Shadow Heir

He grinned at me and nodded to Jasmine. “On a more practical note, we’re going to have to travel through some pretty miserable conditions. Having two weather-working sisters along would be welcome.”

It was another good point. Certainly I’d eased my journey with Roland earlier. Jasmine’s specialty was magic tied to moisture, which would come in handy with the snow. Dorian’s comment also provided cover for something else I’d wanted to bring up. I turned to Pagiel.

“I suppose he’s right. And by that same reasoning, we could really use you if your air magic can combat any of this,” I said. I hesitated and frowned before continuing. “Although, I hate to drag you into it. If your mother gave me grief for my doctor’s visits, God only knows what she’ll say about this.”

Pagiel’s eyes were stormy. “I’m too old for her to tell me what to do! I don’t care if it’s dangerous. You need me, and I’m going.”

It was hard to keep a straight face. Something amusing flashed in Dorian’s eyes, and I knew he’d guessed my ruse. Score one for Eugenie and reverse psychology. In truth, I actually wasn’t thrilled about exposing Pagiel to this dangerous journey. It was simply a matter of choosing the lesser of evils, however. If Pagiel was with me, he wasn’t out attacking humans. I’d been afraid suggesting he go with us to the Yew Land would make him suspicious, but he seemed pretty confident it was all his decision. I hoped this boded well for my future parenting skills.

After further discussion, the only two people not going were Roland and Shaya. Roland, though not a fan of the Otherworld, had volunteered to help. I’d declined the offer and given him a look that said I’d explain later. That was enough for him. Shaya, however, was much harder to convince. Although she was strong and a good healer, I wanted her back here to manage the fragile state of affairs in my kingdoms. Rurik, being the macho but good-hearted husband he was, simply wanted her kept safe. That was what she took issue with.

“I’m not made of glass!” she exclaimed to him. “I used to be a warrior in the Oak Land’s royal guard.”

“And now you’re my wife, so trust me when I say you’re better off here,” Rurik said. I think he had noble intentions, but the heavy-handed words weren’t the best thing he could’ve chosen. She grew more incensed, and it was only my command that got her to back down. From the way she kept glaring at him, it was clear she held him responsible, and I suspected Rurik would be sleeping on the proverbial couch.

Once the rest of us, along with some handpicked fighters, were committed to go, our meeting dispersed. We planned on leaving tomorrow, and everyone had individual preparations to make. Roland intended to go back to Tucson now and reluctantly agreed to let some of my guards escort him to the gate so that he could go on horseback.

“I’d love to have you in the Yew Land,” I told him as I walked him out. “But honestly ... I’m worried that while Pagiel’s gone, some of his cronies might get the same idea about ‘shopping trips’ to the human world.”

Roland grimaced. “I hope it doesn’t come to that. He’s a bright boy, the kind others follow.... Hopefully none of them will have the initiative to act on their own. I’ll be on watch, though.”

Outdoors, the same bitter cold greeted us. Roland was bundled up again, but I’d foolishly ventured out in just my jeans and sweater. Not far from the door, his escort waited discreetly and patiently. I wrapped my arms around myself.

“Roland ... if something happens to me ...”

“Eugenie ...”

“I know, I know. It sounds pessimistic, but well ... everything’s changed. There are things we have to plan for.”

“The twins,” he said grimly.

I nodded. “If something happens to me, then I totally trust you to do whatever you think is best. If that means leaving them where they’re at, fine. If you and Mom want to take them, fine too. Whatever will give them a good life and keep them safe from my enemies.”

Roland’s face showed he didn’t like this conversation but knew it was necessary. “I hate to echo Dorian, but if something does happen to you, you probably won’t have many enemies left to come after them.”

“Then something good comes out of this, right?”

He gave his head a rueful shake. “Be careful, Eugenie, so that we never have to find out the answers to any of these things.” He hugged me and then shooed me inside. “Get back in there and get warm. If you think about it, send that fiend of yours to me every once in a while with an update.”

“I will,” I said. It was difficult watching him go. He was my last bit of contact with humanity. I was now once again fully enmeshed in Otherworldly affairs.

Before I returned inside, I caught the attention of a sentry standing a little ways down the hall. She inclined her head politely at my notice. “Your Majesty.”