Late Eclipses [October Daye 4] by Seanan Mcguire

Author:Seanan Mcguire
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fantasy - General, Epic, American Science Fiction And Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Fairies, Fiction - Fantasy, Fiction, Fantasy, Supernatural, Women private investigators, Mystery Fiction, General, Science Fiction And Fantasy
ISBN: 9780756406660
Publisher: DAW
Published: 2011-02-28T06:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-ONE

ETIENNE LOOKED MORE DISTRESSED THAN ever when he returned. “His Grace didn’t answer when I knocked. I’ve cal ed for Jin, but it may take some time.”

“That’s okay.” I raked my hair back, grimacing as the movement tugged on my bandages. “I could use a moment to catch my breath.”

“If you don’t mind my saying so, you don’t look wel ,” said Etienne, hesitating before adding, “I’ve never seen you maintain a human persona inside the knowe.”

“What?” I felt the rounded edge of my ear, resisting the urge to laugh. “Oak and ash, Etienne, I didn’t even realize I was stil wearing the damn thing.” I hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure I could put it up again if I took it down right now. I’m not exactly at my best.”

“You could try.”

“That seems too much like work.”

Etienne smiled a little, looking relieved to have me back on what he viewed as familiar ground. “Stil lazy, I see. I’l never know how you survived your training.”

“The Puck looks out for the lazy and suicidal?” I suggested.

“Possibly the only explanation,” he agreed.

I was trying to figure out how to say “by the way, I’ve been poisoned” without freaking either Etienne or Quentin out when a door opened in the wal across from us, cutting off any further conversation. We turned, almost in unison, to see Dugan—the Queen’s messenger—step through. He was closely fol owed by Rayseline, Manuel, and five men in the Queen’s livery. Al of them stopped when Dugan did.

I straightened, wishing I’d thought to drop my human disguise when I came in.

“My lady—” Etienne began.

Raysel cut him off with a sharp gesture of her hand. There was a strange, bright triumph in her eyes. “I told you she was here,” she said. “Do your duty.”

“With pleasure,” said Dugan, stepping forward. “October Daye, you stand accused of murder and attempted murder. Wil you come quietly?”

“Don’t I even get a title when I’m being arrested?” I asked wearily.

“His Grace—” began Quentin.

“This isn’t his concern,” said Dugan.

“Yes, it is,” I said. “He’s my liege. He has a right to be here.”

“No, he’s not,” said Raysel, the triumph in her eyes bleeding into her voice. “You may be my father’s knight, Daye, but you’re the Queen’s Countess.” I froze. “You’re kidding.”

“No, she’s not,” said Dugan. “When you took that title, your fealty changed.”

I wanted to protest. I couldn’t. Fealty is a tricky thing; it’s a debt, of a sort, one you pay with loyalty, duty, and action. Goldengreen was in the Queen’s own lands. Oberon help me, but I was hers.

“Wil you come quietly?”

“Tel me what I’m accused of,” I countered. “You owe me that much.”

“We owe you nothing,” Raysel said sharply.

Too sharply; Etienne’s eyes narrowed. “My lady, she is sworn to your father. You overstep your authority.”

“Fine,” said Raysel. “Dugan, read the charges.”

Dugan looked at her sharply, clearly displeased by her casual orders. Then he cleared his throat, and said, “You stand accused of the murder of the Lady of the Tea Gardens and the attempted murder of the Duchess of Shadowed Hil s.

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