The man didn’t answer.
“Perhaps he has seen her scaling cliffs, too.”
“King Persenus wants the girl turned over to Queen Irenis. He doesn’t want any trouble with the Denkar.”
“What about Morcalon?”
“The dragon fae, King Persenus says, can deal with the Denkar over the matter.”
“That’s if we find the girl. What is her name?”
“No one bothered to find out, my lord. She’s only known as one of the dragon fae.”
“All right.”
The bells sounded through the castle.
“We will resume our search for the girl after the meal. But I want none to harm her. She’ll be great sport following our morning meal.”
Alicia narrowed her eyes. If she could, she’d vanish. Show them she wasn’t about to be their entertainment for the rest of the day.
“What if she escapes while we’re eating?”
“There’s no way out for her…not if she can’t fae transport. Unless she tries the cliffs again. And she’d never make it climbing in a gown.”
She could never have climbed down the cliffs in an hour during the meal either.
When the door shut, she climbed out of the bed.
After crossing the floor, she waited with her ear to the door. When the sound of boots tromping down the hall ceased, she ventured to open the door.
Seeing the hallway clear, she hurried back to Lady Lucien’s room. Everyone now knew she wore a blue gown. She would need a different color. She found an emerald green. She slipped into the new gown, then tucked the blue one into the chest. Returning to the dresser where she’d found hairpins, she exchanged the sapphire decorated pins for emerald ones.
And then she left the chambers again.
The castle layout was similar to Venicia. Servants carried platters of partridge on oyster shells into the great hall from the kitchen. Most were too busy to notice her but one caught sight of her, and she figured she was doomed. He appeared to be about fourteen or so, slim of build and not very tall yet. His brown eyes widened at the sight of her.
Yep, she was the escaped dragon fae prisoner all right.
He appeared scared of her, but didn’t want to let her out of his sight either. Still, he didn’t sound the alarm. Had the green dress confused him? Sure. He looked at the golden medallion encircling her neck.
He must assume she was a noblewoman of the sphinx court, not the prisoner dressed in a stolen green gown.
Alicia smiled her most disarming smile. “Late again, it appears.”
He bowed deeply. “My lady.”
What now? If she ran for the main doors, he’d sound the alarm. If she walked into the great hall, someone would realize she didn’t belong there.
He waited, watching her, holding the tray of food, delaying some courtiers their meal all the while.
She glanced down the hall and saw two very able looking guards standing at a pair of solid oak doors, most likely the main entrance to the castle. They carried lances and watched her, too.
Taking a deep breath, she knew the game had ended.
She might as well make the most of the entertainment, and do the unexpected.
With her head held high, she walked toward the entryway to the great hall.
CHAPTER 16
Deveron joined Prince Raglan at the high table in the great hall, still unsure about Alicia’s whereabouts. Raglan had alluded to her being at the sphinx royal castle, but wouldn’t say where.
Ritasia, who never bit her nails, was chewing on one with gusto. Micala kept a lookout as they took their seats.
A servant filled Deveron’s brass goblet with apple-cinnamon wine as Prince Raglan said to Deveron, “You say you had tracked a Venician guard all the way from Venicia here, who had taken your cousin hostage?”
The smirk on Raglan’s lips clued Deveron in that Raglan no more thought Alicia was Deveron’s cousin than Ritasia was.
“That’s correct. And you say she’s a guest here?”
The corner of Raglan’s lips twitched and his eyes sparkled with humor. He cleared his throat. “Ahem, yes, a guest.”
In King Persenus’s dungeon, Deveron presumed. “And she’s being brought to the meal, forthwith?”
“She, well, she didn’t wish to attend the meal. So I’m sure you can see her sometime afterward.”
Ritasia grabbed Deveron’s arm and leaned over to speak to him privately. “She just walked into the hall. Over there.” She pointed a finger. “The woman wearing the…” She paused, then chuckled. “Wearing the royal sphinx medallion and the green gown.”
