but didn’t say a word
“Fair enough. Clearly I still have some ass-kissing to do.” He thought he saw the corner of her mouth quirk upwards and he took that as a good sign. “Let’s sit down and talk about plans.”
He swept his arm into the suite, indicating for her to come farther in and take a seat. “Would you like something to eat or some coffee?”
“I’m good.” Annika plopped down on the sofa. “So what is the plan?”
Kieran sat at the other end of the couch and turn toward her. “The Scepter has been stolen and brought to the AltVeritas of Balvraine. Are you familiar with it?”
Annika nodded. “I’ve been there.”
Kieran waited for her to say more but she didn’t. “It would help if you could expound on that. If you’re going to help me, I could use any information you got.”
Annika shrugged. “It was when I was younger. I don’t remember much. I know it’s a very small AltVeritas though. Mostly desert.”
Kieran sighed. “Well, the information we have is that the ruling family is in possession of The Scepter. They are called the Moldevines.”
“Why did they steal The Scepter?”
“Who knows. But is a very powerful magical object and in the wrong hands, it could become an immensely dangerous weapon.”
“Well, what if their intent to use it is pure? What if they don’t intend to use it for malicious means?”
“Isn’t that sort of beside the point, Annika. They stole The Scepter and it doesn’t belong to them.”
Kieran swore he saw something like guilt flash across Annika’s face but then it was gone. “Point made. So do you have a basic plan?”
“I think we keep it simple. Travel to Balvraine and have you infiltrate the palace while glamoured. You figure out where it is kept, and then we both go in and get it.”
“Sounds easy enough. But I’ll need some materials to help with my glamours.”
“What sort of materials?”
“Certain herbs and potion ingredients. I can get them in Myridian. We can make a quick stop there first.”
Kieran was astounded. Myridian was the country in Vyronas that Annika’s family ruled. He never would have thought she would return there. His information on her was that she had severed all ties with her family and had been disinherited.
“I have no problem with you needing to get supplies, but you’re okay with going to Myridian?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Her tone of voice was cool.
“Because you left and to my knowledge have never returned. Because your father has disinherited you. I figured there was some bad blood.”
Annika eyes flashed. “What happened between me and my father is none of your business. The topic if off limits. Besides, I don’t intend to visit him. Just get the supplies we need. Quick in and out.”
“Okay, no problem. Are you ready to go?”
“Sure. The sooner we can do this, the sooner I can get back to my normal life.”
Annika and Kieran both stood from the couch. Annika grabbed her back pack and Kieran did a quick walk through his suite to make sure he had everything. He picked up a black leather satchel and walked over to Annika. She wouldn’t look him in the eye.
He put his hand under her chin and she flinched slightly. Holding firm, he lifted her face so she looked him in the eyes. “I’m very sorry I had to use such strong methods to get your cooperation. Truly. It’s my hope that you can forgive me.”
Annika didn’t say anything but held his gaze. Sighing, he released her chin. Reaching down, he took the backpack from her in an effort to be gallant. He linked his fingers with hers and said the incantation that would take them to Myridian.
CHAPTER 10
Returning to Myridian was tough. Annika had not been back in about a year. Contrary to what Kieran may think, she did try to come back from time to time to visit her Aunt Mary. Mary was her mother’s sister and had quite a bit involvement in helping to raise Annika.
Annika’s mother, Brianna, had been a brief shining star in Annika’s life. She died when Annika was only six years old and Aunt Mary had moved into the royal palace to help care for her. Annika’s father, Renard, was a decent enough man. He didn’t dote on Annika but he didn’t ignore her either. He was a workaholic but at least he made sure he had dinner with Annika and Aunt Mary every night. For the next five years, Annika’s life was stable. Aunt Mary