He shrugged. “It wasn’t Rimberlin that was in danger, but my birth mother. Her house was destroyed, but I managed to get her out before it happened. I was hoping to explain it to everyone at once rather than repeat myself over and over.” He gestured toward the interior of the house. “Let’s sit down with everyone and I’ll explain the rest.”

  Reassured, Tabitha rose on her toes and delivered a sudden kiss to Will’s cheek. “Of course! I’m being thoughtless. You’re probably tired and thirsty from traveling. Let’s go find Selene. I think she’s still in the sunroom with Mother.” She gestured toward Faran. “Tell the kitchen to send tea and refreshments for us.”

  Will waited and let Tabitha take the lead, following her through the house until they reached the sunroom. The windows had been thrown wide so Selene and Agnes could take full advantage of the breeze while they debated strategy and politics. The usual table for refreshments had been moved to one side and a full-size table brought in. Selene sat on one side and Agnes on the other so both could read, write, and share documents as they worked on their plans. The expressions on their faces were polar opposites when they each looked up and saw Will entering; Selene’s showed relief and hope while Agnes’ darkened with obvious disgust.

  He smiled, dipping his head courteously. “Ladies.”

  “William!” exclaimed Selene, rising quickly.

  Agnes’ eyes were on Tabitha, who was currently holding Will’s hand. “Go check on your sister,” she ordered curtly.

  Tabitha’s chin rose defiantly. “I was just with her. There’s been no change.”

  “I didn’t ask,” said Agnes Nerrow. “Go tend to her.”

  “Why?” asked Tabitha, “So you can berate my brother with fewer witnesses? I’ll stay, thank you. Words have consequences, Mother, you taught me that.”

  Agnes flinched as though she’d been slapped, then fury filled her gaze. Selene had already put a hand on her arm as though to calm her down, and as the older woman looked around the room she quickly realized she had no allies. “I can see I’m surrounded in my own home,” she announced acidly. “I think I’ll retire for the evening, since no one needs me.”

  “Agnes, that’s not true,” protested Selene.

  “Selene,” said Will, his voice entering the space unexpectedly. “Would you take Tabitha out of the room for a while? I think perhaps Agnes and I should clear the air between us.”

  Selene’s eyes locked with his for a moment, full of questions, but seeing the confidence there, she nodded. “Very well. Tabitha?” She moved toward the door and gestured for the younger woman to follow her.

  “No,” said Tabitha determinedly. “Laina isn’t here to defend him. I know how Will is, and I know my mother.” She glanced at Will. “You think letting her vent her spleen on you will improve things, but it won’t.” Agnes Nerrow looked ready to have an apoplectic fit as her daughter said those words.

  Will spoke gently. “Tabitha, it will be fine. Your mother is far smarter than you realize. Let us talk a while. It will be all right.”

  The two left the room, and at last Will and Agnes were alone. Before she could speak, Will raised his hand, snapping his fingers. A specialized force effect sprang into existence, one that shielded them from sight and sound while still allowing the air to circulate from the open windows. “I’m told you and I have some bad blood between us,” said Will evenly.

  “You’re told?” responded Agnes with mock amusement. “It is your blood that’s bad. I’ve already warned you that I don’t want to see you. Selene needs me. The lords of the High Council have been somewhat unruly, but with careful management she can win their support.”

  “With your management?”

  The baroness lifted her chin proudly. “Selene is remarkably intelligent. She will be a queen for history to remember, but she’s still young and she needs a sounding board, someone with experience.”

  “And if I remain too close, you’ll abandon her? How petty is that?” asked Will.

  “No pettier than the bastard dog that tries to steal from his betters,” she snapped.

  Will smirked. “There it is. So much spite for a child born before you even met your husband.”

  “Don’t you—”

  “Silence!” snapped Will, advancing across the room until Agnes had backed up to the wall. Uncertain, her eyes were wide, and her nostrils flared. “You blame me for Laina’s death, but I’m no more to blame than you are.”