Deveron rose from his chair. As soon as he did, Raglan stood. All of the courtiers followed suit.
Raglan quickly motioned to his guards, but Deveron headed to intercept Alicia at the same time. Ritasia and Micala followed on his heels. Raglan hurried to match Deveron’s long stride.
“So it appears your cousin did indeed want to eat,” Raglan said, his tone amused.
The royal guards had already seized Alicia’s arms, but she didn’t struggle as Deveron expected her, too. Instead, she tilted her chin up like a determined and stubborn fae would do.
As soon as Alicia saw Deveron stalking toward her, she smiled with such a sunny expression she could have warmed the chilliest day. Certainly, her joyfulness cheered him.
He smiled back, relieved she exhibited such good spirits, but as soon as he could, he had to spirit her away from here. The situation was bound to get ugly.
“Queen Irenis is sending an escort for the lady. May I know her name?” Raglan asked.
Deveron ignored him, realizing the worst…his mother would imprison Alicia next. When he reached Alicia, he said to the guards, “Release the lady at once.” He had no intention of being disobeyed and would take every step necessary of freeing Alicia.
The two men looked at Raglan, who motioned for them to do as Deveron ordered.
“What do you intend to do with her?” Raglan asked.
When the guards released her, Alicia wrapped her arms around Deveron and squeezed tightly. “You came for me. You kept your promise.”
The great hall grew silent. Deveron hugged her back. “I wanted a rematch. No female fae has ever beaten me at archery. Besides, I haven’t figured out how to get even with you for that earlier incident.”
She laughed. “Thank you, Deveron.” She released him long enough to embrace Ritasia. “And you, too, Ritasia.” Then seeing Micala, she said, “What’s he doing here? Where’s Cassie?”
Worry threaded her words and Deveron wanted to explain what had happened without Raglan hearing what was going on. He moved her toward the head table.
“Your mother took her home,” Deveron said, wrapping his arm around her waist. He led her back to the table.
“What?” Alicia’s eyes grew round.
“Your mother came to visit you at South Padre and found Micala with Cassie.”
Alicia’s shoulders sagged. “What was she told about me? She must be worried sick about my vanishing.”
A servant set another plate at the high table.
Deveron took Alicia’s hand and squeezed it with reassurance. “She thinks a fae took you. What do you know about your mother?”
He pulled her seat out for her, but she stood staring at him. “Alicia, have you eaten?” He motioned to the chair.
Prince Raglan still stood, and so did the rest of the courtiers. Until the prince sat, no one else could.
Alicia shook her head.
“Then sit and we’ll eat and drink for now. We must leave right after the feast.”
“So soon?” Raglan took his seat. The rest of the courtiers sat in their seats.
Deveron helped Alicia into hers as she seemed to be in a daze.
“What about my mother?” she whispered.
“She’s the dragon fae.”
Alicia’s lower lip trembled as her eyes watered. She shook her head. “It’s not possible. My father is the fae.”
; He passed a goblet of wine to her as everyone resumed eating, though the conversation remained muted.
Raglan leaned around Deveron and said to Alicia, “We haven’t met, young lady. But I’m Prince Raglan and you are?”
“My cousin,” Deveron said, buttering a slice of bread. He handed the bread to Alicia.
Raglan smiled at Alicia. “And your cousin’s name is?”
“Lady Minxsa,” Deveron said.
Raglan chuckled. “I’ve heard you speak of the lady. But she is of the turtle fae, not the dragon fae. The guard from Venicia distinctly told my father she was a dragon fae.”
Alicia whispered to Deveron, “Why would you think my mother is a dragon fae? It’s my father who is of the fae.”
“Eat, Alicia,” Ritasia warned. “Before we have to leave.”
“You cannot leave.” Raglan folded his arms. “Not unless you tell me what this is all about.”
Deveron faced Raglan. “She is a dragon fae. You’re right. My mother will want to imprison her because Alicia has distracted me from my duties.”
