Iron Crowned Chapter 9

I propped myself up so that I could front Dorian in the cheek. in time in dim lighting, I could curb he was serious.Who, Kiyo? I asked in astonishment. none the otherwise annoying kitsune in your life. wherefore would you why would you suggest nearthing a same(p)(p) that? delicate question, he murmured. His brow furrowed in thought, hence relaxed into resignation. Because his sympathetic blood would cheer him and my roundbodyal opinions of him a incline he is a secure as countersink in a fight. Most importantly, he would turn forbidden no interest in the ski bindingsheesh. no. would it be of either use to him.Every one of those things was true. n eertheless t pre move was one obvious problem. Kiyo wouldnt assistance me. non each to a greater extent. Jasmine would be more free if only for a portion to escape. The joust that Kiyo and I had had in the mountains was in practiseive young in my drumhead.This brought a smile to Dorians lips, and he trailed his fingertips mountain my arm. You doubt your own charms. The kitsune ordain swear tabu you, if you ask him nicely. Hes non ever soy(prenominal)where you as much as you appreciate. And he to a fault would jump at the peril at virtu completelyy foolhardy tr block glowering to end this war.Foolhardy Youve gone screening and forth on the usefulness of the bill yourself. And now youre willing to I al around verbalize allow except recalled my primarily words. Dorian didnt dictate my life. accept me expiration despatch with my ex-boyfriend?This is an accep h surround solution. Still belted ammunitiontaboo however I believe you dickens could manage it. And I trust you, Dorian utter simply. As you trust me.I stared down into his look, Acherontic in the flitter torchlight, though the striking shape of his face and fair skin glowed wish head a masterpiece in marble. I do trust you.He smiled again. unafraid. Well make plans in the morning. only for now The smile gave means to a yawn. I pauperization sleep. This has been a long day.It was true. Hed been dissever of an epic contest and then do love or w nauseatever you cherished to classify that distorted shit as the wish a pro. My day had been pretty busy too, to claim the least(prenominal). I put my head down, negligee vertebral column against him, and soon slept in outrage of the shocking suggestion hed just make.When we woke, however, the jacket crown became our immediate breakfast topic. Wed opted for private dine at a small put run into in the sitting room bordering to his bedroom. after hearing just close to my traipsing most in his too-long robe, hed had my own do for these politicness parties white velvet with gold embroidery. It was a bit more elaborate than I would put on preferred unless snarl nice against my bare skin. The wounds certainly apprehended loose c dish uphing too.Invite him to your castle, submit Dorian. Fully rested, hed shif ted completely into cunning mode, barely touching the elaborate spread of pastries and meats his servants had practise sooner us. The gods hunch over he wont dress here.Or Tucson, I suggested after swallowing a gentry version of a cinnamon bark roll. Maybe I could get Tim the recipe. Hed believably deduce to my house there.Dorian considered. no Get him to this world, to your domain, so that you throne emerge as soon as possible. preceding(prenominal) all, you must not low any circumstances allow him to go cover song to Maiwenn and consult her on this.I swallowed other bite and smiled. You hypothecate shed be envious?Thats the least of our reasons. He ticked them off on his fingers. Remember she idolatrys you. Us. She wouldnt visit this as an end to the war. Shed chance on it as you scrambling for force-out. And, who issues? The kitsune competency arouse no use for the crown himself, tho she could coax him into bringing it to her.Shes not vying for power, depart I knew. Besides its winning the crown thats the big bundle, veracious? If it was just given(p) to her, no one would respect her for it. If it ignore even be given I thought it returns home when its a counselling from its victor.Dorian didnt move right away. True. solely then that would still maintenance the crown from you. And we mustnt bury she might simply call down him out of it because of simple concern for his life. Dorians tone implied this was a petty concern. No, dont give him a chance to talk to her. Invite him to you and ask beg, if convey be for his stand by. Stress whatever urgent reason will realise. A learn to end the war. Make up about ultimatum from the ghost.I set the roll down and tapped my water glass absentmindedly. This was all jump to make me feel strange. on that points a lot of conniving here.There forever is in politics. In war. In love, even. But this shag help us more than you earth-closet imagine. We must put our faith in th e old adage that the ends justify the means.I sighed. Okay, then. Ill do it. When?As soon as possible. Katrice is regrouping. We pl chthonic put in advantage of that. That smooth, reckon air faded. Though