“So why don’t you explain to me how I do it?”
“Perhaps,” Quinn interrupted, “it was someone or something else just timing their magic to Becka’s arrival?”
Astrid regarded them both, back and forth. No doubt if she’d been staring down a charging unicorn, she’d have won from conviction alone.
“I do not understand why you continue to deny your involvement. I just can not understand how anyone would want to damage the flawless memory of your twin.”
“I loved Tesse.” Becka fought back an unexpected welling of tears. “And I would never impugn her memory.”
“You have lived as an outcast these past years. Perhaps you have lost all respect for your family and fae tradition during this absence?”
Becka wiped an unbidden tear from her eyes and took a long, cleansing breath before responding.
“I did nothing. But, I hope you figure out who damaged the shroud. I’d like to give them a piece of my mind too.”
Astrid sighed, frustration plain on her features. “Dear, Becka, when you decide to unburden yourself, I will hear your confession. In the meantime, I will be watching you.”
Aunt Astrid swept out of the room without leave to Vott, determination clear in every stomp of her feet. Quinn followed after her, peeked out into the hall, and then closed the door.
“Your aunt is an impressive force of nature,” Vott said. “You would be wise to accord her more respect.”
“Why? I didn’t do anything to the shroud and I don’t appreciate being attacked for no good reason,” Becka snipped back at him. “Heck, I don’t appreciate being attacked for any reason.”
Vott frowned at her. Was he wondering if Becka had somehow wronged Rowan? Let him.
“I am confident the truth will out in time,” Vott said. “If you are without blame, be assured Astrid will apologize. Now, I will see to getting Quinn dismissed or at least replaced with someone more reputable. In the meantime, I have arranged for you to stay within your old quarters. Also, an appropriate wardrobe to be made available to you. Take your time freshening up and then join us for the remembrance vigil over dinner.”
Vott turned to Becka as if to embrace her, and then caught himself before he displayed an unsuitable level of affection. He retracted his hand, clenched it, and then moved his hands to his sides.
Becka shifted her weight back onto her heels, reeling from yet another emotional blow. Was he serious? “Wouldn’t my old quarters have gone to Tesse when I was cast out?”
“Well yes, they did.”
“So, you want me to sleep in her room?” she asked. “Two days after she died?”
His face contorted in confusion, but the red flaring his cheeks spoke to his anger. “My apologies, I would have thought you would find it comforting. She did not die there, after all. Would you prefer something more suited to your present station?”
How had this man, her father, gone from considerate one moment to emotionally unaware the next? She’d forgotten the sting of refined fae sensibilities.
Becka couldn't wait to get back home to the city.
“I’ll take Tesse’s room,” she replied. He raised a brow, no doubt expecting an apology, but Becka was in no such mood. “Also, Quinn stays.”
Vott threw up his hands. “Why in the territories would you want him around? His superior at House Oak, Elder Torvald, is a long-time friend of mine. I can make things happen.”
“So far, Quinn is the only one who hasn’t been awful to me. Besides, it turns out my life may be in danger. So he stays.” Quinn gave her a quick nod. “For now.” At that Quinn smiled.
“You can’t be serious?” Vott replied. Becka couldn’t tell if Vott’s injured expression was real or fake, and frankly she no longer cared.
“Serious as taxes. You,” she pointed at Vott, “used guilt to manipulate me back here, and now I’m stuck for the duration. Astrid is watching me for, gods knows what magic-babble next? Quinn is shadowing me so I don’t get killed. And there might also be a killer watching my every move, lying in wait for the perfect opportunity to maul me. I’m trapped on all fronts! I’ll be lucky if I can take a piss without you all chatting to figure out what I meant by it!” she yelled.
“Well dear,” Vott replied, “none of us would be conversing with Tesse’s killer.”
“ARGH!” Becka screamed, and then swept out of the room, pausing only long enough to pick up her bags. She sensed Quinn close on her heels.
Chapter 7
Stopping dead in her tracks and rounding on him, Becka pressed her finger to his chest. “Just so we’re clear, I don’t trust you and I’m pissed you played me. Now, explain to me why Vott doesn’t trust your reputation.”
To his credit, Quinn didn’t hesitate to explain. “Years ago, while working on an unrelated investigation over a missing charmed necklace at House Alder, I stumbled upon a diary detailing plans to undermine the nearby city government. When I confronted the owner of the book, Elder Bjork, she turned herself in.”
“Alder is Vott’s house, which is known for being staunchly fae loyalist yet pro peace treaty with the humans.”
“Yes, and although he was living here at House Rowan at the time, I have no doubt he heard about it in detail. I transported Elder Bjork to holding myself. But before she could be formally interviewed, she took her own life.”
Becka frowned. “It’s almost like she didn’t want to be questioned.”
“I agree. However she was aging and frail. House Alder believed her diary was the ramblings of an old lady and that she’d taken her own life out of fear of human mistreatment.”
“It’s a reasonable concern.”
“My conscience is clear.”
“And Elder Bjork is dead. No wonder Vott dislikes you.”
Instead of being angry, Quinn surprised her with his half-smile. “You know you are awfully direct. Almost like you have been spending a lot of time with humans.”
And just like that the remaining