“I hear Queen Irenis wishes you to wed Princess Lorelei.”
Deveron gritted his teeth. “It won’t come to pass.”
“It is rumored you have feelings for the dragon fae.”
Alicia’s brows rose as if she questioned if this were true or not.
Deveron said to Raglan, “I promised to protect her.”
“Ah.” Raglan leaned back in his chair. “So that is what you call it. Why do you care so much for her?”
Deveron poked his fork into the dark meat of his fowl. He had no intention of discussing his feelings for Alicia with Raglan or any other.
Raglan said, “She’s most entertaining. Wouldn’t you say?”
Deveron glanced at Alicia, wondering what she’d done to solicit that remark from Raglan.
She swallowed her bite of food. “I was climbing the cliffs up and down, just for the sphinx fae’s benefit. Their accommodations hadn’t suited me.”
“The dungeon?” Deveron asked. He couldn’t help how irritated his voice sounded. He promised to keep Alicia safe, and instead, she ended up in a dungeon, no doubt manacled to prevent her from escaping in the fae way.
“Most unpleasant. The cells could use some good cleaning for one. I thought the sphinx fae were neutral. It seems they are not. Certainly I had committed no crime. And yet here I’m shackled in one of their prison cells.”
Deveron looked back at Raglan, waiting for a good response to Alicia’s pointed words.
Raglan shrugged and pulled his bird apart with his fingers. “I knew nothing of the two dragon fae females locked in our tower. My father, I was later informed, had the women confined there.”
“Where is your father?” Deveron asked, hoping that since he was not at the meal, he was away on a trip and would not cause trouble when Deveron spirited Alicia away from here.
Raglan made a face.
Deveron nodded. “Seeing Princess Zena again.”
“Yeah, well, she’s too young for him. Barely older than me.”
Deveron shook his head. Then he sipped his wine. “I’m taking Alicia from here.”
“What will I say happened to her? The courtiers will all know. Your mother’s escort will begin to track your trail.”
“Will you help us?”
The prince leaned forward and looked at Alicia, who licked butter off her fingers. “I can see why you’re attracted to her. But maybe she doesn’t want to leave with you, if I could offer her a safe place to stay here.”
“I thank you for your offer, Prince Raglan,” Alicia said, “but Deveron promises to take me home as soon as he can.”
Deveron looked at her, wondering where she ever came up with that notion. Then he realized, he didn’t want her to go home at all. His mother would undoubtedly disallow his visits to Alicia in the human world…and though he might venture to see her infrequently, his mother would more than likely put a stop to it. The thought of Alicia being confined in his mother’s prison, or worse, instantly came to mind again.
“When we saw her climbing down the cliffs, my first inclination was to call the guards. Instead, we watched the very entertaining young woman to find out what she’d do next. She’s very resourceful. I still haven’t learned how she got out of the cell in the first place.”
Everyone looked at Alicia.
She shrugged. “Fae magic.” She smiled when everyone studied her.
Deveron wondered though if perhaps her abilities were starting to appear early. His cousin had already witnessed Alicia’s invisibility abilities. What else could she do now?
“Anyway, leave it to say the other dragon fae and I aided one another. I’m not sure she would have aided my escape if she hadn’t thought I was a princess though.” Again Alicia smiled. Her green eyes sparkled with jollity, but it was her comment that forced Deveron’s heart to skip a beat.
“Princess,” Ritasia said under her breath.
Deveron stared at Alicia, totally disbelieving what she’d just revealed. “You can’t be.”
“I know.” She chuckled with glee. “Don’t look so shocked. I told her she was mistaken.”
Raglan cleared his throat. “Jeez, we had one of their royals locked up. And here we’re supposed to be neutral. My father will have a conniption.”
“You sure did! The countess was pretty perturbed…let me tell you. She’ll return to the dragon fae and the word will get out—,” Alicia exclaimed.
“A countess?” Raglan’s voice had raised a notch. “What was a countess doing spying on us?”
