Exiled Queen (The Thief's Talisman Book 3) by Emma L. Adams

Author:Emma L. Adams [Adams, Emma L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-13T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“What does it say?” Viola looked at me expectantly.

“She invited me to my own palace.” I dropped the note, which disintegrated into glitter. “To talk to her.”

Viola made a sceptical noise. “What, to negotiate? Or play head games?”

“Maybe she wants to win me over.” It seemed more likely. “If it’s a meeting she wants, maybe I can talk her out of going to war. Or lock her in the dungeon. The palace’s magic is as much mine as hers. It won’t act against me.”

“But it might be a trap,” said Viola.

“True,” I acknowledged, “but don’t forget Lord Lyle is compelled to help me on Winter territory. That includes the palace. If she brings her army through, she’ll run right into an ambush. And there’s no way she actually knows about our agreement.”

“Then don’t go alone,” Cedar said. “Even on the off-chance that the Unseelie forces manage to corner her, she’s too unpredictable.”

“She’s in my house,” I said. “Besides, she has a thing for turning us against one another. I won’t put you in danger—you neither, Viola.”

“I never said I was coming inside,” said Cedar. “But I’m not letting you face her alone.”

I folded my arms. “She wants me on her side. She’d kill you without a second thought. I guarantee I’m part of her plans, and I’d rather be forewarned than blindsided again. And I’d definitely prefer to confront her on my territory rather than hers.”

“I can turf her people out. I’m housekeeper,” said Viola. “The palace can’t act against me, either.”

“All right, but you’ll have to stay out of her sight. You know what her magic does, and you’re not immune.”

“No,” said Viola. “But she thinks I am.”

Cedar frowned at her. “You’re not?”

“She gave me her transforming magic, not the hypnosis. Technicality.”

“A technicality I hope she doesn’t exploit,” Cedar said. “She has more than enough allies, and I don’t think she’s ruled out taking the Hornbeam palace yet.”

“Still doesn’t mean she’s strong enough to take the Court,” I said. “I’d like to know what she’s been doing for the last week. And Aspen. If he’s there, I’ll kill him, peaceful meeting or none. We shouldn’t waste any time.”

I looked down at my clothes. I didn’t know if she expected me to dress for the occasion, but I turned them to armour, anyway. Viola already wore hers, as did Cedar.

Rose stepped forwards and briefly embraced Viola. “I’ll be on guard,” she said.

“Better be,” said Viola. “We don’t know if she’s planning another attack. Have the army ready just in case. Wait for my signal.”

Several other soldiers had begun to gather. As we made for the gate, they followed behind me, remarkably quiet for people wearing heavily armoured clothes. I turned around, letting the others walk ahead. “Yes?”

I expected one of them to stop me, but they fell silent, watching me warily. Much like they’d watched me when I had them under hypnosis.

“I’m not hypnotising you,” I clarified, in case there was any confusion on that front.

“You’re leaving. To meet with her.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.