.
.
Chapter Eighteen
.
.
"You're sure?" Sal questioned Scarvy again disbelief heavily coloring his voice.
"Sal, that's the tenth time you've asked me that in barely twenty minutes." Scarvy replied with a chuckle clapping the medic on his shoulder then added more seriously. "Yes, I'm sure."
"But—"Scarvy interrupted his friend's pleas which had turned pushy.
"Sal, I'm not going back with you." He broke Sal's entreating eyes to gaze towards Alia who stood at the far side of formal dining room. Unaware of the men's stares, Alia spoke animatedly with the three members of the Goblin family who were still adjusting to her new physical manifestation. Alia, however, seemed content and required little adjustment to her new physique, the soft cream dress accenting her delicate beauty. Scarvy hoped he was the cause of her contentment and a soft smile graced his lips. "I've finally found my heart and I don't plan on ever walking away."
Shaking his head, Sal deciphered the look in Scarvy's eyes and knew the cop a love lost man. Well, at least lost to their mortal world. He hated to see the man walk away from his life, his entire career but who was he to tell another man how to live, and especially whom to love. Sal slapped Scarvy on the back.
"Okay, okay, I know when I'm beat." Scarvy's eyes swung back to face his. "You can't blame me for trying but I just wanted to make absolutely sure that you're sure..."
"Oh, I'm positive. I belong here." The wistful note in Scarvy's voice didn't escape Sal's notice as the man explained himself. "It's not just Alia, although she's reason enough, ever since I woke up after nearly dying I...I don't know...I've felt like I've come home. I can't really explain it, Sal, but I've always been restless. My being a cop helped with it; it was the only thing that ever challenged me enough to keep me grounded but now..." Scarvy shrugged.
"Now you're content." Sal finished for him in a knowing voice and Scarvy nodded, smiling.
"Yeah, exactly, I've never been content before. I'd like to give it try." He agreed rather bemused.
"Well, I tell ya. You look like I did on my wedding day, so if you're half as content as I've been then you'll do just fine." Sal extended his hand which Scarvy took with a firm grip and they shook slowly before pulling each other into a tight hug.
"Take care of yourself, Sal." Scarvy said and Sal swore he heard the man's voice crack slightly, just like his.
"You, too, man. Don't be a stranger." The held the hug no longer than would be considered appropriate if their male co-workers were to by some odd circumstance walk in and witness their display and yet they released one another a bit reluctantly as new friends who are likely to be separated for years are wont to do.
"Are you ready, Sal Silvari?" Jareth's commanding tone cut their goodbye short and Sal stepped away with a vague sniff. Scarvy happily faded to the background joined by Alia who immediately clasped his hand and rested her head on his shoulder as they bore witness to Sal's departure.
"Yeah, let's get this over with." He'd already said his goodbyes to the rest of the group. Sarah had bestowed a warm hug and kiss to his cheek with her very sincere thanks before introducing Lizzie, whom Sal had never met but heard much about. The Princess gave her gracious thanks and a curtsy but her emotions remained subdued due to her current grief. Sal understood. But even in her grief she could hardly avoid noticing Alia's new life and be happy, yet confused, for her once best friend. Although they barely spoke they did exchange appropriate words of support and well wishing and both hoped to reconnect later as their new lives grounded. Things were irrevocably changed between them and Lizzie suspected Alia's physical change had little to do with it.
Then Jareth again offered Sal his hand, "As you know, Sal, you are always welcome in our home or should you ever require our assistance..."
"I've still got your crystal caller." He quipped taking Jareth's hand.
"Yes," Jareth agreed then Sarah stepped forward and added.
"Please don't hesitate to contact us for any reason, ever. You are a true friend, Sal Silvari. We'll never forget you." She smiled and hugged him again.
"Uh...thanks," He barely knew what to think as they gush over him and while he felt the same he also felt a bit uncomfortable and he really missed Susan which made him antsy. "Just glad I could help." He belatedly added. Jareth nodded then twisted his wrist producing a crystal. He wanted Sarah to rest and refrain from using too much magic until they determined the new boundaries of their Binding with Labyrinth. His inherent Fae magic sustained enough with a touch from Labyrinth for their current needs as long as he rested often.
"I'll be sending you back just before you arrived at the house to assist William but the events following will be altered now and only you and Susan shall remember the change."
"Why?"