“A spy?” Deveron asked. “What is going on? The royals don’t handle such dangerous missions.”
“What about Alicia? Was she spying on the Denkar?” Raglan asked.
Alicia raised her brows as she waited for Deveron’s response.
The tips of his ears burned. “No. We met under rather unusual circumstances.” He couldn’t tell Raglan that Alicia was half human. He had no idea what the sphinx fae did to half-fae and half-human creatures.
“Princess,” Ritasia said softly, either reminding him of Alicia’s importance with the dragon fae, or not believing the young woman could be a princess either.
Alicia might be a princess, but she was still half human. He tapped his knife on the table. “Her mother will go before the dragon fae council. Don’t you think?” he asked his sister.
Ritasia sighed deeply. “I don’t know. Most fae kingdoms handle matters in a similar manner. But we have no knowledge of dragon fae politics. None of our kind has ever married into their kingdom. If her mother was a princess, this would change the situation significantly. The dragon fae might not have the same kind of loyalty for their own people, especially under the circumstances.”
He knew Ritasia was referring to the fact Alicia was half human. If her mother was a royal, but lived apart from her family all of those years, she might not be able to solicit their help now. She might even have been disowned.
“What circumstances?” Raglan asked.
A young boy dashed across the hall and handed a message to Prince Raglan. He read it, then stood abruptly. “The feast ends now.”
He grabbed Deveron’s arm as he and all of the courtiers stood. “Your mother’s escort arrived at the outer gates. I must make arrangements to leave the castle in my father’s steward’s care. Then I will go with you and Alicia, wherever you intend to take her. I haven’t had this much fun in years.”
Deveron took a ragged breath. He didn’t want Raglan to join their party, especially not if the sphinx prince had some notion he wanted to keep Alicia at his castle, too.
“It’s too dangerous. Even Lorelei tried to have Alicia poisoned.”
“Tsk, tsk. The lady is a snake.” Raglan guided them out of the great hall and down a secret corridor to his father’s throne room. “Your mother will undoubtedly not allow you to keep the lady. But maybe my father will permit me to keep her.”
Alicia humpfed. “I will not be a
kept woman.”
The men laughed.
“Most entertaining,” Raglan said. “I knew from the moment I saw her, she was a jewel even when wearing the prison uniform.”
They stepped inside a large chamber decorated in gold and green. Three golden thrones took center stage.
Deveron glanced at Alicia’s gown. He couldn’t deny she appeared beautiful in anything she wore. Even when he had seen her on the beach, covering herself in the baggy T-shirt.
“I’ll have to tell the steward to inform your mother’s guard that the lady escaped earlier in the day. In truth, she had. And I will tell them, though we tried to have the Denkar tracker her follow her, she had no trail, being that she has not yet reached her majority.”
“But then she couldn’t fae transport,” Deveron reminded him.
“I hadn’t thought of that. But Denkar trackers follow fae dust trails, not other kinds of trails. Someone else would have to search for her.”
Raglan walked into an anteroom and began speaking to another man.
Deveron took Alicia’s hand. “I don’t want Raglan to join us.”
“We might need others to help us. If Prince Raglan can convince his father I’m no threat to anyone, maybe I can remain here for a time. Maybe even, he could help me to locate my father.”
“No.”
Her lips parted in surprise. All at once he had an insane overwhelming urge to kiss her. Hell, he was an evil dark fae….or so she said.
He smiled at the notion. So what would an evil dark fae do?
He pressed his lips against hers and pulled her close. “No,” he mouthed against her mouth. “I promised to keep you safe.”
She frowned. “You don’t think Raglan will want to keep me permanently. I’m a fascinating diversion. He’s not really interested in me.”
Ritasia cleared her throat and motioned toward the anteroom with her head.
Raglan stood in the entryway grinning. “Whatever makes you think that, lovely Princess Alicia? Why my father may very well want to make an alliance with your dragon fae kingdom.”
Not if he knew she was half-human, he wouldn’t, Deveron surmised.