  “She’s not dead! How dare you?”

  “I’ve given you space to consider your feelings, but there’s no more time to dance around your spite and anger,” said Will, talking over her. “Laina is dead—only her body remains. She only lived as long as she did because I saved her life several times over, both during the vampire war and the war with Darrow.” He paused, then corrected himself. “Actually during the vampire war it was more of a mutual rescue, but I digress.

  “I’ve repeatedly sacrificed for your family, for my sisters, without expecting anything in return. Despite our respective positions, I’ve also come to care about you to some degree, but I won’t allow that sentiment to cloud my judgment, nor will I allow you to treat me or my wife with anything less than respect.”

  Agnes had paled as he spoke, shocked beyond belief, but she retained her composure. “I won’t sit at any table where you’re present.”

  Leaning in, Will’s nose was almost in contact with hers when he replied, “Then go to your room. I don’t need your help to manage nobles and politics.”

  “You can’t speak to me like that,” hissed Agnes.

  “I just did,” said Will. “You’re wrong. Now go to your room and stay there. You may return only when you discover one of two things. Either you realize I’m right, or you decide that your love for Selene is more important than your hatred of me. I don’t care which it is. Now go.”

  Agnes stared into his eyes for several seconds, and slowly the defiance in her faded, replaced by quiet fear. There was death in his countenance, even though he’d made no explicit threats, and she could feel it.

  Chapter 19

  Selene returned moments after Agnes left, followed closely by Tabitha. She seemed mildly alarmed as she asked, “What did you say to Agnes?”

  Will shrugged. “Only what she needed to hear.”

  Tabitha’s eyes were round. “I’ve never seen that expression on her face.”

  “You didn’t threaten her, did you?” Selene asked, her tone uncertain.

  “He wouldn’t do that,” answered Will’s sister immediately. “He stomped the king into the ground, but he turns into a mouse when it comes to Mother.”

  “Not today,” said Will. “I didn’t threaten her, but I gave her some cold truth. She’ll recover after she’s had some time.” He pointed at the table and then leaned over to pick up a page. “I noticed your lists. Strategic planning is always smart. I assume this is the list of potential troublemakers.”

  His wife seemed surprised, but she nodded. “Based on what I’ve seen from them in the past and recent comments, those are the ones I think bear close watching.”

  Will coughed. “More than watching—some of these lords need extra persuasion to ensure you get a clearly unassailable lead in support for your coronation.” Then he pointed at one of the other pages. “Lord Harkness belongs on the troublemaker sheet.”

  Selene frowned. “He’s generally quiet, and his liege lord is Duke Seylan, who is strongly supportive of me.”

  He shook his head. “He’s sworn to Seylan, but he’s always been Taylin’s lapdog, and if Count Taylin is causing trouble, the quickest way to shut him up is to kick his dog.”

  The expression on Selene’s face was one of puzzlement. “I’m usually the one giving you lessons. Where did you learn that if I didn’t know it?”

  Will smirked. “I picked up a few things while on campaign in Darrow.”

  “But Harkness wasn’t in the army—”

  “—Lustral liked to talk, and I spent a considerable amount of time spying on him.” He tapped the page on the table again. “Back to the important matters. What do you plan to do about Lord Heathcot?”

  “Nothing, why?” she asked. “He’s already shown he’ll support me.”

  “Support is one thing, but he responds best when treated liberally with the carrot. Make it worth his while and he’ll likely solve your problem with these two.” He pointed to the names of Viscount Ervine and Baron Fraze. “They pay close attention to his opinion, and he can be quite verbose when tempted properly. I’d recommend rewarding him with Lord Harkness’ lands once you strip him of his title.”

  She lifted a brow. “Harkness isn’t dead, hasn’t committed a crime, and even if he had, I’m not queen yet.”

  “Confidence m’dear,” said Will with a wink. “You know how it’s done. Besides, Harkness will be dead soon enough, which is all the more reason the question of succession will need to be settled quickly.”

