Thorns of Fate: Serendipity Saga Book One

Chapter Twenty-Five

The hall outside of the interrogation room was crowded with people. Damien stood there, speaking quietly to Lady Evelyn Stark and her protege, Liam. Anton stood at Damien's side, quietly. His eyes met mine as we approached, a cocky half-smirk plastered on his face. He looked like he was pretending to be at ease, but was actually the opposite.

Carson held my hand as we walked down the hall and Anton watched our clasped palms warily. He didn't speak but acted as though he were Damien's shadow.

"...adding Liam to your security detail," Evelyn was finishing as we approached. Damien looked thoughtful for a long moment before turning to me. His eyes ran me up and down and I silently begged everything in the world for the bruises to remain hidden. I'd readily accepted what may come of our dalliance but I didn't want my father to ask me about it.

"What do you think, Kyra? Evelyn has proposed Carson, Anton, and Liam being your security detail at the coronation. We believe Henrick May try something there," Damien explained.

I nodded, watching Liam carefully. I had never paid much attention to him as he'd always been a figure in the backdrop. He wasn't part of what had become my inner circle but I couldn't fault the logic. He could sense human magic before it came and Henrick was using a legion of witches to do his bidding. It only made sense for him to stay close.

"That sounds good to me," I responded.

Damien nodded as though my acquiescence had merely been a formality. He looked over my head to Carson and then jerked his head toward the interrogation room. "Let's get started. Tomorrow is a big day and I know you could all use some sleep."

I hadn't much considered the time but a look around the hall backed up what he was saying. All of us looked ragged and exhausted.

Liam held the viewing room door open, allowing Anton and myself to step through. Evelyn quickly issued goodbyes to Liam before turning to me.

"My princess," she greeted with a slight curtsy. I tried to mimic her as a response but it felt awkward in sweats and a hoodie. "I must finalize arrangements for the coronation, so I must part. But I look forward to getting to speaking with you at the event."

"Thank you for your time," I replied. She nodded and scurried back down the hall.

I stepped past Liam, into the room beyond and chose to stand near the mirrored glass instead of sitting on the couch near Anton. I caught him watching me carefully from the corner of my eye, though.

Through the glass, I could see the white haired Magick seated calmly. Her eyes were a violet that matched the bolts of energy she had pegged at me through the fog. She was pretty, beautiful even. She had a tender pixie shaped face and round purple eyes. While her hair was white, it didn't seem to age her. It gave her an ethereal presence. Her skin was paler even than my own.

She had her arms folded on the table before her and I could easily see the thick dark colored metal shackles around her wrists. The only move she made to show that she noticed when Damien and Carson entered the room was a quick flick of her eyes in their direction.

Carson leaned against the wall near the door, his arms crossed over his chest. Damien sat in a chair opposite her. He shot a glance at Carson before he spoke.

"Good morning," he began as though this were a typical night for him. "This here," he gestured toward Carson, "is my friend Mr. Carder. He has a...unique gift of which I believe you've already experienced. He is here to assist us in the eventuality that you choose not to speak to us."

The woman's eyes widened, just barely. I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't been watching her so closely. She swept her gaze up to Carson and then narrowed her eyes on the table before her.