Iron Crowned Chapter 19

It as wellk awhile before Kiyo, Jas tap, and I could return to Tucson. We had to go to the Thorn Land, of course, where Shaya and the others asked me all sorts of questions well-nigh what had happened and what I wanted to do. Kiyo and nevertheless Jasmine provided most of the answers for me because honestly, I wasnt sure what I wanted now. The only thing I had the real sense to do was ingest Jasmines key and unlock her chains. She stargond at her freed hands wonderingly, stroking her wrists. I nearly left the chains and key in the castle but soon reconsidered and took them with me to the gracious world.Shed never seen my house before and regarded it with approval as we entered. All was quiet, and the empty drive vogue make me confident I wouldnt find Tim and Lara holed up in his sleeping room again. Evidence of their delight, however, was still obvious.Damn them, I said, gingerly picking a red lace bra off of the couch and tossing it d receive the hall toward Tims room. Im depr ivation to assimilate to sanitize this thing. Probably every other piece of furniture too.You induce Pop-Tarts Jasmine hadnt made it to the living room. Shed stopped in the kitchen, opening every draftsman and cupboard she could find. And Apple Jacks Peanut butter, ranch dressing, saltines I was surprised that last one excited her so much, but after a equalize years eating gentry food, even the most mundane human cuisine was probably exciting.Oh she exclaimed. Can I have one of your Milky slipway?Sure. Have whatever you want.Her eyeball were wide as she tore into the package, and both Kiyo and I watched her with smiles on our faces, similar proud p bents on Christmas morning. Although they didnt sound good to me right field now, Milky Ways were normally my candy bar of choice. From the way she was consuming hers, Jasmine appeared to share that family trait. She completed her sugar rush with a can of Coke and thus made herself at home on the couch. Watching her reach eagerly for the remote control, I decided it was best not to mention the amorous activities that had belike occurred where she sat.She flipped through the channels in go along amazement. It was evening prime time entertainment and the emotions on her face were transparent as she stumbled across old and mod shows alike.You want me to see if I can find anything that fits you? I asked. She might have slipped back easily to human behaviors, but she still wore a long, silky gentry-style gown.Sure, she said, not feel up from the screen.Kiyo fol humbleded me into my bedroom. You ideate shes safe out(a) in that location? he asked. Alone?Yeah, I do actually. Jasmine and I werent the same size, but I found some drawstring shorts that would likely fit. I dont know why but I feel like I can send her.Be careful, he warned, sitting on the beds edge. For all we know, she was happy to be captured and have Cassius throw himself at her.He didnt do anything. I found the delicateest jersey I coul d her frame was more(prenominal) than slender than mine.So she says.I sighed and faced him. Kiyo, youve got to trust me. I cant explain it, but shes telling the fair play. Is she going to turn into a normal teen and forget to the highest degree her plans to have Storm Kings heir? Unlikely. But for now, shes in shock and not dangerous.If you think so. Just be careful, Eug. Youve been tricked by people youve trusted before.Surprise, surprise. A slam on Dorian. I crossed my arms, dungeoning the habilitate to my chest. Soon to be followed by a lecture on seizing the rowan Land. Id been bracing myself since it all happened, but during the ensuing damage control, hed held back. I appreciated that but still dreaded the inevitable.Actually, he said, no. none Id started to take aim a step toward the doorway and froze.He laughed, though in that location wasnt much humor in it. No.But I just feeling well, after last time You werent very happy rough the Thorn Land That small smile faded. No. And its not like Im happy about this. But the truth is, you did find a relatively bloodless way to end all of this. When we were out there, you asked me what other solution could fix things. I didnt have an answer. You did. Its not great but it didnt kill Katrice or those other people. It didnt get you captured. He shrugged. Not ideal, no, but best than the alternatives.I leaned back against the wall, still blow out of the water at his reaction. If it makes you feel better, its not like I wanted this either. I wanted to sneak in and out and get Jasmine.He nodded, but there was a sharp look in his eyes. And yet, you brought the crown. I hadnt mentioned that to him when we first set out to the rowan Land.Her note said she didnt deal I had it I was hoping motion it rough might do something to help us. He stayed quiet. Dont look at me like that You cant believe I planned to use it.I do believe you. He approached me and rested his hands on my shoulders. And Ill help y ou in any way you need.Something inside my chest released, and I leaned into him, taking comfort in his affection and the security he offered. Thank you. Im definitely going to need you.Kiyo pressed a kiss to my forehead. Im here.I mat a small smile except at my lips, though as with his earlier laughter, I didnt really find the situation funny. I suppose if there is a silver lining here, by chance I can do a better job ruling the