as if speaking to someone of limited understanding. “In the United States.” When she continued to stare at him, he spoke more slowly again. “Of America.”
“This is a place in the mortal realm?”
“Of course.” His voice was openly contemptuous now. “I’m mortal. Where else would I live?”
Before she could utter a scathing reply, Cal interrupted. “We’re in agreement, then. Jethro will speak to Aydan before he sets off for Avalon. If there’s the slightest chance he’s our man, bring him to the palace so I can see him for myself. Use the excuse Lorcan has already given us. I’m seeking a new right-hand man and Aydan comes highly recommended.” He rose, reaching down a hand to Stella. “Come on, let’s get you to your bed.”
Vashti watched as the group split up, wandering away to their separate cottages. She stayed where she was, shifting position slightly so she could sit with her back against the cottage wall. Hugging her knees to her chest, she rested her chin on them and remained that way for some time, wrapped in her thoughts.
“Why didn’t you tell him of your fears?” Ailie’s voice interrupted her musings as the older woman came to sit next to her.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Vashti retreated behind her usual combination of arrogance and belligerence. It was generally effective at driving people away. Why did she get the feeling it wouldn’t work with this woman?
By the combined light of the moon and the lantern Ailie placed on the ground, Vashti could see the sympathy in the Spae leader’s eyes. “Of course you do. It is natural to fear the unknown. There is no shame in it. Why not tell Jethro you are dreading this journey to the mortal realm?”
Vashti snorted. “You’ve met him. He’s not exactly Mr. Approachable.”
“There is a coldness in his manner, I agree. But I think you can trust him. Although he may not always use them wisely—” Ailie broke off as though chasing an elusive thought. Shaking her head slightly, she continued. “He has goodness, a strong sense of what is right and the ability to draw others to him that is unlike anything I have known before.”
“He hates me.” Where had the sudden wobble in her voice come from? “He thinks I am working for my father to undermine the Alliance.”
“In that case, is it wise for you to go with him on this quest?”
Vashti sighed. “I have to go. Because it means more to me than anyone else. Except perhaps Tanzi, but she has other commitments now.” She turned slightly so she was facing Ailie. “Jethro thought it meant so much to me because I will lose my royal status if the challenger is found.”
“That hurt you.” It was a statement not a question.
“I know what people think of me. I’m Moncoya’s daughter, a spoiled-brat princess with no thought beyond her own comfort. But that?” Vashti shook her head. “He couldn’t have shown his contempt for me any more clearly. I have to see this through for the sake of my people. If this man is found, he has the potential to tear the faerie dynasty apart in a way even my father couldn’t achieve with his ambition and cruelty.”
“And you see it as your duty to try to hold the faerie dynasty together?”
“If I can.”
“Yet the thought of going into the mortal realm terrifies you.” Ailie’s soft voice became even more gentle. “Why is that?”
Vashti hunched one shoulder. “When we were children, our father instilled a fear of mortals into us. They were the enemy, to be feared and avoided. I’ve been into the mortal realm before, but in the past I have always been escorted there and back, and protected the entire time. My interactions with the earth-born only occurred when I was required to kill or kidnap them.”
“Yet violence toward the earth-born is not the true faerie way. In the past faeries and mortals have lived in harmony.”
Vashti’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “My father does not subscribe to the old ways.”
Ailie nodded. “I have heard as much. What I don’t understand is how Tanzi had the same upbringing yet, when she fled from your father, she voluntarily went to the mortal realm to escape him.”
“Tanzi was desperate. And she was with Lorcan, a man who had sworn to protect her.”
“While your journey will be undertaken alongside a man who is antagonistic toward you.”
Vashti laughed. “That’s his approach to me when he’s having a good day.”
“And your pride will not allow you to try to break down these barriers between the two of you?”
“Not in this millennium. Probably not in the next.”
Ailie shook her head sadly as she stood. “Then I wish you luck.”
“I have a feeling I’ll need it.”
The next morning Vashti cautiously approached a very angry Jethro, who seemed to be taking his frustration out on Cal as they stood on the village green. “Is this some kind of joke?” Jethro’s expression resembled a thundercloud. “You’re telling me there is a portal direct from where we are now to the mortal realm, but it will take me to a remote Scottish island?”
Cal sighed. “The Spae originated as mortals on the Isle of Orkney. Centuries ago, when they were persecuted by witch finders and forced to flee their home, your convenience and ease of international travel were probably not uppermost in their minds. They were more concerned with their own safety.”
“What is the problem?” Depositing her bag on the grass, Vashti surmised they were not likely to be departing immediately.
“The problem is I will waste time getting from Orkney to mainland Scotland, then from there to a major US airport, where I’ll need to get another flight to Maine. Allowing for connections and delays, it will take the best part of two, possibly even three, days.”
Since Vashti had no concept of mortal time, Jethro’s frustration was meaningless to her and she turned to Cal for an explanation. “It would take as long if Jethro returned to the palace with Stella and me to use the portal at La Casa Oscura. From there, he would enter the mortal realm in Barcelona and travel from Spain to the US. Either way, the journey is a long one. Which leaves me with one question.” He turned back to Jethro. “Since we are, as you said, up against the clock, do you have to go home first?”
Something shifted in Jethro’s expression. The irritation was replaced by a guarded look, as though shutters had been abruptly pulled down. “Yes.”
“When it comes to being stubborn, you remind me of someone I once knew.” Cal’s voice held a trace of frustration.
“Who was that?”
“His name was Arthur.” Cal’s annoyance shifted and became a reminiscent smile. “He didn’t turn out so bad.”
Hoisting a large backpack onto one shoulder, Jethro held out a hand to Cal. “Sometimes
