Fantasy of Fire (The Tainted Accords #3)(63)

“I nearly missed the place.” Hamish unstraps himself and places the Soar on the ground, poking fun at the obnoxious size of the castle. I laugh and get swept into a twirling hug.

“Good flight?” I look slightly up into his green eyes, under the mop of curly black hair. The mischievous twinkle I got to know while he taught me to fly is still there. I can’t see anything but friendship in his eyes. I’m glad he seems to have gotten past his feelings for me.

“Barely a bump,” he says with gusto. He kisses me loudly on the cheek. “Willow, you’re a sight for sore eyes!”

I untangle myself, aware of who stands behind me. Two spots burn in my back.

“Hamish, this is King Jovan of Glacium,” I say respectfully, stepping to the side. “My King, this is Hamish of the Ire.” I expect Jovan to smirk at the “my king,” but he gives me a loaded look that sends a shiver down my spine.

“King Jovan. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Hamish says, eyes flicking between us. “Our leader, Adox, has tasked me with telling you what’s happening on the Great Stairway.”

The king clasps his hands behind his back and straightens his shoulders. ”Go ahead,” he orders. I conceal my wince as I see Hamish frown, but he recovers and mimics Jovan’s posture.

“The Solati army initially made some ground, but now remains at a complete standstill. They sit about two-thirds of the way here, out of materials, according to our scout’s. From what we can gather, messengers run back and forth, carrying orders from the Tatum. Their force numbers two hundred at last count.” Hamish glances at me. “The man who spotted us must have ordered them on high alert. A couple of our people have been shot at. We haven’t dared to get close enough to learn more.”

My mouth tightens as I think of Cassius, Mother’s brother and right-hand man. The man who allowed his wife to be exiled to the Fifth Rotation for nearly twenty years. The Fifth was the hardest rotation to live in, full of smoking, charred remains and ash. There was a special well of hate I reserved just for my dear uncle.

Jovan’s eyes rest on me, and I give him a confused look in return. He steps beside me, standing close. Much too close. Hamish’s eyes narrow at the movement and I see Jovan lengthen to his full height. I begin to understand what’s happening and feel the irritating tickle of anger myself.

“Adox has recommended maintaining weekly contact until they begin to turn around,” Hamish continues with a bite. “He said to tell you his instincts are that they won’t back down easily. He warns you to remain alert.”

“There can’t be any harm in doing that,” I agree, voice false-calm. “How are Adox and the others?” I ask. Hamish beams, stepping closer.

“Can you believe Jimmy’s been behaving himself?” he asks. I purposely step away from Jovan, screwing up my face in mock thought.

“No, I really can’t,” I decide, grinning.

“It’s possibly because Adox confiscated his Soar,” he adds. I burst out laughing at the thought of the child being island-bound. Took long enough.

“Poor Jimmy! He must be going insane.”

Hamish doesn’t disagree. “The nursery women said to say hello,” he says.

I look at him surprised. “Really?”

He reaches out and taps me on the nose. “They do like you, you know. Well, after you saved Cara from falling. Before that, they thought you were going to kill their children.”

“You save people from falling a lot,” Jovan mutters from my other side. He’s speaking of Sole.

“Yes, my king,” I say and add a bow so I can glare at him without Hamish seeing. Dark humor crosses Jovan’s features.

At least Jovan gets the hint. He resumes discussion with Hamish, rattling off a list of questions. Hamish answers them as best as he can. Mother’s army is doing their best to build their own supports. Apparently, the army trains several times a day, though they’re stranded on the Oscala. It is an unusual feeling to be proud of an army, but detest them at the same time.

“Adox also wishes to know if you’ve revealed the Ire to your assembly yet,” Hamish asks. My shoulders are just starting to relax. Maybe Hamish and Jovan can get along.

“No. But soon. You may tell Adox that he’ll be informed once I’ve done so,” Jovan orders. “And that I have a large force of men ready in case the Solati army regains their march. You can deliver my guarantee to your leader that the Ire has our protection. That will be all.” Jovan dismisses him with flick of the hand.

I step forward and Hamish ducks his head toward me at my approach.

“You’ll need to come back for a Sunday once everything settles down.” Hamish smiles over my head. He sidles up to me and whispers loudly in my ear. “I want another dance with you.”

I close my eyes for the briefest of moments, knowing the damage his comment will do. A heavy arm rests across my shoulders and I groan inwardly. I open my eyes, tensing as Hamish jerks his head back at the intrusion.

“Willow is kept busy here, carrying out the duties I assign her,” Jovan says in a cold voice. Hamish raises an eyebrow and gives me a questioning glance. I shrug awkwardly under Jovan’s arm.

“She may accompany me when I eventually come to the Ire to meet your leader, but this not guaranteed.” He invades Hamish’s personal space once more. I see my Ire friend swallow hard, though he keeps his ground.