Rowan Land than she did. Some sort of greater good.To my surprise, his hold on me stiffened, and he stepped back. The smile he offered me looked tight. Maybe.We went back out to Jasmine, who was still riveted to the TV. The only acknowledgment we got was when I handed her the clothes, and she examined them. Whats The Clash mean?I ignored the blasphemy and Kiyos obvious pastime at my pain. If you want to shower, everything youll need is in the bathroom. Towels, shampoo.That too got her attention. A shower oh, man. Ive disoriented showers.Will you ca rdinal be okay? asked Kiyo, all signs of his earlier tenderness gone. I need to take care of a a couple of(prenominal) things.I nodded. Were fine. Will you be back soon?As soon as I can. He kissed me again, this time on my lips. I must have worn another pained expression because he cupped my chin, his brown eyes full of love and compassion. Its going to be okay, Eugenie. Everything will be okay.I nodded once more and watched wistfully as he left. I wanted his arms around me again, to hold me and let me escape this mess. A small part of me wouldnt have minded Dorians arms either. I sat beside Jasmine, whose attention was back on some realism show.Hes harmonisening off to Maiwenn, you know. Her gaze didnt move. Off to report on what happened.My ire started to rise at her accusation, except I had a feeling she was right. Even if there was no more romance between them, he was still devoted to her. The recent developments were going to rock the Otherworld, and shed want the story st raight from him. I wondered how shed take it shed always feared my becoming like my father.Probably, I admitted. I rubbed my eyes. God, Im so exhausted. I feel like I could fall over.This time Jasmine turned to me. There wasnt incisively sympathy in her face, but something surprisingly close. No shit. You just stole a kingdom and took it over.It sounds so ugly when you phrase it that way.She shrugged and looked back at the TV. Youll probably do a better job. Her words echoed my earlier comment to Kiyo. You know, she added conversationally, everyone acts like our dad was such a bastard, like he just wanted more power. I mean, he did, but you know what Aeson told me? He said that Storm King was always talking about how he could do a better job too, that the other monarchs werent as good. He said he was doing the people a favor.I froze, unable to respond. That was why Kiyo had reacted the way he did earlier. Hed checkd that about Storm Kings good intentions, I realized. Id expressed exactly the same sentiment as my father.Jasmine didnt notice the effect of her words and instead jumped subjects in that easy, short-attention-span way of hers. Hey, do you think you could get Wil to experience over? I want to see him.Sure, I murmured automatically. My mind was still lost in her earlier words. Sure.Wil was surprised to hear from me the next morning, more surprised still when I told him the reason I was calling. He said hed be over in five minutes.Jasmine had asked that he come alone after Id mentioned he now had a girlfriend. Still, shed been curious. Seriously? Whats she like?I thought back to my one meeting with Wils ladylove. Once Id banished the monsters living in their house, she hadnt shut up about conspiracy theories and assorted coverups. Exactly like him, Id replied to Jasmine.The reunion between brother and sister was strange. They stood there awkwardly, both staring at each other and assessing all the ways theyd changed. Then, with no communication, they hugged each other. Jasmines face was live up toed with legitimate emotion, and for once, Wil didnt seem like the crazy, paranoid guy he ordinarily was.Are you okay? he asked her, voice trembling. Ive missed you so much.Jasmine swallowed, and I was pretty sure there were tears in her eyes. I I missed you too. And it was the truth. Shed told me once she didnt care about this world or about the half brother whod raised her. But she did. This whole time, despite her Otherworldly plans for domination, shed always love him.Things grew increasingly bizarre when it became obvious the two werent quite sure what to do with each other. Wil didnt chastise her for her absence, and at last, she simply asked if he wanted to hang out and watch TV. I think that was partly because it provided a concrete activity and partly because shed become obsessed with reservation up for lost TV time. I kept my distance but couldnt help a small, envious feeling as they sat on the couch. Jasmine leaned her h ead against her big brothers shoulder, and I became acutely conscious(predicate) of the emptiness in my own family life. I hadnt heard from my mom or Roland since getting the referral to Enrique. The closest I had to any familial connection was those goddamn kingdoms I ruled. Just as the Thorn Land had always called to me, the Rowan Land now did too, leaving such an ache within me that I practically felt nauseous. Rurik had been right. I wouldnt be able to stay away.But first things first. Thinking of Enrique reminded me I was due for an update. Retreating to my bedroom, I dialed his number and hoped he was up this early.Miss Markham, he said after just one ring. Caller ID left no surprises anymore. Always a delight.Im sure. What are you doing with the case right now?Nothing.Nothing? I exclaimed. Irritation rose within me. I wasnt paying him to sit