Thorn Queen Chapter Seventeen

Jasmine tight leapt ten feet in the air when I came wild through with(predicate) the h any that led to her cell.You I exclaimed. You can summon wet demons.She widened her weigh, speechless for a pitch. It appeared as though Id interrupted her doingwell, no liaison. In a function of guilt, Id direct or so books down to her to pass the time, but reports from the guards said she did scant(p) but sulk. Well, that and try to cajole them to let her out. I guess she figured shed convey with Volusian after she got one of the guards to crack.Rec everyplaceing herself a moment later, she adopted a sneer reminiscent of Ysabels. Considering their mutual hatred of me, maybe I should deport sent her down here to entertain Jasmine.Maybe, Jasmine conceded. Why? Afraid Ill use them to break out?No, I said. But I need them to get rid of some fire demons.Roland had told me the best focus to oust the demons would be by summoning their opposites. Id dismissed the idea then, knowing it was beyond my lieability. At the same time, Id considered the possibility that Jasmine could do itthough it had moderatemed a useless sentiment considering Id had no clue to her where to the highest degrees or any reason to think shed help me.But now? Well, things were different.Arts attitude had go forth me feeling helpless and ineffectual. Now, I suddenly felt as though I had the means to take control and actually right some wrongs in this kingdom.So? Jasmine asked, non shapeming startled in the least. Thats got nothing to do with me.Not true. Youre going to help me. Were going to face them and their master, and youre going to summon water creatures to take down those demons.Jasmines expression was close comic in its disbelief. Why would I help you?I tried good cop first. Because its the right thing to do. Theyre hurting innocent people.So? Like I said, that doesnt affect me.Spoken bid the selfish child you are. She flushed. Considering her obsession with having a queer and ru ling over some(prenominal) worlds, she didnt comparable having her age or capabilities mocked. I thought you cherished to be the queen of this land once.She glowered. Yes. And I would have been if you hadnt stolen itWhy? Why be queen if you have no intention of doing anything? Did you retributive want to wear a crown and have people grovel?She didnt acknowledge that and instead replied stonily, Im not helping you.I stepped toward the bars, smiling sweetly, even though I was close to enter bad-cop mode. Oh, you are. Whether you like it or not.What, youre going to force me or something?In a matter of seconds, I had my Glock out and pointing straight at her. She paled and maskinged up against the wall, looking very much like she wanted to melt into it. Behind me, I heard a slight shuffling among the guards. Guns were a very human weapon, made of steel and alloys and opposite substances that were anathema to the gentry. They were equally deadly to humans-or, in Jasmines case, hal f-humans.Youre crazy, she said.I shrugged. Ive got a job to do, and youre key to getting it done. You can cooperate, and maybe Ill improve your living arrangements. Give you a room instead of a cell.I could see thoughts and schemes spinning tail end her eyes. Jasmine was young, inexperienced, and self-centeredbut she wasnt stupid. I had to think somewhat cheerfully that that too was a family trait.And if I dont do it, youre going to shoot me?Well, everyone says I should kill you anyway.My voice was calm, my face hard. I didnt know if she would believe me or not. Hell, I didnt know if I believed myself. She knew I had little love for her after everything shed done, and Id ache had a reputation as a ruthless fighter and-as many another(prenominal) gentry saw it-murderer. Jasmine swallowed. She was trying to look calm too, but her eyes betrayed her.How do you know I wont summon them and have them turn on you once my cuffs are off? You know I cant wear them and yet have that anato my of power.I released the safety device on the gun, which was still pointed at her. Because Ill have this on the back of your head the entire time.Long silence fell. Volusian was so still that Id intimately forgotten he was there.Finally, Jasmine said, I hate you.Sothats a yes?I took her silence as a confirmation and put the gun away, putting the safety back on and feeling a bit surprised at the pounding of my own heart. Had I genuinely just pointed a gun at a fifteen-year-old girl? Roland and Kiyo both believed dealing with conjuring trick could change the kind of person you were. Was messing with lightning and air turning me into someone who could easily threaten others to get my way? No, I decided. This had nothing to do with the magic. This was necessity. I needed to oust those fire demons, and this was the way to do it.Eugenie?A soft voice pulled me from my churning emotions. KiyoHe stood there in the hall, and I wondermented how much hed overheard. It didnt matter. I wa s just so insanely happy to see him. The heaviness in my heart lightened, and if there hadnt been so many witnesses, I would have run into his arms. He looked amazing, dressed in human garb jeans and a plain gray T-shirt that hugged his muscles perfectly. The silken black hairs-breadth curled around his chin, and his skin looked like caramel.But his eyeshis eyes were hard.I gave Jasmine a warning look. Well