"It's easier to manipulate time in reverse in this instance than attempt to erase memories of all involved. It will appear as though you never left and as for William...well...he will appear to be missing from that house and since he has no family it will be easy forgotten."
"So, that's it?"
Jareth laughed, "Yes, that's it. Brace yourself; the return trip will likely be as rough as the original." Before he smashed the crystal at Sal's feet, Jareth snapped his fingers restoring Sal's uniform as he'd worn upon his arrival. A shattered crystal and puff of glitter later and Sal disappeared from the dining room to the home where Scarvy was attack and later to his wife.
"I'm actually going to miss him." Sarah announced suddenly of the man who'd been the means years ago of her second tragic mental hospital incarceration. However, Sal had more than redeemed himself since them.
"Yes, as will I. Difficult to believe the battle ended only yesterday and already our friends depart." Barely one night of rest after their world changed and the next morning everyone struggled to find their bearings. The funeral pyre yet waited for them in the front courtyard, another change terrible to consider.
"Not all." Sarah stated with a nodded towards Scarvy and they both turned towards the new couple blissfully engaged in one another. Sarah also noticed Lizzie lingering several feet away with a dull expression and her heart sank for her daughter. Discreetly Sarah dismissed Lizzie and watched her daughter gratefully retire to her personal chambers.
"No, William is most certainly a permanent resident, as we suspected. Although I didn't anticipate Alia's transforming." Jareth quietly commented into her ear, "I've never heard of such a thing but then pixies have always been rare and a great mystery of the Underground." He wondered to himself how long their next stage of transformation to Fae might take as no one ever remained Mortal in the Underground but save that discussion for a later date.
"Guess a bit less of a mystery now." She replied. "I think it's time we spoke to them."
"Hmm..." He mumbled as they walked over to the oblivious couple. Jareth cleared his throat alerting them to their approach and Scarvy and Alia's heads snapped up from their cuddling.
"Oh, Your Majesty, my apologies." Alia exclaimed starting to curtsy but Sarah waved for her to cease.
"It's alright, Alia, we wanted to speak to you both now that ...well...that your circumstances have altered and we finally have a chance to do so." She explained trying to sooth Alia's concerns. Sarah was unsure if she might ever adjust to being able to speak eye to eye to the former pixie whose once high pitched trilling voice now sounded closer to her own. Alia appeared young, no more than early twenties, but Sarah knew her to be near her own age of 42 and probably near William's age as well. Meanwhile, Scarvy's own physical appearance morphed from a middle-aged public servant near retirement to a man a fraction his age just in the last twelve hours. It pleased Sarah tremendously to see him so obviously in love...well, both of them as neither strayed more than a room's distance away and Sarah abruptly wondered where they had spend the night since neither she nor Jareth considered their new situation yesterday during the initial clean-up.
"Of course, Your Majesty." Alia replied her attention focused solely on Sarah and Jareth as Scarvy turned to face the monarchs, slipping his hand into hers an expression of curious expectation on his face. Jareth stepped forward slightly indicating his intention to speak and all faced him as he spoke to the new couple but specifically to Scarvy.
"William, we understand your desire to remain with Alia here in the Underground...?"
"Yes," Scarvy answered definitively when Jareth trailed off in a questioning tone. "Now that we've found each other I've no wish to return Aboveground." Scarvy squeezed Alia's hand and they shared an intimate glance.
"In that case, William, we'd like to offer you a position in the Goblin Kingdom as Captain of the Guard- unless you've other plans?" Jareth slyly asked knowing very well Scarvy could have no plans and as Alia remained a subject of the Goblin Crown their first loyalty would be here.
Alia gasped, her free hand rose to cover her gaping mouth, "Your Majesty, how generous!"
"W-what? Jareth, I...well, I don't know what to say..." Scarvy stammered and he and Alia looked to each other stunned then back to the monarchs while Sarah and Jareth laughed politely. Sarah took pity on the flustered couple.
"I wouldn't be too grateful; you saw our lack of an organized army yesterday. It would fall to you to lead such rabble." Sarah said then Jareth added with an extended hand to Scarvy.
"But we have every confidence in you, William, as you've proven yourself most sturdy and loyal."
Scarvy grinned and immediately gripped Jareth's offered hand and they shook firmly, "I'd be honored, Jareth, or should I call you Your Majesty now?"