around, especially after hed gotten so close.Nope, he said cheerfully. Its out of my hands. I found what I postulate, proved that Dean na Jones didnt buy the gun. From what I hear, the police are searching Cal Joness house right now and questioning him. Far be it from me to get in the way of the fine men in blue.Finally, some good news well, at least as the cases progress went. It wouldnt be easy on Deanna to learn the truth about her husband. And women, I said. There are probably women in blue there too.If you say so.Thanks, Enrique. I really appreciate it. I honestly didnt think it could be make.Dont get all emotional, he said in that brisk way of his. At least not until you see the bill.We disconnected. Attitude or no, Enrique had been a good call on Rolands part which once again brought about the sadness over the turn in my parental relationship. Well. Nothing to do for it at the moment, not with all my other line of works. And anyway, I had a loose end that could now be wrapped up.Taking out my wand, I closed my eyes and cast a minor summoning spell, calling to Deanna. I had no control over her but shed re sponded to my call before particularly since she was always on edge listening for it. After several minutes and no results, I gave up and sadly suspected she wasnt coming because she already knew the truth. As eager as shed been to get answers, it wouldnt have surprised me if shed been following Enrique around while he worked. She might have discovered for herself what her husband had done. If so, I hoped shed now move on to the Underworld and seek peace, rather than staying restless and sad in this world. There was adequate suffering here already.I tried as hard as I could the next couple days to stay away from the Otherworld. Wil visited off and on, and Jasmine and I began doing mundane yet enjoyable activities, like seeing movies and shopping for clothes for her. Tim and Lara often appeared, still in the throes of their love, and Kiyo returned with reports about the Otherworld, reassuring me that my kingdoms control of the Rowan Land was progressing smoothly. And at night, he c ame to my bed, and I found the return of our fierce gender life went a long way toward taking my mind off my laundry list of problems.But finally, I had to give in. The call to my lands was too strong, and even Kiyo admitted that with my new and fragile hold on the Rowan Land, I needed to visit and connect with it to reinforce our bond. By that channelise, I needed no urging. My own form was telling me as much. I still felt weak and drained, my dreams haunted by cacti and cherry trees.I took Jasmine with me. Our relationship wasnt quite sound enough yet for me to leave her alone. She drew the line at going to the Rowan Land, however, insisting she would stay in the Thorn Land until my return. I had no problem with that, knowing she was secure there. Kiyo was still going with me, and Shaya caught us before we could leave.Theres a few things you should probably know, she said uneasily. Her nervousness was likely due to the fact that I hated being troubled with the day-to-day runnin g of a kingdom in this case, kingdoms. Something about the fear in her eyes told me she also knew I wouldnt like what she had to say.I sighed. Go ahead.I Ive heard from King Dorian a number of times.Kiyo shifted uncomfortably beside me, and I felt that familiar prickle of anger run down my spine. All the memories of Dorians lying and betrayal came back to me. It stung all the worse because in the end, hed gotten exactly what he wanted the Iron Crown had done its job. He probably wanted me to take still more lands.Whats he want? I demanded. The wars over. Were no longer in a partnership.Well, thats just it. Since you are were allies in the war, he says he deserves some of the spoils of your victory.He what? My fury increased. He doesnt deserve anything. I was the one who won and used the crown.She nodded, still looking like she wished she could be anywhere else. Yes but he argues that he was the one who sent you to get the crown. And that his armies lost as more lives as yours .That last point silenced me. His soldiers had fought with mine. His peoples families mourned those casualties as much as mine and for what? To fight against a slight that had nothing to do with them, not really. I didnt owe Dorian anything, of that I was certain, but I was indebted to his subjects.When I didnt respond, Shaya continued. Some of his people are also helping hold the Rowan Land.Oh, are they? Of course Dorian would have swooped in. I never asked for that.She shook her head. Nonetheless, you need it. Many are still having trouble accepting your rule. Theres a lot of seething resentment. No violence has upset(a) out yet but thats largely because of the sizable presence Rurik sent to keep control. Dorians helping with that.Id meditated with the Thorn Land as soon as Id arrived, making me feel a little better, but the pressure and continued political complications were already draining me. I wasnt meant for this. Whats he want? Half the kingdom?No. Trade. Tribute. The Ro wan Land is a huge food producer, and he wants part of that.That doesnt sound so bad, I said tentatively.Im guessing he wants it at low, low prices, said Kiyo, speaking up for the first time.Shaya nodded. He does. And hes entitled to it to a certain extent. But his current demands are extreme enough