Blakeshire (Insight #9)(57)
“If she comes out of that hall, you ensure that every man you have is at her side.” He went to say something, but I held up my hand. “Everyone. She is the most precious possession this palace has at this moment. You,” I said to Zander. “Come with me.”
Once we had walked away from the other men, I spoke to Zander. “What the hell just happened with Clara?”
He shrugged. “Your queen wanted to tell her that her services were no longer needed.”
I glared at him.
“She can ‘see,’ my liege. What do you suppose she saw when she approached Clara?”
“Madison Marie’s insights are weak. Even at best, she would have only seen what was on Clara’s mind unless she somehow managed to pick out the one girl we have toyed with to analyze her.”
“True. If that is indeed the girl we passed in the hall.”
Now I was interested. I urged him into a room and shielded my energy around him. He did the same. Donalt or anyone who cared to spy on us now would have a hard time hearing our words.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean that things are not always what they seem. You should be aware that most people in your old court would prefer you to be with Willow.”
“Did you warn her?”
“In my own way.”
I closed my eyes for a second. Zander had just saved me from destroying everything I had built with Madison. There was no way I was prepared to explain the fake relationship I had with Clara to her; Willow’s was hard enough to contend with.
“Is Clara in danger?”
“No. I have no doubt if any danger is in her path, it will be clear to you.”
“Where is she going?”
“Her family moved her to another Estate, the courting of Madison is far from socially easy for her to witness.”
I should have thought of that.
“So she’s currently mirrored? Someone is mimicking her?”
“Among other people.”
“Alamos.”
He nodded once.
“The fake one greeted us. I almost killed him. He tried to take Madison Marie’s locket.”
“I bet he did.”
“Zander, I don’t have time for this. Tell me what you know.”
“Did the fake one know you suspected he was false?”
“Why would I let him know that? I want to see the shock in his eyes as my hands rob him of his life.”
“When did you become ruthless?” he asked with a boyish smirk.
“The second she was threatened. I’m going to his chambers as soon as we are done here. I will get what you need for your spell.”
He reached in his suit coat and pulled out a flask.
“I don’t need a drink. I need to protect her.”
“It’s an herbal drink. It will help with the cold. ”
“Now? You give this to me now? Where were you years ago?”
“At your side. You know as well as I do that gifts work best when they are in flow with your intent. You wanted a remedy. One is on the horizon.”
Zander was the one who gave me the herbs I needed to stop Willow’s dreams a few weeks back. Well, it was meant to stop the dreams my mind didn’t want to see; it ended up stopping Willow’s and brought forth Madison Marie. If we hadn’t done that, I doubt I would have been able to recall the glass boat or the baby crying as clearly as I had.
I swallowed the entire thing, tasting mint—which reminded me of Madison.
“Do I smell like mint to you?”
“You do now,” he said, taking his flask back.
When I glared, he raised his brow. “I told you she was being gracefully guided.”
“You told me to let her jump, too. Want to elaborate on that?”
Nothing.
“Tell Alamos you are wanting something to wipe away the dreams. He will convey that to Madison right when you need him to.”
“The right or wrong Alamos? I don’t want either next to her.”
“You have to act normally around him. Your hall will protect her. Trust that you and your father have secured it.”
“What do you know about Horace?”
“Horace?” he said, as if he wanted me to tell him which one. I only knew of one.
“Xavier’s son. I want him out of this palace. Now. He is tormenting Madison. He’s causing her to see things.”
“I’ll make it so, my liege.”
I hated it when he called me that. “You really want me to kick your ass, don’t you?”
He grinned. “You can try.”
I had to laugh.
“Landen is meeting me here later. He has info on a threat to this dimension. No doubt, Chrispin and Marc will be at that meeting. You are in charge while that is going on.”
He nodded. “You have to get through dinner first.”
I grunted. I hated traditions. I really did.
Chapter Twelve
Madison
Somehow, Drake had managed to secure this door with a supernatural lock. I knew how to use my energy, too. One glance from him had raised that steel plank, but no matter what I did the doors would not open, and they should have considering how fiercely they were vibrating from the other side.