"Please, in private we'd prefer you both call us by our given names." Jareth insisted as he released Scarvy's hand, meanwhile Sarah embraced Alia who shed a few tears then hugged Scarvy as Alia moved forward shyly towards Jareth. He disabused her uncertainty by sharing a friendly hug with the former pixie before she shied from him. After having been his subject for most of her life it felt strange to be on such casual terms with the Goblin King.
"Labyrinth is pleased as well and created a private suite for the both of you just below the Royal Chambers." Sarah said enthusiastically as Labyrinth whispered its work to her. "It's yours for as long as you wish it and if you prefer any changes please tell me and we'll take care of it." Speechless, Alia and William stared at Sarah with identical expressions of wide eyes and wider mouths. Truly the Goblin King and Queen must be the most generous rulers in all the Underground and Alia again thanked the Fates that lead her to live with them.
"Thank you so very much, Your Majesties." She stated with a clear sniff in her voice and mistiness in her vibrant blue eyes; she turned into Scarvy's open arms and rested her head at the crook of his neck. Holding her tightly Scarvy unsuccessfully repressed his own watery eyes as he met Jareth and Sarah's benevolent gazes. He tried to speak but after no words but a croak escaped his mouth he gave up and nodded once with a pursed mouth which they understood as thanks.
"We'll see you at the memorial pyre this evening." Jareth said placing a reassuring hand on Scarvy's shoulder then he and Sarah quietly left the couple to their privacy until sunset.
.
.
jsjsjsjsjsjsj
.
.
Shortly afterwards a Council delegate, Captain Rendor, arrived with a small contingent of guards and a sorcerer, all whose loyalties were staunchly Council. The captain received a report from Jareth as Sarah chose to remain apart from anyone other than her family or friends; the change of Bonding with Labyrinth causing mild and intermittent disorientation and continued exhaustion regardless of her sleeping throughout the previous night. By the time Jareth returned to Sarah after his flight over their kingdom and his enlightening visit with Cashel, he found her deeply asleep yesterday and had yet to speak with her about Cashel's revelation.
Knowing he must speak with her of Cashel's demand, Jareth hated every delay this day brought them and was all too eager to escort Captain Rendor and his party to the dungeons to introduce them to the traitors against the Council's laws. Only the Council possessed the right to decide the line of succession for kingdoms without heredity titles—a complication of Sarah's reign which cost them dearly when dealing with the Council. Jareth knew she was right to distrust them as they likely would never fully accept her as Goblin Queen and now this new Binding and abolishing of The Game...well...Jareth woefully anticipated the Council's reaction upon learning it from Captain Rendor's report and Jareth's accompanying crystal recording of the damage wrought to their kingdom.
Captain Rendor accepted Jareth's report before following the Goblin King to the dungeons and as the captain was a practical man he wasted little time familiarizing himself with the captives before directing the sorcerer to begin the spell which would transport Cashel and his men to the Council's dungeons in Camlann. While the Council guards keep watch over the freed but iron shackled traitors, Jareth waited outside the dungeon until he knew they departed as he preferred to avoid setting eyes on Cashel again. Once he knew Captain Rendor and his men were gone Jareth left to find Sarah and prepare for the memorial, happy to have the traitors gone from their vicinity.
.
.
jsjsjsjsjsjsj
.
.
The pyre blazed brightly in opposition to the reason for its existence. Dozens of goblin bodies topped the ringed six foot wood pile with Sir Didymus at its center of honor. Gray smoke curled about the bodies and wood branches while glowing embers floated into the evening sky as if spirits from the fallen. The Royal family stood regally in their best somber finery at the entrance to the castle, their new Captain of the Guard and his love solemnly at their left side while Hoggle and Ludo stood at their right. Hundreds of goblins and other residents of the kingdom mournfully encircled the pyre offering their silent deference to the heroes. Jareth and Sarah choose to forgo a long speech instead remarking on Sir Didymus's bravery and the loyal of the goblins before Jareth conjured a crystal tossing it in a high arc to land perfectly on Sir Didymus. Instantly magical flames engulfed the old knight's body quickly spreading to the goblins and dry wood surrounding the fox.
