The Rise of Fortune and Fury (Chronicles of the Stone Veil #5) - Sawyer Bennett Page 0,97

but I’m also in this to make Pyke pay for his treachery.”

“You two were never very close,” Carrick mused out loud.

“Pyke always did what Pyke wanted to do and lived much of his time away from Faere. We had nothing in common.”

Carrick didn’t comment. Truth be told, he didn’t care what their relationship was. He had, at best, a passing enjoyment of the royal siblings over the millennia, but their inner workings as a family didn’t intrigue him in the slightest.

He cared about their familial workings about as much as he cared about their court politics.

Which was not at all.

Rebsha appeared seemingly out of nowhere, issuing a deep bow to Deandra and a nod toward Carrick before addressing the princess directly. “I assume you’re looking for your mother?”

“We are indeed,” she replied formally.

Rebsha took in Deandra’s outfit. It was a far cry from the highly sexualized and body-baring outfits she wore when in residence. Today, she was casually Earth-realm attired in skinny jeans, ballet flats, and fitted turtleneck sweater, but they were all high-end designer brands. Her makeup wasn’t garish as was the style of the fae, but perfectly applied to enhance her already incredible beauty.

“She’s in the solarium,” Rebsha advised, nodding in that general direction. “Would you like any refreshments sent in?”

“No,” Deandra replied but surprised Carrick by saying, “I would appreciate it if you were in attendance while we speak. Is my father there as well?”

“He is,” Rebsha replied in that deep, rumbling voice. “And of course, I’ll join you.”

Deandra led the way to the solarium, which was on the eastern edge of the castle. It was a massive wrought iron and glass addition filled with plants, marble pathways, and groupings of furniture upon which to sit and relax. The air was slightly humid.

The Light Fae—given they had no war, wrecked economy, or disgruntled citizens—didn’t do much but relax, have parties, and eat good food.

Well, they did have disgruntled citizens, but they were of the lower caste and too weak to mount any type of rebellion against the royals and nobles.

Rebsha entered the solarium, then led Deandra and Carrick along a winding path to where they found Nimeyah and Callidan occupying matching chaises. Callidan’s hands were clasped over his stomach, and his eyes were closed. Nimeyah was reading a book, and she slowly raised her head as the group approached.

Her eyes flicked over Rebsha and Carrick, landing on Deandra. Her lips pursed with disapproval, and that was Carrick’s first indication that Nimeyah was harboring some bitter feelings toward her daughter for leaving Faere.

“She returns,” Nimeyah murmured, but there was a snide undertone.

“On an important and grave matter,” Deandra clipped out, clasping her hands before her body.

Nimeyah studied her daughter before turning her attention to Carrick. “And you’re here for the same matter?”

“I am,” Carrick replied and then nodded toward her husband. “Callidan should hear this, too.”

Nimeyah did nothing more than throw a backhand at her husband, hitting him on the shoulder. It didn’t shock him out of sleep as he merely opened his eyes and took in the people standing before him. He said nothing, instead waiting for his wife to explain their presence.

“Your daughter and Carrick are here on a grave matter,” she said to her husband, but kept her eyes on Deandra.

Callidan didn’t look overly interested, but he did scoot up a bit on the chaise and focused on the princess.

Carrick and Deandra had decided before coming that the plea for help would come from Deandra, and Carrick would be there to bolster her story and affirm the danger they were in. As such, he let Deandra take the lead.

“Mother…. Father.” Deandra took a step forward, then moved her hands behind her back where she clasped them. With her legs slightly apart, she struck a warrior’s pose. While it was incongruous with her outfit, it was her bearing that foretold she meant serious business here. “Kymaris has succeeded in gathering everything she needs to perform the ritual to take down the veil between the Underworld and Earth realm. She has the Blood Stone and her powers with it are beyond description, rivaling the demi-gods. While Finley Porter is the human designated to thwart the prophecy, she cannot do it on her own. Carrick and I are garnering forces to help Finley take down Kymaris and keep the veil in place. We are here to plead for the Light Fae to join our army.”

Nimeyah’s head swung her husband’s way, and they exchanged a long look but said