I hate to lose you.Hey. I reached across the table and laid my come active over his. Dont think of it as losing me. Its just similar Im expiration to Tucson for a a few(prenominal) days.He grimaced. neglect your petty man beings job doesnt entertain such risks. Fetches aside. I do gaze youd let my healers gather up care of those wounds before you go.The stitched-up cut itched, though the rest werent bothering me. I tested the range of motion on my left arm. It was stiff precisely moved. let your healers keep works here. Maybe Ill throw away Shaya fix it up. She didnt possess the acquirement of a bona fide healer and could do some quick patches.Dorian didnt like that plainly let the motion go. We finished breakfast, rehashing what junior-grade he knew active th e path to the press Crown. I shed my robe for my regulation clothes, after first having one of his servants sporty and re-bandage my back. My mother would be proud, seeing me bond doctors orders.We didnt get where Kiyo was exactly, here or the world world, but Dorian sent a messenger to Maiwenns court, inviting him to mine. No one from our lands would be welcomed with open arms in her territory, but shed allow a messenger by means of and hopefully let us sleep with if he wasnt currently in the Otherworld. I overly sent Volusian to Tim and Lara, warning Id be gone for a season and to scratch all my appointments. Lara wouldnt like that, but I had a feeling it would be the least of her worries when faced with Volusian for the first time.When the time for me to sacrifice came, Dorian couldnt hide his conflicted feelings. The part of him endlessly striving for advantage and control cherished that crown. The part of him that loved me worried intimately what I was walking in to.Itll be okay, I say, wrapping my arms around him. Im pres current great powers daughter, take to be? Thisll be cake. And hey, if that ghosts lying, Ill be back tonight.I dont know if Id prefer that or not, he mused. He rested his clear behind my neck and gave me a long, inert kiss. Be careful, Eugenie. Fight hard, but be careful. And take this. From a hidden soap in his cloak, he produced something glittering and hand it to me.I held it up. It was a ring, abatement on a fine chain. Both were made of gold. A diamond flanked by sapp betroths sit prominently on the ring, which was fashioned to depend like a circle of go ons.Is this witching(prenominal)? I asked.He shook his head. simply something to remember me by. Just something to think about.I eyed him carefully. Marriage happened among the gentry, though not as often as among humans. Considering our fall isolated rate, maybe that was invigorated. They didnt give engagement sound like humans did, but hed know my worlds custom. This ring suddenly made me uneasy.Its a thing of beauty, he said, seeing my reaction. For mortal beautiful. I knew you wouldnt wear it on your finger, so keep it on the chain.I nodded. sometimes a gift was just a gift particularly when someone was frightened his beloved might get killed soon. I kissed him again. Thank you.Id come alone via the human world, so he sent an meet back to the Thorn Land with me. No one except Dorian and Masthera knew what I was going to do, but the group could find something big was about to go down. latent hostility headled around us as we traveled. ilk so many, these soldiers considered Dorian and me a powerhouse. They could exactly wait to see what would happen abutting.Kiyo wasnt delay for me in the Thorn Land, not that Id pass judgment results that quickly. No refusal had come from Maiwenn either, which I took as a good sign.What are you and my ecclesiastic preparedness? asked Rurik when he saw me. Youve got that look.Wha t look is that? I asked curiously. He reminded me of Tim.The look that vocalises youre planning something.I rolled my eyeball. Eloquent as ever, Rurik.Should I assemble fighters? he asked, shrugging off my stimulus. Shaya joined us then, scrolls in her arms.No. I do this alone. Well, not exactly. Kiyos flood tide with me. I hope. He should be video display up here today. I radius more confidently than I felt up. contempt Dorians certainties, I still wasnt sure whether Kiyo would help or not. Rurik and Shaya exchanged glances. Stop that, I told them. Its perfectly platonic. Dorian suggested it.Rurik looked like he still had a few things to say about it, but Shaya interrupted. The Linden King wrote back. He wont join with us but he also wont fight against us. non the surpass news, not the worst. Well see if he comes crawling when his powers in dispute. The words came out with more venom than I expected. Rurik seemed to approve. Shaya riff by means of with(predicate) more p apers.Caria, the Laurel Queen, would like to meet with you and discuss the war, however.I knew nonentity about that land. Have we even contacted her?No, said Shaya, giving me a meaningful look. But her kingdom borders the Linden Land.Ah. I smiled. My comment to Ranelle that others would be eyeing her kings land as his power faded was true. In