The Iron Seer

(Bonus) Chapter 25 - The Lonely Prince

Thoughts of the mirror passage and the threat of war with the Seelie Court lingered on my mind as I lay in bed that night. Ti and Briskie were sleeping with me in my room, again.

"Don't you have your own room?" I'd asked Ti earlier.

"I like yours better," she'd responded simply, and I wondered if she knew how much her presence comforted me in this strange place. She had hardly left my side since we'd fought about her disappearance on that first night.

As I listened to their breathing in bed beside me - Briskie tucked as usual into the edge of my pillowcase and Ti lying next to me with her long dreadlocks spilling across the pillow, snoring lightly - I decided that it wasn't so bad, drawing strength from those you cared for. My friends' presence failed to help me sleep, however. I had too much to think about.

That the mirror would lead to a dead-ended tunnel did not make sense. Was it a simple trick meant to confuse whoever stumbled upon it? Or perhaps it was sealed, and that was why that passage had not been used in a long time.

I finally had to admit it: I was out of my depth. I knew almost nothing about this palace, about the Court. I'd studied arithmetic, writing, the geography of the Nevernever, and apothecary under Glassbarrow's housekeeper Madame Isolde's watchful eye, been forced to memorize the names of various Winter courtiers and been taught the basic mechanics of Court etiquette. I knew how to shoot an arrow through an enemy's heart at seventy yards. I knew by heart every story that Isolde told during Summer storytellings in the greenhouse. But I knew nothing about this city or its people, or even why there might be a hidden passage in my bathing room that seemed to lead nowhere at all. My inexperience could - and almost did, with the Spinner - lead me to my death.

For however long Ash would be gone, I would spend every day with Rowan. But as much as I loathed to admit it, Rowan - a man I distrusted, could barely tolerate being around - might be the key to learning how to survive here. If I could turn this situation to my advantage by having him teach me.

***

The fourth day since Ash had left.

His brother was waiting for me again at the strange table in that courtyard. No one else ever seemed to dine there, and I only caught glimpses of other castle residents passing by, none of them paying any attention to us. That morning, Ti and Briskie came with me to meet Rowan, and kept up a stream of chatter while I picked at the food in front of me.

Having not eaten much recently, I should have been digging into the feast laid out before me. But the anxiety and apprehension swirling about inside my thoughts made my hunger barely noticeable, insignificant in comparison. Still, I made myself eat an entire scone, still warm from the kitchens, sprinkled with a soft, powdered white sugar like the finest snow and studded with wild berries. I barely tasted it.

When I was finished, I stood and addressed Rowan for the first time that day, determined to make the best use of my time with him. "Shall we get started, then?"

His eyebrows rose in shock at my apparent willingness, but he recovered quickly, gracing me with a charming smile. "Of course." He stood as well and bowed to Tiaothin and Briskie. "Always a pleasure, Tiaothin." He couldn't resist winking at her before turning from the table and following me out of her earshot to the entrance archway.

Rowan's eyes danced. "You seem eager to spend time with me. Alone."

I stifled a retort and seized his gaze, deciding to go straight to the core of the main issue. "What would you have me do with you all day?" He opened his mouth, but I cut him off, knowing what his response would be to that. Amusement toyed with his lips. "What I mean is, what's the point? What do you have to gain from having me with you?"