let the cat out of the bag later.Fuck you, Eugenie, she called.I caught hold of Kiyos choke and walked back upstairs with him. Seeing him released all the nervous tension in me that had been building up since last night. Id been so wound up, so worried and afraid. Now, it was like all was right in the world once again. The news about the baby was hard on me, but I still wanted to gazump him. The words were on my lips as soon as we were alone, but he spoke first.Really, Eugenie? This is what its come to?My head was still giddy over seeing him. What do you mean?He pointed back toward the dungeon door from which wed just emerged. That I neer expected to find you with a gun to a teen girls head.It wasnt on the nose to her head, I said. And she can help us get rid of those demons. Even if she cant summon true water demons herself, we both know she can call other water creatures. Kiyo and I had fought off some such creatures-including one that had caught us in a compromising position in his car and nearly killed both of us. Those could give us the edge.And if she doesnt, you really are going to kill her?I sighed and stopped walking, leaning against one of the tapestry-covered walls so I could face him. Do you really think Id do that?She seemed to think you would, and to tell you the truth, I kind of did too. I dont think you realize how scary you can be. He stood in front of me, with little distance between us, and there was an odd mix of sexual chemistry and antagonism in the air. theres a strange feel to youhave you been practicing magic?I didnt answer i mmediately, which was as good as an admission of guilt. The look he gave me was closely more horrified than when hed thought I was going to shoot Jasmine. A little.A little Eugenie, he hissed, leaning close. Theres no in-between with this stuff. You keep doing it, and youre just going to fall farther and farther down the rabbit hole.I laughed and threw my arms up, gesturing to the castle. I fell into Wonderland a long time ago.You know what I mean. I thought you werent going to do it anymore. I thought we concord it was bad.You agreed, I corrected, feeling my own temper start to rise. I had a chance to learn more, and I decided to take it. And like I said, its scarcely been a little.Learn from who? he asked suspiciously.A woman from Dorians kingdom. She has some ability with controlling air and has been showing me how to use it. I might be on the verge of calling lightning too. In front of his furious gaze, there was an instinct to be sheepishand yet, I felt kind of proud at what Id accomplished.Of course. Dorian. Somehow, Im not surprised.Hey, Dorians been nice to me lately. My defense of the gentry king surprised me-as did the truth of it. With so much in chaos recently, Id found Dorians presence almost comforting.Kiyo rolled his eyes. Yes, and Im current hed love to be nicer still. Look, you start putting all those magical elements together, and youre going to have some serious power on your hands. Youre going to be like-Do not say like Storm King I cried. I wish everyone would just stop assuming thats inevitable. Plenty of gentry use magic without becoming tyrannical warlords. Give me some credit here.Im just worried about you, he growled.And do you know what Im worried about? Im worried about people starving here, about people not getting enough water. Im worried about brigands and demons preying on innocents. Im worried about girls disappearing and possibly cosmos abducted by those who face no accountability. And all of this is on top of trying to s till live my human life and keep every goddamned otherworldly guy out of my pants. So dont come here and start dictating to me. Youre never around. You have no idea what Im going throughI was shouting, and it was a wonder none of the servants had come scurrying to see what was wrong. My breathing was heavy, and Id clenched my fists without even realizing it in my anger.Why are you here anyway? I demanded.Kiyos sliminess eyes were hard to read, but I could see some of his earlier fury had cooled. I wasnt sure if hed reconsidered his accusations or simply decided I wasnt worth arguing with. I came to see if you wanted to visit the baby.Oh.For whatever reason, it was like a bucket of cold water on the rest of my anger. I sighed. KiyoIm sorry. I shouldnt have yelled at you-He raked a hand through his dark hair. And I shouldnt have jumped all over you. A sly grin dour up the edges of his lips. Well, not that way at least. But youre right-I havent been around. Youre going through a lot that Ive missed, and I dont know fully whats going on. I mean, that doesnt change how I feel about Jasmine and magic-I held up a hand. Enough. We can fight about those later. Tell me about the baby.And like that, Kiyos face completely transformed. joy and wonder of such purity filled his features that it was amazing to behold. Id hardly ever seen him look like that-no, scratch that. I might have never seen him look like that.Oh, Eugenie. Shes so beautiful. So perfect. I nevershes like nothing I ever could have imagined.Something sank in the pit of my stomach, something cold and leaden. I almost wished hed get angry again so that my own fury would return. Anger was warmer than sadness.Forcing a smiling, I reached for his hand. Im so happy for you, I said. Id love to see her. Whats her flesh?Luisa.He said the name like a