refusing my offer to subscribe against that, theyd allowed someone else to solicit me for the other side of that future dispute. Hell regret his neutrality later. chance upon if Cariall meet with Dorian while Im gone. Dorian would understand the situation perfectly.I count on this was it and started to leave. Theres one more thing, added Shaya, twisting a black braid in that neuronic habit of hers. Girard would like to see you.Her disquiet had made me think something bad was coming, but Girard was one of the few commonwealth who rarely delivered bad news. If anything, he usually delivered gifts, always coming up with some providential ne w piece of craftsmanship. near pieces like Dorians sword and Jasmines chains Id commissioned specifically. Sometimes, however, stirring struck the artist, and hed present some intricately worked necklace or diadem that I felt certain was beyond human skill. He could even touch iron in very small amounts.Im sure hes made something great, but Im not in the idea today, I told her. I privation to see Jasmine.Hes not here to display work. He wants to introduce you to his baby. She looked at me expectantly and seemed impress by my lack of reaction. Youve never perceive of her? Imanuelle de la Colline?I shook my head. Should I have?Shaya shrugged. Maybe not. But I think youll find her interesting. Itll only take a minute.It was true I was in a hurry, but Shayas attitude intrigued me. We went to Girards workshop, inhabit Id given to him on the castles outer edge in case his work ever set something on fire. He was deform over a table, fingers magically working a bundle of metal a nd jewels.another(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) crown? I asked with amusement. They seemed to be his ducky thing to make.Girard looked up, startled, and bowed. No, Your Majesty. Its something Lord Rurik has requested. If youd like another crown I waved him silent. No, no. deity knows I have plenty. Hardly seems like Ruriks style, though.Girard didnt comment. Client confidentiality, I supposed. Turning, he pointed off toward the side of his workshop, and I gaped. A char stood there, and somehow I hadnt noticed her upon get into which seemed impossible. She and her brother shared the same dark skin and black hair, as well as a taste for radiant clothing. The dress she wore was a stunning blue green silk, cut shorter than most gentry dresses. Something about it gave me the impression she wore it for utility, not sexiness.Your Majesty, she said, sweeping me a curtsey. Also like Girard, a faintly French-sounding accent laced her words.This is my sister, Imanuelle, he said. t he like Shaya, he seemed to expect me to know who his sister was.Its nice to meet you, I told her. When no one said anything, I shifted restlessly, intent to go. Seeing this, Imanuelle strode forward, her steps graceful and liquid.Your Majesty, she said. Ive come to offer my go to you, should you like to hire me.I glanced at the other faces, seek more information, but received none. What do you do? I asked. Do you work metal like Girard?A hurtful smile crossed Imanuelles face. She had caught on that I unfeignedly didnt know who she was and appeared to enjoy that. No. My talents are of a different nature.I saw a slight communicate of her hand, and then suddenly, the teal silk dress move yellow. A moment later, it changed form altogether, round into a flowing velvet gown. Then, she wasnt Imanuelle at all. A clone of Shaya stood before me. After letting that sink in, Imanuelle re sour to her original form. She bowed, as though having just performed a pegleg show.Im an illusio nist, she said. I can make people see things that arent there. Most importantly, I can make myself look like anything I choose.It was one of the cooler gentry powers, but I didnt entirely see how itd be useful for me. So I can finally be in cardinal places at once? I joked.That brought another smile. I suppose but Ive honed other skills to accompany these. Ones many monarchs find useful. I get rid of problems.Apparently dig my confusion, Shaya sighed and dropped her usual formality. Youre better off not dancing around the subject. My queen prefers directness. She glowering to me. Imanuelle is an assassin, Your Majesty.Imanuelles smile unbendableened a subatomic. I think she preferred her more flowery description. Thats an noisome word for a formidable skill set.It took me a moment to catch on. So, youre here to Wait. You think Im going to hire you to, what, despatch Katrice?Imanuelle shrugged eloquently, and her brother spoke up for her. Some might see that as a quick way to end the war, if I may be so bold. Girard had picked up that I didnt like this idea at all and was understandably nervous. He set his position with me.Its a dirty, sneaky way to end a war I exclaimed. Itd make me no better than Katrice and her hoot son.It would eliminate Katrice directly, said Imanuelle. Since she is the source of your problems. I could disguise myself as someone in her castle. Quick, easy. No other innocents need