door. If you need anything, please come and see me. I will endeavor to be available as much as possible." She gave a sweet smile and continued to the next corridor.

Making a left she guided me to the end and we stopped in front of a large wooden door, adorned with the pattern I'd seen decorating much of the palace.

Sienna open the door for me, and said, "I hope you will be comfortable in your quarters. It has two bedrooms, a sitting room, a bathing room and a reception area." She smiled as I entered, clearly proud of the place. And I was very impressed.

The floor was covered in handwoven carpets and the walls in beautiful paintings; landscapes and dancing maidens with elegant wings. The most impressive of them all were the paintings of the Dracyr, some depicting dragons breathing deadly fire, others Dracyr armies fighting each other. It was a room that celebrated the power of the Dracyr, and the expansive history of its people.

The furniture, here again, was rich and heavy, hand-carved and beautiful. The
reception area
was a small living room, with comfortable sofas covered in rich gold fabric and complemented by dozens of creamy soft cushions.

A low dark wood coffee table provided me with a place to drop my satchel. I turned to Sienna. "This place is absolutely beautiful. You're so fortunate to live in the palace. Are your rooms like these?" Questions that were questions about more than just beauty and palace accommodation.

Sienna lowered her eyes, but not soon enough to hide the darkness that flitted across her face. "My quarters are beautiful, but much more serviceable. I have a single room and a small waiting area to receive visitors. We leave the riches and the beauty for the dignitaries and the royalty."

I pasted a smile on my face and walked towards her. "I must thank you for treating me so well. I know it is probably just your job, but you made me feel welcome." My eyes flitted to the open door. And the guards beyond.