Night's End by Yasmine Galenorn Page B

hadn’t wanted the responsibility of being Regent. But the Crimson Queen had decreed him in charge, and he would obey because, as loathsome as he could be, Lannan was loyal to the throne, and to his sister Regina—the Emissary for the Queen. He was also Regina’s lover, but that was beside the point.
    â€œI repeat, the Regent requires that you stay indoors. Defend yourselves should you need to, but be aware: These creatures cannot be reasoned with; they are cunning, intelligent, and out for blood. Do not approach them. Do not attempt to bargain with them—they are ruthless killing machines. Hide yourselves, and tonight, the patrols will be out in full force to counter their attacks. During the meantime, the city council is appealing to the Courts of Winter and Summer to send aid, and to the Consortium.”
    Rhiannon was standing to one side, and when the newscast ended, she crossed the room, arms out. Without thought for decorum, I gave her a tight hug, and the warmth of her skin almost burned me. I stood back, gazing at her.
    â€œYou feel like you’ve got a fever.” Cocking my head, I searched her eyes. She looked worried, but beneath the worry, I could sense happiness, and also exhaustion.
    She returned my gaze. “And you feel like you’re chilled to the bone. You look as tired as I feel.”
    â€œWe’ve both got a lot to learn and not much leeway as far as time.” I paused, feeling oddly unsure what to say next. We hadn’t seen each other for a couple of weeks, and a subtle distance had grown between us.
    â€œWe should respond to their request.” Rhiannon looked as uncomfortable as I did. Her hair was flame red, and she practically crackled as she moved. While I could control the winds, she had power over flame, and the sparks arced off her body, a flickering of pale orange that haloed around her.
    I glanced at Luna and the others. “Can you give us a few minutes? I need to talk to Rhiannon and Chatter about something.”
    There was a flash in Luna’s eyes that told me I’d hurt her feelings, but she motioned to the others and led them out of the parlor, followed by Rhiannon’s guards. Check and Fearless stayed behind with us. I closed the door and locked it.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Rhia sounded more like herself, and as I turned, her gaze flickered toward the door. “Something’s up, Cicely. I didn’t want to give away anything in front of the others, but I can feel it. My advisor, Edge, told me that Strict contacted our shamans. They put her and my private guards to the test this morning. They also searched Chatter’s mind. Just
what
were they looking for?” A hint of anger colored her voice. I didn’t blame her.
    â€œThank gods. We are at least a leg up, then. The guards you brought with you? They all passed the loyal test?”
    â€œYes, and I don’t mind telling you, it wasn’t any fun watching the process. Now tell us, what’s going on?” Sitting on the sofa, she patted the cushion beside her, and Chatter joined her.
    Grieve and I sat opposite, on the loveseat. I glanced at the closed door, then lowered my voice. “There is a spy in my Court working for Myst. We don’t know who it is, yet. But we also encountered Shadow Hunters in my realm, and we know Myst is on the move again. For all we know, there may be spies within your Court as well.”
    Rhiannon was silent for a moment. Then, “Dear gods . . . she’s back, already?”
    â€œWe knew she wouldn’t take long. She just managed to regroup faster than we feared.” I gave a little shrug. “So we have to find this spy, and any more that might be hiding in the shadows. I think we should go on the offensive.” Pausing, I looked into my cousin’s eyes. She was nodding. “Also, on the way here? I met my grandfather.”
    â€œWhat?” She leaned forward. “Would that