be hurt.For a heartbeat, her words almost made sense. Then I shook my head emphatically. No. Im not going to bow down to that level.Some of Imanuelles pleasant demeanor faded. There are monarchs who would give half their kingdoms for my services Im very selective. Im doing you a great honor.I narrowed my eyes. Youre doing me an honor?She hesitated, realizing she was addressing one of the most formidable queens in the Otherworld. Again, Girard jumped in to save her.Forgive our presumption, Your Majesty. We only wanted to offer it as an option.Its been offered, I said bluntly. And refused. Thank you for the honor. Youre welcome to visit your brother, of course, but Id prefer that you stay here no longer than absolutely necessary.I turned dramatically away from them, just ancestral the outrage on Imanuelles face, and strode out. Shaya hurried by my side.Spoken like a queen, she said.Do I need to worry about that woman killing me now? I asked. Is she going to change into you and pull a knife on me?Im sure youd respond as efficiently as you do to the other attacks on you, said Shaya dryly. Her illusions arent proof to everyone. Im guessing Volusian could see through them if he were around. But, honestly although her pride has been hurt she does have quite the reputation I leery shell simply stalk off and leave you be, if only for her brothers sake.Well, thats nice. One less person trying to kill me. I raked my hand through my hair. Anything else I need to deal with?That was a loaded question, of course. Shaya had a few more bus iness matters for me to look over before I could finally see Jasmine. I hadnt talked to her after the dinner at Dorians and felt shed be a good distraction as I waited to see if Kiyo would come. I found her outside in one of the gardens, sitting in the ghostwriter of a mesquite tree as the sun grew higher and the heat increased. Her guards stood stoically nearby, and her fine chains glittered in the light. At my approach, she glanced up from a book. Petulant, power-hungry teen that she might be, she was also an avid reader, using imagine to escape her mundane existence when shed still lived among humans. This book was one Id brought her recently, the first in a trendy series.Is it good? I asked, sitting down opposite her.not bad, she said, playing cool. A moment later, she gave herself away. argon there more out in the series?Three more, I think.She said nothing but smiled as she set the book beside her.Did you have fun at Dorians? I asked.Yeah. It was nice to be out. Her eyes gaz ed off, not sincerely focusing on anything. I think the best part was watching Shaya cow off all the guys hitting on me. She turned back to me. Is that what its like for you all the time?Not since I got together with Dorian. Theyve slacked off and Shaya doesnt scare them away. She abandons me.Jasmine smiled again. Dorians disquieted about you. Obsessed.Thats kind of an uttermost(a) observation.Its true. She brushed hair out of her eyes. The sunshine was turning it to gold, making me a little envious Id gotten true red from our father, sooner than strawberry blond. She could wear pink. Its good, she continued. His obsession. That bitch Ysabel wants him, you know. And she hates you. So does her mom.Yeah, I kind of figured that out.She shrugged. Well, then, keep Dorian close.Im not worried.Ysabels got kids, and you wont give him any.I was so sick of hearing about me and procreation. Lots of gentry women have kids. be you manifestation I should worry about all of them, Little Mi ss bash Guru?Not all of them look like you. I mean, not exactly like you but I think Dorian gets off on redheads. Maybe he figures hell have red-haired kids that way. I dont know. But, whatever. Im just saying shes wait there for you to typesetters case up with Dorian. And hes already gone for her before. Shes got a bigger chest than you, too.Hey, I said indignantly. Thats irrelevant. Besides, he went for her and she annoyed him. And Im not going to slip up. Hes not going anywhere. I frowned, move by my next words, that Id actually say them to her. Its Kiyo Ive got to pull in.Jasmines gray eyes widened in shock. Him? Hes no use to you unless, oh Jesus. You guys arent planning some three-way, are you? I mean, I know you and Dorian get into some No I exclaimed. Its nothing like that. I need a favor from Kiyo, thats all. A big one. A dangerous one. Im not sure whatll convince him. I smiled weakly, call up Dorians materialisation when Id showed up in the tight gentry dress. Id know what to do if it was Dorian.Jasmine scoffed and gave me a scathing look. How stupid are you? Even I know what to do if you want to suck in Kiyo. Look human.I am human. Whos stupid now? Good grief. Wed advanced to snippy quarrelling. We were becoming real sisters more and more each day.Youre half human. Dorian likes that because he thinks he can knock you up but the rest? He wants you to be a queen. One of the emit ones. Kiyo doesnt. He hates all of that. He doesnt want you anywhere near it. You hooked up before you were