Page 58 of Twist of Fate

Zer watched them go with the solemn expression he usually reserved for approaching enemies. Then he looked back at the human on the bed. “You have encouraged them.”

“I complimented their work.”

“You encouraged pixies.”

His brother stated this fact as if he didn’t have a pixie hiding in his hair the majority of the time. Gomez wasn’t the only one who’d encouraged the tiny creatures. Most fae avoided them due to their…excessiveness. Connal would have to intervene to protect Gomez if needed. For now, though, he had to admit a distinct pleasure in watching Gomez appreciate the lavishness of Unseelie life.

Gomez took another bite. “I regret nothing.”

Luke sat at the edge of the bed beside him, a plate balanced across one knee. He had eaten little so far, but at least he had stopped pretending he required nothing. The bruising along his throat remained too dark, and the bandage around his injured hand made every movement awkward. He still looked exhausted.

He also looked more settled than he had before Gomez arrived.

Connal remained in the chair across the chamber, obeying his king’s command despite the restless pull beneath his skin. His strength had returned. Mostly. Enough that sitting still while threats remained unanswered felt more like punishment than recovery.

The drive was once again hidden at Luke’s waistband. They possessed the object their attackers wanted, but they still did not know what it contained.

The chamber doors opened, and Cosmo stepped inside.

Two pixies nearly collided with his horns in their rush to greet him. Cosmo ducked without interrupting his stride, apparently accustomed to avoiding airborne members of the court.

“Well,” he said, surveying the collection of plates surrounding Gomez. “I see you’ve been adequately fed.”

“I wouldn’t say adequately. I’d say heroically.”

“An important distinction.”

Luke set his plate aside. “What did Silenus say?”

The humor in Cosmo’s expression softened. “Asterius and Keir have given him their accounts of the warehouse. He has sent three of the castle’s most trusted sentinels to examine what remains of the structure.”

Connal straightened. “They have already left?”

“Immediately after receiving the order. Silenus wants the residue examined before it fades or whoever created it has an opportunity to remove the evidence.”

That was the correct decision. Connal disliked that it had been made without him anyway.

“And the realm?” he asked.

“The guard has been increased at every known passage, and no unfamiliar magic will enter without being reported directly to Silenus.” Cosmo crossed the chamber and lowered himself into the chair nearest the bed. “He is not assuming the warehouse was the full extent of the threat.”

Luke’s attention sharpened. “When does he want the rest of our report?”

“After the sentinels return. He wants their findings before he asks either of you to draw conclusions about what happened.”

“I can give my account now,” Connal said.

“I’m sure you can.” Cosmo looked pointedly at the chair beneath him. “You can also give it tomorrow without falling over in front of your king.”

“I did not fall.”

“No,” Luke said. “You arranged for several people to catch you first.”

Gomez lifted his pastry. “That still counts.”

Connal ignored him.

Cosmo’s mouth twitched. “Silenus is not waiting because he doubts your ability to speak. He already has enough information to act, and he is acting. The full council will meet when the evidence and everyone required to interpret it are available.”