Iron Crowned Chapter 13

The journey dressing was uneventful, the most nary(prenominal) adapted thing be the afterg miserable that now burned amidst Kiyo and me m allthing I now questioned the wisdom of. My words had been true Id never stopped caring slightly him. But hed been right too what had happened between us back in the glade had cope from my own awayrage and request to get back at Dorian. That wasnt re each(prenominal) in ally a good reason to start a traffichip. It wasnt even a really good reason for casual sex, and honestly, I wasnt real what my status was with Kiyo at the moment.Deanna reappe ard and followed along so quietly and obediently that I finally broke the silence to reassure her Id keep my part of the bargain. Her drab face lit up, and I had to give her credit for non pushing the offspring until I settled my other business.Kiyo and I went straight to Dorians, once wed crossed back into frequently familiar territory. My plan was to deal with him first and and so climb to the human world. I thought it would be safer to adopt the crown there. Dorians guards met me with pleased grins, and objet dart they were rampd to ensure Kiyo, most seemed to know Id been off on some secret mission. Coming back alive was a good sign.As soon as we entered the castle, I ordered a messenger to go to Katrice and affirm her that I now possessed the compact Crown and that if she wanted to talk surrender, I was all ears. As Dorians consort, I had the power to order around his staff but I had a feeling that would end soon.Kiyo and I were admitted into Dorians exalted presence come come out of the closet in a courtyard, where he was qualification a long-tormented courtier named Muran revive the harp. I knew for a fact that Muran had had exactly one lesson, and Dorian seemed quite amused watching the guy struggle through. This kind of thing was one of Dorians great pastimes, and usually, even though I felt bad for Muran, it provided me with a little amusement. Today I felt none.When we entered the courtyard, Dorian took one look at our faces and straight off ordered everyone away even his guards. He still wore that small, carefree smile, but Id seen a subtle shift in the lines of his face. He knew something was up. His astuteness was what made him such a good ruler.Well, here you are, he said, sitting back in the gentry equivalent of a lawn chair. Except, of course, Id never seen Home Depot sell anything so ornate and gilded. Normally when I arrived, Dorian kissed me, but his wariness must have held him back. As beautiful as ever, my unspoilt, if a little beat up around the edges. I suppose this means you either succeeded or just barely escaped with your life?We succeeded, I said. Ive got the crown.Again that smile didnt change, but an gauge light flickered in Dorians eyes. He leaned forward. I knew it. I knew you could do it. He studied me up and down, his gaze finally resting on the bag over my shoulder. whitethorn I see it?No, I said bluntly. No ones difference to see it. Its going to be hidden away where it cant be used to start eating up peoples pull downs.Dorians eyebrows rose, and he began to speak. I could already imagine a hundred variations of what was going to come out of his mouth, something along the lines of, Whatever are you talking near, my dear?I stepped forward, my control snapping as I cut him off. Dont start Dont even start with some sugar-coated denial. Youve known all along what the crown could do You knew itd scare Katrice because it meant I and by default you could opt over her kingdomDorian hesitated, and again, I could guess at the thoughts spinning in his fling. Denial or backpedaling? He finally went with the latter.And what better way to push her into peace? he said at last. The point of a war similar this is to eventually establish over and subdue someone anyway. Isnt it much simpler and faster to achieve that same end through another way?A way that rips her land from h er I exclaimed. And sticks me with another fucking kingdom I stepped forward and had to forcibly keep myself from getting closer. I was so, so angry. So angry that this man I cared about could do this to me. I was almost angrier at him than Katrice at the moment. From her, at least, I expected betrayal. And thats what you would have wanted to do not just scare her. You would have prepare some way, some justification for taking that drastic step, just like you got me to go after this in the first place.Much of the humor had wearied from Dorians face now. And would you have gone after it if youd known?No.He shrugged. Well, there you have it.I was aghast. Thats it? How the hell can you be so sluttish about this? How can you act like its O.K. to have tricked me from the beginning you and that hag? How can you claim to write out me and lie to me?I do love you, he said. More than you know. I did this for your own good.You did it for your own good, I snapped. I cant believe I fell f or it again. Youve through with(p) this out front, and now Im done. Done with you. Done with all of this. I dont need your help any more. Ill finish this fucking war on my own.Eugenie, warned Kiyo softly. He didnt contradict me, not in appear of Dorian, but I mum the subtext. It was the point hed made before not to spurn Dorians military help.Dorian scoffed, sharing that sentiment. Of course you need me. If you can get past your hurt pride, youll see that were in this together. Use the crown however you want, but be