90

My mate is suspiciously quiet, and I give him a long look.

“Cedric?”

“I’m planning to dilute the power of the noble families,” he finally says, his tone heavy. “When it was just me, I could handle their manipulations. I didn’t have the time to deal with them nor were they so significant. But after everything that happened with you, and even now, I think it’s time for changes in the North. They will be the ones to resist the most when you bring in progress. They like the archaic system because it gives them more power and wealth. When you start making changes and adopting human technologies—”

“I see.” They’ll become even more vicious, and Cedric realizes that. “So, what are you planning?”

“I sent all the heirs of the noble families to the border. A majority of them have returned to their homes, citing various excuses. In response, I’m going to seize fertile land from the noble families, which will decrease their wealth. Those seized lands will be given to the soldiers who have been fighting consistently near the Veil. These are the same soldiers whose families will benefit from whatever technology you bring in. They will also be seated at the same table as the nobles.”

I stare at Cedric, fascinated. “That is really well thought out.”

He shrugs, looking pleased. “My initial plan had been to execute the elders. But Harriet mentioned that you might not like too much bloodshed.”

I’m silent for a moment, thinking it over. “If they try to harm Finn, I don’t care how much blood is shed.”

Cedric’s eyes darken, and his smile is ruthless. “Understood.”

I’m not foolish. I’m already anticipating that rumors about me have reached the North. Finn’s identity has been limited to the palace staff only. However, the whole purpose of publicly calling in designers and choosing dresses and accessories was to spread rumors. There is no way that Vivian is aware that I’m alive. However, she might think that Cedric has found a lover on this side of the Veil, and she’s definitely going to come and cause a stir.

Cedric and I part ways after dinner. He has to discuss security with Edgar and Derrick, and I go to check on Maya after making sure that Finn is fast asleep. Maya has been staying in a cottage on the palace grounds. Erik gave her the choice between a cottage with its own garden or living in the palace along with the other staff. She chose the cottage because her mother likes nature.

The cottages are on the edge of the woods. They are carefully designed and well maintained, with several cottages in a row but at a good enough distance that the residents have some amount of privacy.

I knock on the door I know to be Maya’s, and when she opens it, I’m surprised to see how relaxed my friend looks.

She puts a finger to her lips. “Mom just went to sleep. Want a beer?”

I wait outside, sitting in one of the lawn chairs. When Maya arrives, she sits down across from me, handing me a cold one. “What’s up?”

I give her a long look. “Is it just me or do you look happy?”

“Happy?” She ponders the idea. “Relaxed, maybe. I’ve been really worried about my mother, Leanna. But a female shifter who lives in the cottage next to ours has an amputated leg. She and my mother play card games all day. They cook together. I think Mom has found a friend. And she recognizes me.” Maya sighs, sinking deeper into the chair, and I see the sheen of wetness in her eyes. “I’m happy that she’s content and safe.”

“I’m glad.”

She focuses on me. “What about you? You went from hating Cedric’s guts to being glued to his side, and the two of you are making kissy faces at each other.”

“Nobody’s making kissy faces at anybody.” I scowl at her. “We worked things out. I guess having some self-esteem helped me see the picture more clearly. There was a lack of communication between us. We got our second chance, and we both seized it.”

“So, now what?” Maya takes a sip of beer, but I can see how cautious her eyes are.

“I’m going to go back with him, Maya,” I tell her gently.

“Ah.” She makes a sad sound. “Of course you are. And I’m going to lose my best friend.”

“Not really.” I nudge her with my foot. “You are one of Erik’s people now. You can visit me across the Veil. And I will come see you when I can. When you get vacation days, come to the North. I’m going to be making some changes, and I want you to see them.”

Her eyes warm, and she lifts her beer in my direction. “Look at the two of us. Our lives are changing.”

“There’s something I want to ask you,” I murmur. “During the autopsy, did you see any injection sites between Harold’s fingers?”

Maya goes still. “Yeah, I did. Why do you ask?”

I take my time to answer. “Cedric believes that the manner in which his parents were killed was similar to how Harold died. At least, there seem to be some similarities. I wanted to confirm this one, which you just did.”

My friend sits up an alarm. “If that’s the case, then this goes back a long time, doesn’t it?”

I nod. “Twenty years. The Eastern rebels kidnapped and murdered his parents. If they’re linked to this—”

“The Eastern rebels?” Maya blinks.

“It’s a long, complicated story. Don’t tell anybody about what I said. I need to talk to Cedric and Erik first. Also, is everybody buying that you’re a human assistant that Jerry has brought in?”

“I think so.” Maya grins. “His nephew came by. Jerry must have told him that I’m working for him. I think I’m a little sweet on him. He’s kinda nerdy.”

“You mean Cassian?” I smile. “He’s really nice—and very smart.”

“He sounds it. I’ve got a weakness for know-it-alls. He brought me some fruit as a welcome gift. And then the next day, he brought that for my mother.” She points at a small potted plant sitting next to her front door. “There was one for inside, as well.”

I chuckle. “Sounds like he likes you a lot. How is Jerry reacting to this?”

“I don’t think he’s super psyched that his shifter nephew is chasing a human, but he also wants to stay on my good side, so he’s pretending he doesn’t know what’s going on.” Maya looks amused. “I know nothing’s going to come of it. Two different species and all. But he is cute. I might give it a shot for a while.”

“Just don’t go and break his heart. He seems like he’s very sensitive.”

We laugh lightly, and the conversation shifts to other topics. As I’m leaving, I ask, “How is Harold’s blood work coming?”

My friend’s expression grows somber. “It’ll be ready in a few days. I couldn’t send the bloodwork to a human lab, so I had some equipment ordered. It’s going to take time, but I do have some tests running as we speak. My guess is that he was given something like a tranquilizer, but not exactly. I’ll be able to give you a better answer soon.” As she says that, she notices something over my shoulder and grins. “I think your mate’s looking for you.”

I follow her gaze and see Cedric standing at a distance, waiting for me.

“Is it me or is he really clingy?”

I smack Maya in the arm. “Shut up and focus on your own love life. If you’re not careful, Jerry might throw some money at you to leave his nephew alone. Just like in those soaps you like to watch.”