prayer, like a magic word that could fix all the worlds ills. Id heard him say my name like that too, often in the midst of sex. Obviously, his attitudes toward t he two of us were a bit different, but the intensity of his love was similar.Its a jolly name, I said, still trying to smile. A moment of uneasy silence fell. Ready to go?I was growing better at convincing Rurik to let me leave without an escort, and Kiyo and I were able to make good time to the Willow Land. I rode on horseback, and he ran alongside in fox form, able to easily match my pace. bandage this wasnt an official state visit, Id grumblingly put on a gentry dress in recognition of my queenly status. It was a simple one, pale blue with cap sleeves and light material. It actually had kind of a Jane Austen feel. The worst part was that since I refused to ride sidesaddle or anything ridiculous like that, the skirt rode up on my legs. With totally Kiyo to see me, it didnt matter too much, and he certainly didnt mind.Along the way, we passed another village in my kingdom, one I had yet to visit. I recognized it from Shayas descriptions. I was pretty sure it was one of the ones with copper ore. Near its outskirts, I could see people working and digging. I made a mental notice to stop on the way back-if the Otherworld didnt decide to send me through a different route.Kiyos fox form meant we didnt have to make any conversation. Spring was progressing cursorily in the Willow Land when we arrived. In fact, it had come much more quickly than I would have expected based on my last visit. There was no snow, and buds were bursting on the trees. The air was warm and picnic-perfect, with crocuses, daffodils, and other spring bulbs sprouting in brightly colored clusters. I was startled at the change until I remembered how the Otherworldly kingdoms were tied to their monarchs. I could pour my energy into the land and help heal it. Dorian kept the Oak Land in a stark(a) state of autumn because it brought on memories of his youth that made him feel good and strong. If Maiwenn had just given birth, wouldnt her land reflect that burst of new life?Kiyo shifted back to hu man shape as we approached the castles main gates. Those guarding it gave me curious looks but welcomed him with cheers and genuine affection. Indeed, the happy energy was palpable as we walked the halls. Everyone in Maiwenns hold acted as though they were on their way to a party. Smiles shone on everyones faces.Kiyo required no escort or guide as he led us swiftly through the halls, up a few flights of stairs, and into Maiwenns bedroom. As soon as we entered, I decided I might need to have a pour forth with Shaya about redecorating. The bedroom Id inherited from Aeson was that of a medieval warlord, with blocky furniture, few windows, and everything-from the thick stone walls to the bedding-in dark, somber colors. Maiwenns room was light and airy, ringed in windows and filled with exquisite, delicate-looking strap furniture. The sheets on her bed were lavender silk, and gauzy material hung from the canopy. It looked like a room befitting a fairy princess-er, queen.Eugenie, she sa id, smiling. She was sitting in bed with pillows propped behind her. I was hoping youd come.Were you? I wondered. A day after having a baby, she looked as gorgeous as usual, her golden hair cascading over a soft ping nightgown. A delicate crown of pearls, even in bed, adorned that luxurious hair, and I pettily thought again about my alleged need for a crown. Kiyo claimed it would send the wrong message, but I suddenly kind of wanted one. A weensy bundle was in Maiwenns arms, but mostly all I could see of Luisa was a lacy white cap and a shock of black hair.I smiled back and approached tentatively. Had I treated this visit too nonchalantly? Should I have dressed up even more than I had and come bearing gold and frankincense? Congratulations. You must be so happy.Maiwenns smile became even more radiant. She met Kiyos eyes, and something passed between them-not romantic, exactly, but a strong emotion I wasnt privy to. Maiwenn carefully lifted her blanket-wrapped bundle, and he took i t from her with equal gentleness.See? he said, coming to stand beside me. Isnt she beautiful?Beautiful wasnt quite the word I would have used, though Luisa was definitely cute-which was a relief. Id met people with ugly babies, and in those situations, you almost alship canal had to lie and say the baby was cute. No need for lies now. Luisa was adorable-which was no surprise with her parentage-and indeed, it was obvious whose genes shed gotten the bulk of. With her black hair and tanned skin, Luisa was clearly her fathers daughter.Here, he said, handing her to me before I could stop him.I hadnt held many babies before, and I took her awkwardly, one arm supporting the length of her body while the other supported her head. She was warm, nearly round with all those blankets, and shifted ever so slightly as she slept. Everything about her was tiny-tiny nose, tiny fingers, tiny eyelashes. A weird feeling built up at the back of my throat, and I remembered my conversation with Dorian. My hips would forever stay slim. My body would never create anything like this. When Luisa briefly opened her eyes to look at me-they were dark blue, no doubt to become brown-I handed her back to her father.Kiyo took her happily, still wearing that