Sarah mutely watched her dear friend leave the Underground with a sense of irrevocability she hadn't felt since her days as a Mortal. Hearing Lizzie choke back a sob next to her, Sarah draped her arm over her daughter's shoulders and tucked her in close to her side. Eric's body yet remained to be returned Aboveground; Jareth had placed a suspension spell upon his body as well until they could return him home allowing his parents' to decide his final resting place. As of now Mr. and Mrs. Morton did not even know of their son's whereabouts or his disposition and Sarah dreaded being the harbinger of this terrible news. It seemed she brought only pain to Eric and his family.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist pulling her close and Jareth kissed her temple; she felt warm reassurance flow from him through their Bond. Even Labyrinth hummed support within her soul. If only she could've saved them; if only she comprehended the changes in their powers now perhaps things would've been different, if only.
.
.
jsjsjsjsjsjsj
.
.
Alia loved their new their new quarters. Apparently Labyrinth really understood the necessities and luxuries that touched the former pixie's heart; a double suite with an attached bath and balcony, not as large as the royal suites, of course, but still quite impressive. Even the armoire brimmed with new clothing appropriate for both of them for all occasions.
"Son-of-a-bitch," Scarvy whispered as he wandered through the joined rooms Alia's hand held tightly in his own as she followed closely behind him. "These are ours, for us?"
"Yes, William, they've always been very generous rulers."
"But Sarah said Labyrinth made this for us." He asked coming to a stop in the center of the bedroom while Alia circled to stand before him.
"True," Alia shrugged. "I suppose she's influencing Labyrinth for the better."
"And that's good, right?" Scarvy wondered aloud running his hands up Alia's arms, feeling her shiver. She smiled stepping into his embrace; his touch sent chills over her skin and warmth flooded her body. The conflicting sensations made her lightheaded.
"Very good, you don't know how terrible things were years ago when Labyrinth fought against them."
"Very good, hmm?" He replied his hands reaching her shoulders before sidling up her neck and cupping her cheeks. "I know what else is very good." His voice lowered an octave as his eyes flicked towards the large bed dominating the main room.
"William!" She giggled as she followed his gaze. It did look incredibly tempting, brocade duvet exposing silken sheets and enough pillows to drown them. Caressing her face he kissed her forehead working his way to her lips while she grasped his shirt collar pulling him closer. "William," she moaned. Alia met his mouth halfway, their tongues finding each other and tangling passionately. He ran his fingers through her hair enjoying the softness of her tresses teasing his skin.
"God, Alia, I want you as I've never wanted anyone before." He told her between kisses, the fervency in his voice igniting a deep flame within her. Even with her lack of human experience she knew what he referred to; she understood what asked and she wanted him as badly. Lust clouded Scarvy's eyes as he pulled back suddenly concerned that he rushed her but Alia's hands tensed on his shirt keeping him close.
"What? What's wrong?" He heard anxiety tint her voice and rushed to comfort her.
"Nothing's wrong, I just don't want to rush you. I know this must be very strange for you." Alia smiled as her hands slide down the front of his chest to slip beneath of the edge of his shirt. He jumped a bit at the touch of her hands on his bare stomach then groaned as she moved them upwards.
"You're not rushing me, William. We belong together...in every way." She replied scraping her fingernails over his chest, delighting in his aching moans. Scarvy rested his forehead to hers, his knees weakening as blood filled his groin. Being so close to her made every nerve hypersensitive and he fought to control his baser urges.
"But, Alia, dear, don't you want to be married before we...you know..." He spoke with great difficulty.
She cocked her head to one side, "What's married?" And he choked on his laughter jerking his head from hers to see an openly, bemused expression radiating from her face. She really didn't know.
"Oh...well," He cleared his throat. "It's a ceremony where a man and woman who love each other publically declare their intentions to be husband and wife...until...ah...until death."
"That sounds lovely, William. Have you done this before, married?"
"No, no, I never met," He looked deep into Alia's guileless eyes and cut himself off then continued in a more serious tone of voice. "I never fell in love before...before you." He kissed her, running his tongue over her lips and she accepted him, her hands flat to his chest. Alia pressed her body flush to his and felt certain areas of firmness respond to her proximity, instinctively knowing what to do. He was her destined mate, chosen by the fates to be her perfect balance and she trusted him and her feelings about him. She was a mated pixie now and nothing William did or said could frighten her.
"I trust you, William. I don't want to wait." Alia bunched Scarvy's shirt up until he raised his arms helping her remove it. God, this woman was a dream! Everything about her an answer to prayers he'd forgotten he whispered on lonely nights. She was the balm for a cynical soul lost in the wrong world. And she wanted him.
"If you're sure," He whispered into her neck as she placed small kisses over his naked chest.
"Yes, we belong to each other."