that it could endanger the Rowan Lands economy. Maybe thats not an issue. It all depends on what you want for them.I thought about the refugees at the gates. What did I want for those people? I wanted them to prosper. I wanted things to return to normal. Can you negotiate with him to something in the middle? I asked Shaya.Most likely.Then do it.She bowed her head in acknowledgment, and I knew thats what shed already known had to be done. She was simply giving me my dues as queen, going through the motions and reminding everyone that ultimately, I still held the authority around here.When Kiyo and I finally made it to the Rowan Land, I felt the lands relief and welcome. Its energy burned into mine, strengthening me. At the castle, we saw little sign of the Rowan military but plenty of mine and Dorians. They were stationed everywhere, keeping the order Shaya had told me about. They bowed low when they saw me, their actions mirrored by the kingdoms citizens. Only, Katrices subjects didnt bow out of respect and deference. There was fear in their eyes, confusion in some, and an obvious show among a few that their actions were forced.Rurik was still in residence, personally overseeing the occupation. I felt secure in his control and listened as he explained what needed to be done next. I understood it only a little better than the economics Shaya had pushed on me, the main point being Id need a governing body here soon. Picking that staff would be a problem. Shaya was one in a million, but even she couldnt be in two places at once. Seeing my dismay, Rurik hesitantly added that Dorian had offered to provide people for the job. My expression at those words gave Rurik all t he answer he needed.The Rowan Lands energy continued to flow into me when I set out to have my meditation session with it. The nature of the connection was similar to what I had with the Thorn Land, but the kingdoms feel was all told different. The Thorn Land was harsh filled with life, yes, but life that fought fiercely against the elements for survival. The Rowan Land was softer, its life bursting forth easily and radiating through its many trees and plants.Eugenie, said Kiyo, following me out to a small garden behind the castle. Look.I paused and glanced behind me. Where Id walked, flowers had blossomed, small red ones scattered throughout the grassy path. I knelt down, inhaling their heady scent. Whys it happening?Youre its ruler. Youre giving the land life and energy.I thought about how being here had made me feel marginally better. Its strengthening me too but this doesnt happen in the Thorn Land. I dont have that kind of effect.Dont you? he teased, a mischievous smile on h is face. You make it rain.A memory came to me of when the Thorn Land had floundered in drought. While connecting with the land, Id had sex with Kiyo, and the energy from that union had empowered the kingdom, breaking the dry spell and sending much-needed rain that made the people and plants flourish.I smiled back at him. Looks like we dont have to worry about that today. This land doesnt need as much help.He slipped an arm around my waist and pulled me to him, voice husky. But imagine the results if we did. Extra credit.Leaning down, he brought his lips to mine, his tongue pushing into my mouth with a rough passion. I felt my body answer, and for a moment, the offer was tempting. I pictured what it would be like to make love among all this greenery, here in the sunshine. Would a bed of red flowers fill the ground below us? Again I kind of wanted to find out, but I also wasnt comfortable in this kingdom yet. I didnt want to risk discovery of my sex life, even if it wouldnt be a big deal to the gentry. Reluctantly, I pulled away from him.Another time.After a few more protests, he let me be. I sat on the ground while he waited, closing my eyes and opening myself to the world around me. We are one, I assured the land. I am here. I felt its answer, felt warmth spread through me and lost track of time. When I finished, I was shock at how far the sun had moved across the sky. Kiyo sat on the ground cross-legged, looking at ease as he watched me.Crap, I said, start up. Im sorry. I didnt mean to make you wait so long.He stood as well. Its no problem. You needed it. You both needed it. I knew he was right. I was more energized, and the land felt strong and content.After another check with Rurik, Kiyo and I headed back to the Thorn Land. Here, he parted from me, again to take care of a few things. He assured me hed be back in Tucson as soon as he could, but I saw the look Jasmine gave me when she overheard. I could guess her thoughts more reports to Maiwenn.Jasmine wa s impatient to go to Tucson, but before leaving, I impulsively set out alone to where Id communed earlier with the Thorn Land. It had been on a distant part of the grounds, one of my favorite places, in the shade of a mesquite tree. Its perfume rivaled that of the Rowan flowers, and around it stood cacti in all shapes and sizes, some of them small and squat and some tall and foreboding like sentries.Almost all of them were blooming.A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the flowers on the cacti. They formed a brilliantly colored perimeter, right around where Id been meditating, the petals in all shapes and sizes. The flowers were beautiful. Exquisite.And none of them had been there earlier.