A Kiss of Shadow (Court of Starlight and Darkness #2)(22)

The train rumbled to a halt, arriving at a station in the woods. The large trees looked almost familiar. “Are we in Estonia?”

Dain nodded. “Same forest in which you defeated the Külmking.”

I shivered at the memory, watching the six fae who stood on the platform. The king was immediately noticeable. He didn’t wear a crown or ostentatious clothing, but the aura of power around him was unmistakable.

I looked back at Dain. “Do you think it’s possible that whoever attacked me was colluding with one of the other courts boarding the train today?”

“I think it’s possible.” He watched the Estonian king get on the train.

I followed his gaze, realizing that the king was entering at the bar car, which was right next to this one. He appeared in the doorway to the dining car, then walked toward me and stopped by the table.

I frowned. Why would he want to talk to me?

He bowed. “I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation for the gift you bestowed upon our people by defeating the Külmking.”

“Of course.” I nodded, hoping I looked queenly enough.

“Should you have need of a favor, you can turn to us.”

“Thank you.” I nodded toward Meria, who still sat at the table on the other side of the room, her gaze on me. “She was integral to killing the Külmking. The blond woman, I mean.”

The king turned to look at her, interest lighting in his eyes. “Then I shall extend my thanks to her as well.”

We said our goodbyes, and I watched him walk off. When he stopped at Meria’s table, I looked at Dain. “So, the bartender. Did you question her?”

“No. We were waiting for you. Are you ready?”

I nodded. “Let’s do it.”





Lore



* * *



When Sia walked through the door to the staff’s quarters, I forced myself to look away from her.

Last night had been…incredible.

I hadn’t touched another person in so long that simply lying with her had been a surreal pleasure that had burned itself into my memory. It felt like she was burned into me, her touch a permanent mark on my skin.

I hadn’t moved the entire night, not wanting to dislodge her as she slept. Guilt had snaked through me every now and again. I shouldn’t be allowed to feel such pleasure.

Not after what I’d done.

And yet, I couldn’t force myself to move. I’d clung to every moment of my time with her, not wanting it to end.

Next to me, the bartender shifted in her seat. The moment pulled me back to the present, away from my memories of the evening.

Fates, I was losing my mind.

Dain and Sia sat across from us. The bartender scowled. “What am I doing here? His Royal Highness wouldn’t say.”

“Hi, I’m Sia.” She smiled.

The bartender frowned. “I’m Kira. What am I doing here?”

“I was poisoned last night,” Sia said.

I watched Kira intently, trying to pick up on any sign that she was involved with the attack.

“Not at my bar,” Kira said. “And you look all right.”

“I almost wasn’t. While I was incapacitated, a man tried to throw me off the train.”

Kira paled. “Really? That’s—crazy.”

“I thought so, too.” Sia frowned at her. “So you had nothing to do with it?”

“No.” Kira dragged a hand through her hair. “Why would I?”

“You’re in league with whoever wants Queen Sia dead.” My tone was clipped. Harsh.

The bartender flinched.

“Be nice,” Sia muttered.

“No.” It was her life we were talking about. I wouldn’t pull any punches. “You poisoned her wine before you gave it to her so that she’d be an easier mark.”

Anger flashed in Kira’s eyes. “I did not.”

“I believe you,” Sia said.

“Good.” Kira still sounded angry. “Because it’s the truth. And I don’t appreciate these baseless accusations.”

“They aren’t baseless,” Dain said. His tone was kinder than mine had been. “There were only two people who handed Sia a drink, and you were one of them.”

She heaved a sigh. “Well, I didn’t poison her drink.”

“Did you see the dark-haired man with the yellow eyes?” Sia asked.

She frowned. “Bright yellow eyes? A bit weird, right?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

“Did he order a glass of wine from you?” she asked.

“He did. Same as what you ordered. Took it and walked away without a word.”

“Did you see him hand it to Sia?” I asked.

“No. I was busy with another customer. But I did keep an eye on him for the rest of the night because I thought he was a little odd. He left shortly after he ordered the wine.”

“Which way did he go?”

“Through the dining car.”

I looked at Sia. “That could be him, then.”

She nodded. “Agreed.”

“He did speak to a man with pale gold hair and a dark cloak,” Kira said. “It was very brief, and I have no idea what they said.”