reasonable so that the two of us can finally end this war.My section was low and dangerous when I spoke. I was furious that he could be so condescending, that he assumed he could just smooth this all over. There is no more us.Now youre just overreacting, he said. We need to finish this war together, and we need to be together, period. Were meant to be.No, I said. Were done. Its over.I could see from his face that he didnt exact that seriously either. He didnt get i t. His ego wouldnt allow him to. Before he could respond, Kiyo lightly touched my arm. Be careful. Look what youre doing.I glanced around. The wind was rising and falling, making the apple trees sway back and forth. Dark clouds began to gather above. It wasnt uncommon for my emotions to unconsciously affect the weather, but the fact that I could do it in a land under someone elses control was a sign of how much my power had grown. If Dorian had wanted sunny weather, it should have stayed that way. The realization of what I could do was heady. Nonetheless, I pushed back, calming the air and dissipating the storm clouds.But Dorian wasnt concerned about any of that. His attention had snapped to one small gesture Kiyos touch on my arm. Im not sure how Dorian knew maybe just the way Kiyo and I stood near each other but in that moment, Dorian realized what had happened between Kiyo and me. And that, more than any of the arguments here, was what finally broke that laid-back attitude. His face turned to stone.Oh, he said to Kiyo, voice completely devoid of emotion. I see. Its your turn again. Outrage alter me at the insinuation that I could be passed around a sentiment not unlike what Kiyo himself had expressed. Dorian allowed me no chance to counter. Well, if thats how its going to be, then thats how its going to be. You may be right that theres no us, but we are still in this war together. My armies are too enmeshed, and I can hardly let Katrice think Im backing down. DarethDorians voice rang out, loudly enough that one of the guards behind the glass doors heard. He swiftly opened the doors and stepped outside.Your Majesty?Please escort the vertebral column Queen and her pet from the premises. They are denied hospitality. Do not admit them again. Should any of her household come, they may be allowed into my presence. His eyes flicked to me. Send Rurik as your proxy for all military matters. He was doing all the work anyway. Dorians attention went back to his gu ard. You have your orders.Dareth had trouble keeping the shock off his face. I had become a ha minuteue around here, treated nearly the same as Dorian. After a few moments, Dareth composed his features, his loyalty to his king overriding any disbelief he might feel. He turned to me, expression formal. He gestured inside.Your Majesty.The respect was there, but the kernel was clear. I was being thrown out and could see Dareth practically praying I wouldnt resist. I didnt, and while a dozen parting retorts to Dorian filled my head, I shoved them aside. He thrived on that kind of attention. It would scarce suck up him feel more important, and I wanted it made clear that I really was done with him even though the cold reality of what was happening made my heart break.Kiyo and I began to follow Dareth without comment, but then I paused. Reaching toward my neck, I ripped off the necklace I wore, the one with Dorians ring. I tossed it at his feet, meeting his gaze with a message I hope d he understood. He did. His answered mine with green fury.I said get out of here.I turned away, letting Dareth include us to the castles front doors. As soon as we were outside, I heard him giving instructions about the revoking of our hospitality. I imagined the other guards shared his shock, but I walked on without looking for back. Once Kiyo and I had traveled far enough that the land shifted and put us in Maiwenns kingdom, he turned to look at me.Are you clear? he asked, worry in those dark eyes.Fine, I said flatly. I was confident my anger was justified but leaving Dorian still hurt. Hed laid-off me so easily, once hed realized Id slept with Kiyo. Id expected something something more emotional, I guess. Some sign that Id meant more to him than a useful consort. I should have known better. Lets go back to Tucson.Id kept Volusian and Deanna away while wed met with Dorian but brought them both back now. I told Deanna to come to my home tomorrow and that wed start working on her problem then. To Volusian, I gave orders to return to the Thorn Land. He would tell Rurik to go to Dorian and then wait until word came back from Katrice. I had no uncertainness that word of my being banned from Dorians would spread around quickly enough I didnt want to see the reactions of my people when that happened.Kiyo and I crossed back to genus Arizona at a nearby gateway, going to his place instead of mine so that he could redo my stitches. He was as good as any real doctor, and I didnt want to have to explain my new cuts and bruises to someone else. A slew of cats and dogs greeted me when I entered his apartment, making me feel oddly nostalgic.Are you sure youre okay? Kiyo asked later. I was lying stomach-down on his bed while his needle went to work on the cut.My cheek rested on a pillow, my only view being his dresser as I tried to stay still. Fine.You keep saying that, but what went down was pretty serious. I could imagine the frown on his face. I didnt expect him to pull hospitality.He knows we slept