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two elderly men who had supported me throughout sat
on either side, progressively going to less supportive, more
troublesome, and downright dangerous from there. That meant most of
the rogue clan leaders were across the room, and I avoided their
stares as I was served. I raised my glass to the air and toasted,
“The Seven,” before bringing it to my lips, the scent of oak and
spiceberry hanging in wait. Rhys and Rider’s gazes took in those
who did not join in.
    A feast was served, and as instructed, the
wine flowed at an increasing rate. Soon, the hall was loud with
conversation, banter, and debate. Those near me, thanks to Anvil’s
design, did not speak of much, so I was able to catch bits of
various discussions throughout the room. In an attempt to disguise
my focus, I let my eyes fall on the immense tapestries insulating
the cool stone walls, most adorned with images of my crest and a
variety of innocuous scenes, as Ruby had removed any in tribute to
Asher. In truth, she had any evidence of him that could feasibly be
removed taken from the grounds and burned. The largest part of the
castle was pretty bare at the moment. But torches, candles,
ridiculous centerpieces, and elaborate dishes seemed to be more
than adequate cover, in this room at least.
    The clansmen were more at ease, loosing their
armor, shedding cloaks, leaning back in their chairs, sated with
food, wine, and talk.
    Sudden warmth against my palm stole my focus,
the signal from Ruby. I looked down to find the napkin under my
hand had caught fire, but I was able to snuff it out before anyone
noticed. I would have to be more specific with the details next
time.
    I straightened in my chair just in time to
see her enter. I gasped, but the slip went unnoticed in the noise.
It was fortunate, as an instant later the hall fell silent. I’d
nearly given myself away, but I’d not expected her to follow
through so absolutely.
    I gave them a moment to take in what I’d
seen. A petite fairy, covered from chest to toe in slim black
leather, arms bare but for wrist cuffs, belted with short, shiny
knives, and donning the crest of the guard at her collar. The brown
leather whip at her hip had been exchanged for polished black, with
what appeared to be silver spikes at the tip. Her heeled boots were
gone, as she’d laced into the flat guard issue. Her face was
unpainted and impassive. All that remained of the familiar Ruby was
the blazing red hair that curled feral around her, proclaiming her
fey.
    Before anyone had a chance to regain
themselves, I stood, raising my glass to Ruby. “Now that we are all
present, let the festivities begin.”
    One more breath of stunned silence was all
that remained before the hall erupted into anger, protest, and an
assortment of exclamations of disbelief. I drank the toast, but
didn’t see whether any of my guard partook, because my eyes were
still on the fairy guard. She watched only me, not the crowd, and I
smiled at her. I couldn’t help it.
    So far, I thought I was off to a pretty good
start.

     
     

Chapter Seven
    Inferno
     
    The room was near chaos. I had a feeling Ruby
was happy.
    I wasn’t sure how long to give the disorder
before proceeding to the next step, but the display received a
stronger reaction than I’d planned, and it was gaining momentum.
Maybe we’d served too much wine. I sat, contemplating my next move,
and the crowd seemed to settle a bit. One of the guests stood, and
I realized they’d only quieted to hear his confrontation. With
me.
    I leaned forward in waiting, not surprised to
find it was Rothus.
    He was tall and broad, nearly as large as
Anvil. His black hair was long, slicked back into a braid. He wore
a cape of fur and a pegged mallet hung at his waist. He had plenty
of magic, but he preferred blunt force. I nearly winced at the
thought of what he’d likely done to the animal whose pelt covered
his shoulders.
    “ You dishonor these grounds
with a fey whore.”
    Ooh, that would do it. I stood to