"Oh, Alia." Frantically he grasped her hips grinding into her pelvis, causing them both to gasp as they met in a fiery kiss. Scarvy ran his hands up her back fumbling with the ties, eager to see her natural but aware of the effect just the thought had on him. He didn't want to harm this gentle soul, but she didn't seem to be holding back. He felt her fingers questing at the fastening at his pants and faster than he considered possible Alia released the buttons. His pants slipped loose passed his hips exposing him entirely; she definitely had the advantage of him and he most certainly liked it.
Scarvy moaned again when her delicate hand encircled his erect manhood and he involuntarily thrust into her grip. Her distraction slowed his own progress of removing her dress but he redoubled his efforts until her dress loosened enough to expose her shoulders which he kissed until he worked the cloth down to free other lovely views. Soon they both stood nude before each other, hands exploring and lips tasting and Scarvy's thoughts were barely coherent. The sight of her stunning body before him, the feel of her perfect breasts crushed to his toned pectorals sent bolts of fission short circuiting his brain. His mate, his love, his forever, he swept her into his arms causing Alia to squeal in surprise and clutch at his shoulders.
"William!"
"Shhh, my beautiful, perfect pixie, you're safe in my arms." He murmured to her ear as she tucked her face into his neck and he carried her to their bed. He intended to make their first night together sublime and every night after.
.
.
jsjsjsjsjsjsj
.
.
The King and Queen stood at the rail of their balcony overlooking the devastation of the Goblin City and beyond; the night breeze wafting raw scents of destruction to Sarah's nose reminding her of seven years earlier when she stood much like now as they repaired the damage cause by The Labyrinth's rebellion. However, this time with Jareth's arms wrapped snugly around her from behind and her head resting against his chest, she felt as though nothing could ever harm her again.
"Sarah, now that we finally have some privacy I need to speak with you about Cashel." He said breaking her reverie and she groaned.
"Must you? I was just beginning to relax." She answered with a note of teasing in her tone.
"I'm afraid I must. Yesterday evening I went to the dungeons to speak with him."
"Oh, Jareth..."
"I know but I needed to see him. I needed to ask his forgiveness." He explained and kissed the crown of her head, tightening his embrace as they continued to gaze into the night.
"Did he grant it?" She asked eager to know the traitor's response.
"No, of course not, but then I didn't really expect it. But an attempt was required for my own peace of mind. However, during our confrontation he revealed something to me which changes things."
"Really? How so?" Sarah twisted her head slightly until she could just see his expression which was distressed, his brows pinched low.
"He told me he Sang to Fiana just before she ran away with me. They both suffered unrequited Songs because of me, Sarah." The pain in his voice cut through the Bond and she physically recoiled.
"Oh, Jareth." She clutched his forearm in comfort.
"That's not all. He...he begged me to end his life with the proper ritual as I did for Fiana."
"What? But he must face the Council!" At this Sarah fully turned in his arms looking him in the face, even without their Bond she read the emotional pain twirling in his eyes.
"I know. Obviously I refused him as he's in the Council's custody even now but...but I couldn't help feeling..." Again he betrayed his friend...was he forever doomed to such horrendous acts where Cashel involved?
"Jareth, it's not your fault! He Sang to Fiana on his own, you weren't part of that." She grasped his face between her hands forcing him to focus on her releasing his pain. He mustn't dwell on things beyond his control.
"But he was my friend, Sarah. My interference caused them both centuries of pain; surely I should've granted him mercy. I abandoned him; I ran from my responsibilities yet again!" Jareth's torment brought his voice to a higher pitch and she saw glistening in his eyes.
"If he'd come to you without further treachery, yes, then I would agree with you now. But he violated the Council's laws and must answer for his crimes. You know if you inferred before their verdict the Council would use it against you, against us. They have no love for my reign."
"I know but, Sarah, you can't understand the level of remorse he engendered within me with this knowledge. I can't help but think I would've chosen to restrain myself had I known those many years ago." He added almost wistfully.
"Jareth, it's so long ago. I know the pain these regrets cost you but at some point you'll have to forgive yourself. Not all of it was your fault; Fiana bares a portion of the blame, as does Cashel."
"I know..." The subject dropped abruptly as Sarah began nuzzling his neck and all thoughts of Cashel and the Council slipped from their minds as more urgent and long repressed needs surfaced. Repressed since the Solstice celebration, in fact, as their lives toppled about them, but for the present all was well as could be and Sarah determined that Jareth would concentrate on the past no longer by bringing fully and physically into their present.