  Tabitha watched them converse in silence, clearly out of her depth, but Selene was beginning to lean forward with interest. “Lord Cartwright, you surprise me with your insights. I had no idea you hid such political depths within. However, are you really suggesting I do something that could push Terabinia closer to being destabilized at such a delicate time?”

  He laughed. “In the face of unstoppable power, the nation is never truly at risk of falling apart. The question is merely one of how best to apply that power. They don’t know how far you will go, but if you scare them a little, they’ll capitulate quickly. We don’t have to fear losing control, we simply seek to find the best use of force that will preserve the most assets when everyone inevitably falls in line with your rule.”

  Selene pursed her lips and leaned back. “That’s what you meant by ‘confidence’ earlier?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I like your thinking, though I don’t like the idea of assassinating my subjects. Isn’t there a better way?” Her eyes went to Will’s hand. “Where’s your grandfather’s ring?”

  Reaching down to his belt, Will patted his pouch. “I put it away for a while.”

  “I’ve never seen you take it off for very long,” his wife observed.

  Opening the pouch, Will drew out the ring. As jewelry worn by nobility went, it wasn’t much to look at. Rather than a gem, it featured a yellowed molar as its centerpiece, mounted within a simple gold setting. He held it out to her. “I’ve been thinking you might get some benefit from it.”

  “Will it work with my limnthal?” she asked mildly. “I thought it might only work with yours.”

  He nodded. “It should. I’ve studied the enchantment a little and I see no reason why it wouldn’t work for anyone with a limnthal.”

  “You’re not worried your grandfather will teach me bad habits?” She reached for his hand, but Will dropped the ring onto the table and withdrew his before she made contact with his skin. Before Selene could question him about that, a knock came from the door. Tabitha rose and let Sir Tiny into the room.

  Will frowned. “I thought I made my wishes clear.”

  Tiny ignored his remark. “I spoke to Darla. She said it’s been three days since we left.”

  “It has,” agreed Will.

  The big warrior’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Then do you mind explaining why I only remember two days?”

  His face was smooth as he answered, “You slept through one of them.”

  “Yet you let me think I was only asleep a short time. Why?” Tiny’s gaze bored into Will, seeking a flaw, a weakness—something—but he wasn’t sure what.

  Will glanced at Tabitha. “Maybe you should step out for a bit?” His sister’s head shook a vigorous ‘no,’ and when he turned to Selene, he saw no help there either. With a sigh, he answered, “I was discussing matters with the lich.”

  “What matters?” asked Selene intently.

  “The future of the world, the problems of the present, and the dooms of the past,” said Will, waving a hand dismissively.

  “That’s not an answer,” Selene pointed out.

  He faced her, such that his face was hidden from Tabitha and Tiny, then he mouthed the words, ‘I’ll explain later.’ “It’s poetry,” he said aloud. “For those living within the lines it isn’t meant to be read aloud, but experienced. I’m afraid you’ll have to be patient.”

  Tabitha seemed confused, but Tiny’s face reddened. He looked ready to have another outburst, but Selene caught his gaze and shook her head. “Sir John, I trust my husband. I would appreciate it if you retire from the room. We still have much work to do.”

  Tiny stiffened and started to leave, but Will’s voice caught him. “Tiny, I warned you earlier, but it seems you won’t learn. Be ready in the morning. I’ll have a task for you. Don’t plan on being in Terabinia for an extended period of time.”

  “What does that mean?” demanded the knight.

  “You’re dismissed,” ordered Will coldly. Tiny left, and Will and Selene returned to planning her consolidation of power within Terabinia. Still confused, Tabitha eventually left as well. As the hours passed, Selene was increasingly impressed with the breadth and scope of Will’s knowledge, but she didn’t ask him to explain what he had kept from the others.

  She was patient. As the afternoon faded into evening, she felt increasingly alone, and her suspicions caused her to feel something rare—she was insecure. Reaching across the table, she tried to lay her hand on Will’s, but he withdrew before she made contact, his voice never faltering as he continued with the current stratagem.

