Blood Double (God Wars #1)(64)

"I'll have him locked up and guarded," Teeg replied, refusing to look at me. So much for any thanks that might come my way.

"I'd be careful around him—somebody may attempt to let your obsessed employee loose," I sighed, knowing that my words would only annoy Teeg. He didn't like taking orders or suggestions from anyone, and it was worse if either of those things came from me.

"I'll be careful. Go ask one of the warlocks to take you home." I was dismissed.

*

Astralan ferried me back to Le-Ath Veronis. I was grateful Gavin wasn't waiting for me inside the Queen's private study—I wasn't in any mood to see more of him or his * son. I also wondered whether I ought to sit down and parcel money to waiting comesuli, or take a chance on misting into Casino City to renew my search for Erithia Cordan.

*

"You come highly recommended from an associate," Erithia lifted a delicately pointed eyebrow at Riis, former ambassador to the Prince of Tyriss. Riis had been dismissed two days earlier, after the Crown discovered missing funds. The path those funds had taken led to Riis, who'd hoped to employ a warlock to help hide the money trail. When the King of Karathia failed to give permission for Riis to hire a warlock, Riis' world—and his plans—had crumbled.

"I thank you, Lady, for your consideration," Riis bowed in mock flattery.

"I hear you were recently on Karathia," Erithia continued, lifting a delicate cup to her lips and drinking tea a servant had brought. She sat comfortably behind her desk while forcing Riis to stand for his interview.

"I was. I spoke with the King and his father. Another was there, but she was never identified. I assumed she was someone the King's father might consider taking as another mate."

"Truly? How interesting. He already has several mates, however, so one more might not make any difference. Certainly nothing to report in order to distress the Queen of Le-Ath Veronis."

"You're looking to upset the Queen?"

"I'm looking to kill her," Erithia's voice became hard. "You will bring the money you stole from Tyriss to me and break ties with all your concubines. You will only serve me from now on." The obsession was placed and Riis dropped to his knees in reverence.

"I will do anything you ask of me," he whispered.

*

Kay's Journal

If Frank and Shane hadn't come to get me, I'm sure Kalia would have taken over again. Franklin settled on the side of my bed, hugged me, explained that someone was coming to NorthStar to visit and to cooperate as much as I could. Not trusting myself to speak, I'd nodded into piercing blue eyes that were so much like my own.

"That's my baby sis," Frank hugged me again. His scent was so good, and his lines so clear and pure that I couldn't help myself, I hugged him back. It surprised him, I know, because none of the others could get anything from me. Actually, they couldn't get anything from Kalia, but that was beside the point. I'd been buried in Kalia's fears for who knew how long, and I no longer knew what day it was. Only two people might approach me for any reason, and those two were Bill and Frank.

"You remember how we traveled last time?" Frank helped me dress.

I nodded, still not trusting my voice. We'd folded space—at least that's how it was described. No pain was involved and I trusted Frank as much as I'd ever trusted anyone, so I was willing to go with him.

"Sissy, if anybody makes you uncomfortable, just let me know," Frank held my face gently between his palms. "I can't blast anybody, but Mom and Dad can when they get back. I don't even want to know what Ashe might do, if they hurt you in any way."

"Frankie," I mumbled softly when he took his hands away.

"What is it, baby girl?" Frank was back immediately, his eyes worriedly gazing into mine.

"I'm scared," I whispered.

"Me too," he admitted.

"Ready?" Trace placed an arm on Frank's shoulder, pulling him away from me.

"I guess." Frank took my hand and pulled me off the bed.

*

Ashe is here, he's just shielded, Trace sent mindspeech to Franklin. If anybody tries to harm her, I wouldn't want to be them, Trace added.

Yeah, Frank agreed. It's one thing to face the wrath of the Saa Thalarr. I don't even want to think about one of the Mighty.

*

Kay's Journal

I didn't recognize the room where I was taken at NorthStar. Windows curved outward around us and gishi groves could be seen below the deck outside. It looked as if they stretched for miles, sinking into a greenish mist in the distance. I wanted to walk through them. They were the reason, after all, that I'd come to NorthStar in the beginning.

"Just sit here, our visitors should arrive in a few minutes," Frank and Shane made sure I was comfortable. "Want anything to eat or drink?"

"Gishi fruit?" My voice held hope. I knew the harvest was over and I'd likely not get any fruit at all.

"How about gishi fruit ice cream?" Shane asked.

I wanted to moan my acceptance to his offer. I'd never tasted that bit of heaven—I couldn't afford it. I realized that Cull's gambling debts still waited for me on Campiaa, and I moaned again in distress.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Frank was back and crouching before me.