together, I said. Guys get upset when their girlfriends do that. Id broken up with Dorian in my head the instant I found out about the deception, but as far as he was concerned, Id cheated on him. Maybe I had. But betraying someone whod deceived you didnt seem like that much of a betrayal.Yes, said Kiyo. Yes, they do. He tied off his thread and re-bandaged it all. Please, please do not pull these out again. The fact that this isnt infected is a miracle.I wont, I said, sitting up and carefully putting my shirt back on. I dont plan on getting in any fights for a while. Im staying out of the Otherworld until they really need me, and investigating Deannas murder should only involve questions. Actually, Im hoping to pass it off on someone else.She wont like that, he said.Itll get it done, I said. And shell like that. Probably even faster than if I did it.I started to stand, but Kiyo caught hold of my hand and kept me down. His expression turned sly. You want to stay for a while?I shook my head, smiling faintly. Ive got some things to do. Besides, just because we did what we did doesnt mean intumesce, it doesnt mean things are the same again.His mischievous smile faded. Youre right. A fortune kind of got rushed. I suppose we should I dont know. Do you want to go on a date?A date? I laughed in spite of myself. It seemed so out of place after what wed been through these last few days. Too ordinary. Dinner and a movie?Something like that. I could pick you up later, after your errands are done. Or tomorrow if you need a little more time.A little more time? Maybe I needed a lot more time. I really didnt know. I might have jumped into bed figuratively speaking right after my relationship with Dorian had crumbled, but as Id said, that didnt mean I was ready to establish something committed with Kiyo again. Id had sex with Kiyo in the throes of my anger I had more to think about now that Id cooled down and seen Dorians face. My h ead told me we were through, but my heart already missed him.Tomorrow, I said. Kiyo nodded. Fair enough. I should probably check in at the clinic anyway.I honestly didnt understand the hurt of Kiyos employment. With his constant visits to the Otherworld, he didnt seem to have any regular schedule with the emergency vet clinic he worked at. He just seemed to show up whenever he wanted. It was more convenient than my own job for maintaining a dual existence between worlds.Confused feelings or not, I let him kiss me good-bye before I left. There was a part of me that wished I could just stay with him, hiding out in his bed and avoiding the rest of the world. Worlds, even. But I had too much to do.The first thing was to get home and change into clean clothes. I arrived to what initially appeared to be an empty house, but the cars in the driveway tipped me off. Sure enough, a minute or so after I walked inside, I heard Tims bedroom door open. He emerged, wearing only jeans, his balefu l hair standing in all directions.Hey, Eug. Didnt expect to see you back.Apparently not. I take it Laras in there?He had the grace to look sheepish. Ah, well Hi, Eugenie. Lara appeared in the kitchen beside him, her hair as messed up as his. Her clothes including Tims West Coast Powwow 2002 T-shirt showed signs of hasty assembly. She was blushing, but her embarrassment turned to surprise as she eyed my appearance. She still wasnt used to seeing me in real life. Rough day?Days, I said.Oh I dont suppose I dont suppose youd be interested in hearing about some job offers? It was the first time shed been hesitant to bring up work. I think she was finally beginning to understand the grueling nature of my life and that back-to-back jobs werent as easy as checking items off a list.Not really. Not for a few days.A few She bit off her protest and meekly nodded.I walked around them, heading for my room. Ive got things to do, I called back to them. So you can go back to some(prenomina l) it is you were doing.Truthfully, I didnt want to do the task hanging before me. I wanted to find whatever baked goods Tim had squirreled away in the kitchen and then take that nap Id longed for at Kiyos. But, no. Id made a promise to Deanna, one I had to honor, no matter how messed up the rest of my life was. So, after make clean up and changing, I sat on the edge of my bed and picked up my cell phone. I stared at it for a long time, running my fingers along its edges as I procrastinated. Finally, I dialed a memorized number and waited.There was a good chance that no one would answer. I was calling my moms cell phone, though, which gave me better odds than if Id called her house number. I knew Roland had asked her to keep her distance from me, but after seeing me at the hospital, my mom would likely resist any directives like that if only out of fear that Id lost a limb or something.Hello?My breath caught, and I almost couldnt speak. Just that one word the sound of her voice. It sent a flood of emotions through me, and I forced myself to remember my mission here.Mom?Genie? Are you okay? she asked promptly. As suspected, she feared limb loss.Yeah, yeah, fine. How are you?Fine. Worried about you like always.Im okay, I said. Really. But I need I, um, need to talk to Roland.Long silence.Eugenie I know, I know. But I need his help with something. It wont take long. Just one question. Please.She sighed. Oh, baby. I wish I could, but hes made it clear You know how he feels about everything.Its a human thing, I said, only