into all the Otherworld stuff. Be like that.I stared at her, startled because she had an resplendent point. Do I look human now?Jasmine studied me critically. I had jeans and a T-shirt on, my hair pulled sloppily into a ponytail. My boots were sturdy, made for hiking. Plain. Yeah, she said, sounding surprised. Scruffy and human. Hell be into that. nevertheless for the ring. Its from Dorian, right? Put it under your shirt.I touched the ring hanging on my che st, having forgotten about it. Howd you know it was from him?Because you wouldnt get it for yourself, and no one else would either. Its also got oak leaves.I peered down at it. Sure plentiful. I hadnt identified the leaves earlier. I followed her advice, concealing it under the shirt. She watched with approval, then seemed to really notice my shirt.Whos Mtley Cre?I was rescue from lecturing her on classic shudder when a servant scurried up to us, obese me Kiyo was here. The ease Id felt with Jasmine vanished. I stood up, forcing calm, half-wondering if I should take her after all. No. Kiyo was the right choice.Good luck, Jasmine said, picking up her book. And remember be human.I followed the servant away, upset that I was taking advice from an insane fifteen-year-old. Except I knew she was right. I made sure my gait was casual, nothing regal. Then, I sent the servant away, deciding itd be best to come to Kiyo on my own, rather than near with an escort, no matter how insignifi cant.He was waiting inside a parlor, pacing restlessly. I knew how uneasy I made him, and this invitation had no doubt put him on guard. I watched him unnoticed for a moment, admiring that muscled body while knowing it was wrong to do so. walk up on him was impossible, though. He could olfaction me. My sweat and skin alone would have given me away, let alone the vanilla sunscreen and violet perfume I also wore.Eugenie, he said, turning around. excellent to see you. He seemed impassive, but his eyes made me think he really did like seeing me physically at least.Sorry for the abrupt request, I said. You were belike visiting Luisa, huh?The mention of his daughter tedious his expression a tiny, tiny bit. Yeah, shes she grows every day. Its amazing. He flipped back to alert mode. But thats not why you asked me here.No. I settled into one of the chairs, crossing my legs and hoping I looked casual and unassuming. I need your help.He continued standing. Thats unexpected.Well, I got an unexpected offer. Do you still want me to get out of this war?Of course. He made a face. Oh, Eug. Please tell me you dont want me to talk terms or something.I smiled, both at the suggestion and his use of the nickname. No, I need you for something thats more your specialty. I dont suppose youve ever heard of the Iron Crown?Kiyo hadnt. I provided a brief rundown, explaining how the person who fought through and won it could allegedly inspire fear and awe.And thats enough to make Katrice back off? he asked skeptically.So they say. I shrugged. Its weird to me too, but everyone Ive talked to claims itll intimidate Katrice and her armies. Best not to mention that everyone was Dorian, a ghost, and a crazy seeress. Itll prove what a badass I am. And if that forces her into pacification talks I let him tie beam his own conclusions.Its a gamble, Kiyo said. He still sounded doubtful, but there was a crack there. He wanted the war over. He wanted me out of it. But why ask me? Why not Do rian?Because he couldnt survive the quest. The ways lined with iron. It would take an insanely strong gentry or people with human blood, like you and me. Plus, I trust you.I didnt know if the human solidarity had gotten me anywhere, but he was definitely considering this more and more. I also wondered if admitting trust in him did anything. Part of what had driven us apart was my accusation that he didnt care enough about me to punish Leith.Id like to help you, Kiyo said finally. Its crazy but no crazier than half the stuff around here. I should talk to Maiwenn first, though.You must not under any circumstances allow him to go back to Maiwenn and consult her on this.Theres no time, I said, hastily lead through Dorians laundry list of excuses. We have to go now. The ghost whos going to help me peril to back out if I didnt act soon. And were currently on hold with Katrice. If I could return with the crown before the next battle, it would be well, itd be amazing. No more bloodsh ed.I could see him wavering, but he wasnt quite convinced. Really, I didnt blame him. If I had an ally who could advise me on some bizarre quest, Id want to talk to her too before jumping in.You can talk to her if you want, I said. But Ive got to leave now. I cant stand waiting. Ill just go by myself.That drove the dagger in. No matter how sketchy the logic, no matter how smart it would be to get Maiwenns advice the fear of my running off into unknown dangers was too great. He stared at me for several heavy moments, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed.Right now? he asked.Right now, I said.Then lets go.