the city. A grin spread across his face when he saw where it led and he remembered what Roderick had said about a particular opium den.
Ah, how he’d had wasted away many a day here at the Red Pearl.
As he strolled through the front gates he glanced at the yellow house beside it and shuddered. Soulless place that Findlay House.
Mr. Chun, the owner, opened the door. A puzzled expression crossed his face as he peered at Kevighn. “May I help you?”
“Mr. Chun, it’s Kevighn Silver. I’m here to meet someone; I believe he’s already here. He goes by Kyran or Ciaran.” Kevighn couldn’t help but feel the tiniest bit wounded that Mr. Chun didn’t recognize him considering all the time and money he’d spent here.
Then again, he’d always dressed impeccably on his visits. Today he looked like an air pirate in need of a bath. How did Magnolia manage to stay so neat and clean? Especially given her position on the ship?
“Ah, Mr. Silver, it’s been some time.” He looked up and down in a way that made Kevighn think he might not be allowed in. Finally, Mr. Chun stepped aside. “He is in the garden and is expecting you.”
“I appreciate it.” Kevighn walked through the house into the lavish back gardens filled with nooks and grottos. Even in winter the gardens remained green and beautiful. Through the fence he spied two girls in gray hanging laundry on a line over at the school. Neither laughed nor smiled. What a waste.
Kevighn felt someone standing behind him.
“Do you know what that place is?” Kevighn indicated the school on the other side of the fence. “It’s a place where they
“There’s also a wild portal in their back garden, someone should take care of that,” a mild and familiar voice replied.
Oh yes, he’d forgotten about that. The portal in the faery tree was what Magnolia’s innocent midsummer’s wish had used to bring her into the Otherworld to begin with.
“I’d meant to send someone to check on it, but with all the activities surrounding, well, everything, I forgot.” Kevighn still didn’t turn around, apprehension building inside him. Where he hoped Ciaran would welcome him back with open arms, there was the chance he wouldn’t.
Ciaran had brought him and his sister into their fold to protect them from the wrath of the fire court given Creideamh’s throwback earth talent. Fire court and earth court were foils and bitter enemies. Not to mention, her abilities broke certain laws.
After Creideamh’s death he’d turned his back on the dark court and taken the position as the high queen’s huntsman to ease his pain.
“I’ve been expecting you, Kevighn Silver-Tongue,” Ciaran replied. “Though I
Kevighn turned to face the man behind him. The smile offered wasn’t cool, predatory, or fake, which offered some relief—but only some.
He got on one knee in the soft grass. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. You … ” His voice lowered, as did his eyes. “You were right.”
A chuckle, albeit not a vicious one, reached his ears. “I always am.” Ciaran held out a hand and pulled Kevighn up. “You’ve known ever since Tiana took the throne that your days as huntsman were numbered.” He shook his head. “That one’s not right.”
Only Ciaran, as Tiana’s opposite, could ever make a comment such as that out loud. She wasn’t nearly as good a queen—or as mentally stable—as her older sister.
Ciaran was a little older than Kevighn, but young for a dark king. A dangerous job for a dangerous man. Dark hair hung in his amber eyes. Dressed as a gentleman it was difficult to tell exactly how ruthless he was, which was probably the point. For once the dark king wasn’t flanked by henchman, but that didn’t mean they didn’t lurk nearby.
“I … I hear you have something for me to do?” Kevighn’s chest didn’t untighten. People changed. Certainly, he had.
“I might.” The corners of his lips twitched.
“Perhaps it involves some artifacts?” Kevighn remembered that he didn’t have much time. “I have something that might be of interest to you.” He handed the case to him. “King Brogan hired some mortals to steal these. How he knew where they were, I don’t know. Also, he’s using the alias
Ciaran sat on a nearby bench and opened the case. “Oh my. So that’s who’s been after my quarry. I wondered who had similar business interests but hadn’t been able to discover who.”
“So I was right in thinking this shouldn’t be in Brogan’s hands—and that you might find them useful?” Kevighn continued to stand, hope taking seed.
“Indeed.” Ciaran looked up at him. “These are for me?”
“If you are willing to pay for them. I only ask because the mortals I took them from were depending on the money from Brogan.” Unlike Brogan, Ciaran would use them for the good of the Otherworld.
First, he’d get the money; he didn’t want to disappoint Magnolia.
Ciaran’s eyebrows rose. “You care about mortals? Has exile made you compassionate?”
He cared about Magnolia. “The woman I took them from is one of us.”
“Why doesn’t it surprise me that a woman is at the center of this?” Ciaran chuckled. “If I get you your money, will you finally come home where you belong?”
Kevighn bowed his head, focusing on the grass. “I never should have left.”
“Your cabin is still there, so is the grove. I know how much they mean to you. You know you’re always welcome to stay with me.” His voice grew tentative.
“Your work?” Kevighn suspected it had been. His cabin and the grove should have disappeared when the queen exiled him. Very few possessed the power to keep them there.
Ciaran nodded. “The grove is Creideamh’s. Also, the cabin wasn’t Tiana’s to take.”
“I am grateful for it, Your Majesty.” Kevighn bowed in thanks. Ciaran’s gift would have strings, but not the way an equitable gift from Queen Tiana would. “May I ask, why?”
“How could I not forgive you? Bedsides,” he grinned slyly. “As I’ve said before, I’m in need of someone with your skills.” He closed the attache case.
“Which talents would those be?” By the Bright Lady, he’d missed Ciaran.
“You’ll see.” His look grew devilish. “I’m glad you’re back. Things are brewing in the Otherworld and I need you by my side.”
“You’ll allow me back?” Relief washed over him. Friendship aside, he wasn’t sure what Ciaran would decide. Accepting a banished high court huntsman wasn’t a light decision.
“With one condition.” Ciaran held up a finger.
Kevighn’s stomach tightened. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t leave again. Next time, come to me and I’ll help you.” For a moment, Ciaran’s eyes flashed with pain.
He exhaled, chest catching. “I promise.”
“Good.” Ciaran stood and embraced him. “Do you have time for a drink so I may tell you what has happened and what I need you so do?”
“I actually need to deliver the money first—after that, your wish is my command.” Kevighn bowed, grateful Ciaran forgave him. Could he convince Magnolia to come with him? She was as wasted on that ship as much as she was with that whelp of an earth court prince.
Ciaran clapped him on the shoulder. “Anything for you, Kevighn. Anything for you.”
Seventeen
Getting Down to Business
Elation increased with every step as Steven made his way down the wooden dock of the San Francisco Air