.
.
Labyrinth experienced their first coupling through the new Binding as an ever present internal witness. Seeing through Sarah's eyes it kept itself apart for the present as it establish the new boundaries for them both. It suspected it might be able to possess Sarah at any time without her consent and fully participate as a new being but it resisted such an idea due to respect for Sarah. This Queen, this former Mortal trusted Labyrinth when no others before bothered to know its true nature.
For now, Labyrinth delighted in the physical sensations that Sarah allowed it to know through her body as Jareth ravished and loved her; both of them starved for the other after so long without. What else might they be able to accomplish together? It knew what they lost, what perhaps had they gained?
.
.
jsjsjsjsjsjsj
.
.
The Council provided a better grade of dungeon; larger cells, better food, and even a bunk but Cashel noted that a dungeon designed to hold a Fae was still lined in iron and still provided intense discomfort. A dungeon was a dungeon regardless of the host. At least Cashel could be sure that distance would keep Jareth's smug countenance far from him because the barest thought of Jareth roiled his temper and his unquenched need for vengeance.
How dare Jareth refuse to grant him peace and after debasing himself, imploring for mercy from the man epitomizing shortsighted arrogance. The man he once called friend, almost brother, couldn't aid him when he required it more than any time in his entire existence. Instead he chose to leave his fate to the Council who may very well allow him to suffer for an eternity if they discovered his condition. Not a difficulty if a Council sorcerer bothered to examine him beyond the surface magics. Not known for their mercy, the Council's verdicts for traitors did not tend towards leniency, in fact often they were unbelievably cruel.
Cashel trembled considering the options before him and dropped his head into his hands supported by legs as sat on his bunk. The future sprawled as a broad swath of unstable ground under his feet and for the first time in centuries Cashel feared the outcome. Tears slipped from his eyes moistening his palms as he considered facing that future without Fiana, his love, his heart.
"Oh, Fi, whatever will do without you?" He mumbled into his hands. The fissure where his heart once existence widened tremendously at the knowledge of her death. Ironically he realized that he would've felt her pass at the moment of her death had she requited his Song. Even this robbed from him, even this.
"Cashel vo Eirian?" A man's voice asked from the door of his cell. Cashel wiped his face before rising to investigate his caller and answered with a distinct lack of caring in his voice.
"Yes?" Cashel replied to the older, well-dressed Fae man standing outside the iron bars.
"I'm Councilman Tignach."
"Ahh." Cashel said unimpressed by the man's blatant superiority radiating in waves in this dismal place.
"I understand you are the leader of this rabble of traitors." Tignach opened the conversation with a statement that Cashel deign to answer but Tignach continued without noticing. "You're reasons for attempting to usurp the Goblin throne outside of the Council's approval will need be quite compelling to save you from a hellish reward."
"Indeed," Cashel finally responded rising to his feet but refusing to step closer. "As long as it's within the Council's authority is always the key to success in the Underground, isn't it?" He snidely responded having no love for the Council.
"I see you understand the political situation." Tignach stated calmly.
"I understand you made an exception to your approval policy in the Goblin Queen's current reign." He replied confident of his information and Cashel felt a thrill seeing the councilman flinch ever so slightly.
"The Goblin Queen is an unusual situation that the Council is dealing with in their time." Fighting to keep his frustration bleeding out Tignach answered in a tight voice. Cashel smirked; the Council needed him even as they were clueless to the reality.
"What if I could help you with your...unusual situation?" Cashel offered.
Tignach arched one brow and asked mildly intrigued. "And what could a soon to be convicted traitor possess that could assist us in this matter?" Finally on high ground, Cashel sauntered closer to the door until he and Tignach were a few feet apart, a thin smile stretched his lips but did not touch his eyes.
"What if I could provide irrefutable evidence of the Queen's violation of the Foundational Laws of Magic and the King's collusion of that infringement?" He watched as Tignach's eyes widened and his blanched. "Would that solve your unusual situation?"
Speechless for several minutes the two men stared at one another until Tignach spoke in a controlled tone, "What do you want for this evidence?"
Cashel smiled and this time the effect was chilling enough that Tignach took a half step back, "I'm sure we can reach a mutually beneficial compromise."
A/N: Thanks CSIGH and Moira for your awesome reviews! So happy you're enjoying the action! More to follow!
