Sun Broken (The Wild Hunt #11) - Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,37

sat back, crossing his arms. I knew him well enough to know just how pissed he was at having to take time out for this. Granted, keeping peace between the two factions was our job, but sometimes it was like trying to herd cats, or rather, babysit powerful two-year-olds in the throes of a tantrum.

Saílle and Névé both stared at him, not saying a word.

“Saílle, we know you are hiding Callan,” Herne said, trying again. “By order of the Covenant of the Wild Hunt, you are to turn him over to us before the end of the day.”

“What makes you think he’s under my protection?” Saílle said, inspecting her nails.

“Of course you have him,” Névé said, leaning forward, her eyes flashing. “You kidnapped him as soon as the Brotherhood disbanded and now you refuse to give him back to us. Bringing him into this time was my idea, so you hold no claim over him and I want him back.”

Saílle sputtered. “Your idea? My advisor came up with the plan to bring Callan out of the mists, so he belongs with the Dark Fae.”

“You lie!” Névé jumped to her feet, leaning her hands on the table. The energy crackled off her in waves.

“Enough!” Ginty jumped up on his stepstool so he was equal to their height. “As mediator, I command silence!”

Saílle and Névé obeyed, but both looked ready to strangle the dwarf.

“You will behave in a civilized manner beneath the mantle of parley. Is that clear?” Ginty spread his arms out to his sides. “This entire room, this entire Waystation, is under my control, and you will behave while the Mantle of Rules holds power. Is that understood?”

I wanted to cheer, but that would just be egging them on. Instead, I let out a satisfied sigh and waited to see what they would do next.

Saílle was the first to speak. She was tight-lipped and abrupt, but she said, “My apologies, Master McClintlock. I will refrain from interacting in a hostile manner.”

Not wanting to be left the bad guy, Névé abruptly sat down and followed suit. “I, as well.”

“Very well, then. Herne the Hunter, Lord of the Hunt, son of Cernunnos, has issued a proclamation from the gods. Are you stating you’re going to ignore the covenant?”

Saílle looked ready to bite his head off, but said, “Of course not.” She turned to Herne and in a sarcastic tone, said, “Is this your mother’s final word?”

“It is. If you do not deliver Callan to our office by six p.m. today, you will be considered in contempt of the gods. And I would not provoke my mother’s contempt, were I you. Either of you.”

He waited, but Saílle remained silent.

“Well? Come on, I don’t have all day.” Herne leaned forward. “Look, both of you know you’re not getting away with this one. If you want to kill each other off, feel free. I don’t give a fuck, but you do not have the right to harm the citizens of this realm with your petty-assed bickering. Do you get it? Do I have to spell it out for you any more than that?”

Saílle glowered, but she kept her composure. After a moment, she said, “Tell your father we will comply. But I take no responsibility if the Light interferes. If you want Callan delivered to you safely, then you’d better send an official escort to pick him up. He’ll be ready at four.”

Herne rolled his eyes, but turned to Névé. “I’d better not see any of your court attempting there to intervene. Do you understand?”

Névé huffed. “You’re as blustery and irritating as your father. But the Light acknowledges Morgana’s decree. We won’t interfere.” She glared at Saílle. “This wouldn’t have happened if the Queen of the Dark had kept our agreement.”

“Callan asked for asylum in the Dark Court. We didn’t bribe him,” Saílle began but Herne put his fingers in his mouth and gave a loud, clear whistle.

“Enough! We’ll send an official escort this afternoon at four, with a letter bearing my father’s seal. Now, go home, both of you, and for once, try not to murder each other on the way.” Herne stood and, motioning to Viktor and me, stomped out before Saílle and Névé had the chance to leave. We were downstairs and out the door before either queen could move.

As we headed to Herne’s car, I glanced over my shoulder. Saílle and Névé were filing out of the bar, followed by their retinues. As they separated toward their respective vehicles, the two