  When a servant came to announce supper, it was a welcome distraction, though it wound up just being the two of them plus Tabitha. Agnes took her meal in her room, and Tiny ate with the servants, perhaps as a form of protest. Will barely touched the food and excused himself from the table early. “I’ll see you at bedtime,” he told her with a dark smile.

  Since his return, he hadn’t touched her once.

  ***

  The door clicked, and Tabitha started to glance up and see who entered. Her eyes crossed and her lids drooped as the energy left her body, and she slumped across the bed where her sister lay. She was asleep before she knew what had happened.

  Will entered and stared down at the two women, his features blank. A faint look of annoyance crossed his face as he examined Laina. Her body was in remarkable condition. Someone with a fair knowledge of medical spells had been tending to her, otherwise she would have probably died already.

  “Time to remedy that,” he intoned. He lifted one hand, and a spell construct formed above it. Seconds later, he released it and watched as the magic took hold. Laina’s chest slowly came to a stop as both her heart and lungs ground to a halt. Her mouth opened, gasping reflexively as her body fought to survive. He watched carefully for several minutes until it was over.

  With one hand, he smoothed her hair. “It’s a shame to waste a body in such perfect condition.” Sighing, he stood and left the room, taking care to erase the traces of turyn that he might have left behind.

  Once that task was accomplished, he borrowed the baron’s study and penned a short letter before enclosing it in a neatly hand-folded envelope. He smiled. No matter how many years passed, one pleasure seemed to last better than most others, the satisfaction of proper penmanship and crisply folded correspondence. That finished, he used a spell designed specifically for the purpose to send a message to one of his servants.

  It was Tiny’s turn at last. Unsure of the room assignments, it took him a moment to figure out which room the enormous man had been given. When he had the correct door, he rapped on it quickly with his knuckles.

  “Who is it?”

  “Your best friend,” Will responded, struggling to repress a laugh.

  The door opened a moment later. “I don’t think that term fits anymore.”

  Will smiled, moving forward and forcing Tiny to step back. “Since you can’t be trusted to follow orders, I’m sending you away. I think we’ll both be happier.”

  “Just send me back to Rimberlin. Jan needs me anyway.”

  Will’s eyes seemed to burn with intensity as he responded, “I already told you, lout, you won’t be in Terabinia for quite some time. Sit.” He pointed at the bed.

  Tiny’s eyes widened in alarm. “Why?”

  “So your body doesn’t shake the house when you fall, idiot.” Not wasting any more time, Will used a force-push spell to shove Tiny across the room, then followed with a sleep spell. The giant man landed awkwardly, but didn’t appear to have injured himself. Will summoned a blanket from the limnthal and laid it out on the floor before rolling Tiny onto it and wrapping him up like a strange present. Two modest lengths of rope made sure the wrapping wouldn’t come undone, and then he placed a quick series of wards on the blanket.

  With another spell, he levitated the comatose warrior, and once he was sure the route was clear, he took the body to the servant’s door by the kitchen. He didn’t have to wait long before two men approached after having climbed nimbly over the wall and into the side yard. They recognized him immediately and knelt before him in obeisance. “Master.”

  “I need you to deliver a package.” Will tucked the letter he had written into his large, man-sized bundle. He instructed his servants where to deliver the body, along with admonishments to be careful. “Make sure he’s alive and unharmed. Keep him tied until you arrive, and be sure to free him before you leave. Under no circumstances are you to spill even a single drop of his blood. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “While you’re there, check in with the others and bring back whatever news they have.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Get going.”

  With inhuman strength and agility, the two men carried the giant knight to the wall and improbably managed to climb over it while carrying the body between them. Will watched them go and then went back inside. He was about to climb the stairs and entertain himself with Selene when the bell rang, indicating someone was at the front gate.

  A serving girl rushed past him in the hall, but he caught her by the wrist. “Wait.”