wondrous look on his face, and sat on the edge of the bed. He primed(p) Luisa in Maiwenns arms, and while there was no more touching than such an act required, I again had that sense of connection between them all. An intangible bewilder that would keep them together forever.I wanted to leave after that. I wanted to run from this place and never come back. But, I had to stay because Kiyo wanted me to be a part of this and because it was the polite thing to do for Maiwenn. So I kept that smile frozen on my face and made small talk that I barely heard, like whether Luisa would inherit any kitsune abilities and when Maiwenn should host the celebration of her birth.At long last, Kiyo said we had to go, and I could tell he only did so for my sa ke. If hed had his way, he would have stayed all night. I told Maiwenn congratulations again and assured her of my happiness and the babys cuteness and a dozen other things new mothers like to hear. Kiyo was full of smiles too, but as soon as we left the room, his faded.Was it really that awful? he asked.I did a double-take. What are you talking about? Did I say something wrong?No, Eugenie. You were perfect. Everything was perfect. I dont think Maiwenn noticed a thing-but then, shes pretty distracted. He sighed. But I know you. I can see youre upset. argon you really still that worried about Maiwenn and me getting back together?Maiwenn and him? How could I explain that what I felt went beyond simple jealousy? It wasnt just that I feared the birth of this baby might bring them together-and that was a legitimate fear of mine-but Luisas birth impacted me in so many other ways too. I thought about Kiyo and how much I loved him and wanted as strong a relationship as we could have-but tha t no matter what happened with us, we could never have a family like that. I worried again if he might cast me aside for my inadequacies. And while I was still a long way from being baby crazy or hearing my biological clock, how awful was it going to be if someday I did want a baby and couldnt have one? Or what if-God help me-I did have a baby through some accident? I could never love it, not with that prognostic hanging over my head.Its complicated, I said, realizing Kiyo was waiting for an answer.Eugenie, he said wearily. I love you. I love you so much. This isnt going to change that. Maiwenn and I are through as lovers. I testament always care about her, and were going to work together to make sure Luisas raised with all the love and attention she needs. But youre the woman I love, the woman whos my partner and who I want to be with forever.His words were sweet, and they did warm part of me up. But he still didnt get the whole picture, didnt understand the tangle of emotions th is birth had stirred up in me. It was so hit or miss with Kiyo lately. Some days, I felt like he knew me better than I knew myself. Other days, when it came to the issue of babies-or magic or ruling a kingdom-it was like he didnt get me at all.I know, I said, laying my hand on his. I certainly wasnt going to fight or debate this in the middle of Maiwenns castle. Look, its okay. Well talk about this later. Right nowwell, I can tell you dont really want to go.He shook his head. No, no. Im coming with you-Kiyo, I said, unable to help a small smile, I know you. I saw your face up there. You want to be with Luisa more. And you should. Stay awhile, and Ill just go back myself.Eugenie But I could tell I was right.Its fine. And Ill be fine. Im the big bad Thorn Queen, remember? Besides, I want to visit that village we passed.He was silent for several seconds. Where will you be tomorrow? I want to find you.Im not sure. In the morning I have to be back in Tucson for a job-and to talk to Rolan d-but after that So much kept happening lately that I was always shuffling one problem around for another. I hadnt had the chance to talk to Roland about Art and the Yellow River connection, nor did Kiyo know about the recent developments around that either. Before I could start to explain, Kiyo turned us in an unexpected direction.Do you want to go hunting fire demons?I regarded him with surprise. Really?Well, if youve got Jasmine and your new tricks, youve got more of a fighting chance, so I figure you might as well make it a slam dunk and bring me along. Youve been wanting to get rid of them, right?Wed come to a stop in the hall, and the scenario was spookily parallel to when wed been in my castle earlier. There was no chastisement or echoes of that argument now, and I was grateful. Thank you, I said, leaning toward him. I placed a light kiss on his lips-or at least, I tried to make it light. His hand reached out and grabbed my shoulder, bringing me closer still and intensifying the kiss.I pulled back, wonder just how weird it would be for a servant to see the father of their queens child making out with someone else. Of course, among the gentry, that kind of thing was probably pretty typical.Go, I said, stepping back before I was tempted to kiss him again. Go see your beautiful daughter. Well talk tomorrow.Thanks, Eugenie. His face split into one of those wonderful grins. And thank you forI dont know. You understand me. I dont think anyone else does.I smiled back and then watched him turn around. A few moments later, I turned as well. As I stepped distant into the balmy spring air, I wondered if anyone truly understood me.