partially lying. A job in this world. Please, Mom. Just ask him if hell talk to me for a minute?More silence, then another sigh. Hang on.I waited, nervously twisting the fabric of my beds duvet. What would happen? The two most likely options were that either my mom would relay his refusal or they would simply hang up on me. But, no. It was Rolands voice I heard next.Yes? Cold. Wary.After everything that had just happened to me in the Other world, hearing his voice nearly broke me. I wanted to sob and beg him to clear me. Beg him to love me again. My mom had undoubtedly done a fair share of that already, though. Shed clearly had no luck. I had no reason to believe Id feed any better, so I made my tone match his as I swallowed back tears. Just business here.I need a referral, I said brusquely. To a private investigator. One who isnt going to be freaked out by the stuff we deal with. I figured you must know someone.You need a P.I. to deal with some monster? he asked harshly.No, no. It actually should be pretty mundane all human stuff. But considering what we do Well, I thought I should have someone prepared in case things get weird. I didnt have any reason for Deanna to interact directly with a P.I. or for me even to mention her but I wanted to be safe.Well, said Roland. Lets make it clear we dont do the same kinds of things.With great effort, I bit off the retorts that wanted to burst out of me. I wanted to explai n for the hundredth time that Id never expected or wanted to reach this direct of involvement in the Otherworld. Again, I opted for directness.Please, Roland, I said simply. This is for a human family. Just forget about me for a minute.When he didnt respond, I thought for sure the anticipated hang-up would come. Enrique Valdez, he said at last. You should be able to look up his number. Ill call too and give him a heads-up.Oh, Roland. Thank you so Click.There it was. I pulled the phone away and held it in front of me again, staring at it as though it were to blame for all my problems. A few moments later, I tossed it on the floor. Anger surged through me, quickly fading into sadness. My eyes fell on my travel pack in the corner, the pack containing the Iron Crown. That and all it represented was the source of my problems.I fell back onto my bed, staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stars stuck on my ceiling. Roland, Dorian I was losing the men in my life. Why, why had Dorian do ne that? Why had he let me fall in love with him, only to play me? Was that what love meant to him? Was that how all his relationships worked? Hed hurt me, hurt me so terribly, and the petty, dark voice that lived inside me said that if sleeping with Kiyo had hurt Dorian in return, it was no more than he deserved.Kiyo.Kiyo was all I had left now, and I didnt know if I could trust him either. Before I could ruminate very much on that particular woe, a cold presence filled the room. I sat up quickly, putting aside all my self-pity as Volusian materialized before me.Mistress, he said.Volusian, I replied. Whats going on?Ive come with a message, as you requested. As always, his words were emotionless, in time he somehow conveyed the feeling that he resented every one of them. Queen Katrice has responded to your news of the Iron Crown.That was fast, even for the Otherworld. And?And, she has agreed to a temporary truce.I relish up from the bed. You have got to be kidding.Volusian didnt r espond. Id long since learned that any comment I made about him joking or kidding was treated rhetorically. Volusian did not john or kid.It worked, I murmured, more to myself than him. I cant believe it. Dorian was right.Indeed. But I assume my mistress will not resume carnal relations with him.I made a face. If there was anyone I hated discussing my sex life with more than Jasmine, it was Volusian. No. It doesnt matter if he was right. He lied to me to make it happen. He should have told me the whole story. He used half-truth means to achieve his ends.Volusian nodded solemnly. I told you that long ago, that the Oak Kings own agenda will always come first. As will the kitsunes. But, unsurprisingly, my mistress chooses to ignore the only sound advice given to her and instead listens to those who use affection for their own purposes. The word affection was spoken with particular venom.Kiyo and Dorian dont Look. Stay out of this, okay? I never asked for your sound advice. Get back to Katrice. How does this truce work exactly?Hostilities will cease until all parties are able to discuss the current situation. How said discussion proceeds will be settled beforehand by messengers. You and the Oak King may meet with her directly, or you may have representatives do the negotiating.I tried to picture myself in a room with Dorian and Katrice. Lovely. And where would this happen? Im sure as hell not going to the Rowan Land.That too will be negotiated during this truce, he said. A neutral kingdom is the most likely choice. Shaya would like to discuss that with you at your earliest convenience.Im sure she would. Go back and tell her I trust her to set up whatever arrangements need to be made. If I have to go myself well, then I go. Ill check in with her soon, but come back if anything happens in the meantime. Volusian waited, and I gestured him away. Go.He vanished, and I sank onto my bed. My eyes fell on the concealed Iron Crown once again, and I dared to wonder if may be some good had come out of this whole mess.