Harlequin Nocturne May 2016 Box Set (47 page)

“The child was conceived on the Isle of Spae. You will give birth to a healthy boy. We are never wrong.” There was a touch of hauteur in Clotho's tone. She turned away, hunching a dismissive shoulder over her spinning wheel. “You may tell Merlin Caledonius that the truth about the challenger can be found on the Isle of Avalon.”

“That's it?” Tanzi rose to her feet. Her legs trembled and she held on to the chair back. “You brought me here so that I could pass on a message to Cal?”

“The sorcerer will not listen to us. He prefers to believe that mortals make their own fate.”

Tanzi drew herself up to her full height. “I will not see Cal again. You will have to find another way to deliver your message. My induction begins at noon.”

Clotho's smile was a mix of triumph and sympathy. “You think so?”

It was Vashti's voice in her head that answered the question.
The old witch is right, Tanzi. Brynhild will not admit a pregnant woman into the ranks of the Valkyrie.

* * *

Tanzi didn't know how long she sat on the stone bench in a secluded corner of the courtyard. All she knew was she couldn't go back to her room. She was afraid that if she saw him again her resolve would crumble and she would allow Lorcan to talk his way out of this. Even now, part of her was trying to reason away what he had done. Did it matter? She could go to him, spend the next few hours in his arms and let him think she was going to join the Valkyrie at noon. Lorcan need never know what the Norn had told her. She had no reason to tell him she knew he had duped her. He didn't need to know about the child or the fact that she would be unable to join the Valkyrie. She could let him walk away from Gladsheim while she dealt with the aftermath alone. If he could pretend, so could she.

Except I can't.
Her pride was hurt beyond measure. Not because he had used her journey as the reason to search for the challenger. As a betrayal of her trust, that was bad enough. But why did he have to make her believe his love for her was pure? Because she had believed it. That had been a cruel trick. He had let her believe she had found someone who was truly honest, trustworthy and good. Someone who was the complete opposite of her father. That was what hurt so much, what caused this awful burning feeling deep inside, this restless ache that made her want to see him, to fling all her pain at him, then collapse in his arms and sob until he said all the right things to make it go away. Because she had no doubt he would be able to do that. He was the ultimate charmer, the man to whom she had given her heart. A lovable rogue who could make any woman believe anything he wanted.
I am one of many to fall for love-'em-and-leave-'em Malone. Just another poor fool whose heart litters his path.

And that was why she couldn't go to him. Her pride wouldn't let her. That was why she sat curled on her seat, wrapped in her pain and her thoughts until the sun was high overhead and she judged it was time to make her way to the Valkyrie Hall to face Brynhild. Unwinding her limbs from the stone bench, she left her quiet corner and made her way back into the palace.
Even though I may have to confront my father once I do, I will be glad to leave this hateful place.

“Tanzi!” Lorcan's voice halted her in her tracks as she traversed the gilded corridors toward the Valkyrie Hall. “I've been looking everywhere for you.” She wanted to keep walking, but, knowing he would only catch up to her, she stopped and turned to face him. “You didn't come back.” His eyes scanned her face, a frown tugging his brows together. “My God, what did the Norn say to you?”

“It doesn't matter.” The effort of trying to make her voice sound normal made her head ache. Even so, the deepening frown in Lorcan's eyes told her the attempt wasn't working. “I have to go. Brynhild will be waiting.” Keeping her head down, she walked toward the double doors emblazoned with the swan insignia beyond which only the Valkyrie could pass.

“No, wait.” Lorcan caught hold of her arm. Tanzi halted and turned to face him. He might be able to stop her, but he couldn't make her look at him. “That's what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“I have to go.”

“Do you?” He ducked his head, trying to look at her face. “I've been thinking about it. I've thought about nothing else lately. When we started out on this journey, it seemed like the only way. But now I think there might be another future for you...for us. Look at me, Tanzi.” In spite of everything, she was powerless to resist him. She lifted her head. His smile was heartbreaking and almost shy. What a pity she knew it was all a facade. “What I'm trying to say is I love you. And, if there's the slightest chance you might love me, too—and I think you do—then maybe we can go away from here and keep doing what we've been doing these last few weeks. Just be together and love each other.” He tried to draw her closer, but she resisted. The frown pulling his brows together deepened further. “I'll keep you safe, Tanzi. I swear it. Moncoya won't touch you while you're with me.”

His words only served to sharpen her hurt into an anger that was already razor-edged. But the source of its peak surprised her. She wanted to scream at him.
Why couldn't you have said this a few hours ago? When I was still a blissful, loved-up little fool who didn't know how she'd been betrayed? Then I could have thrown myself laughing into your arms. I'd have gone with you to the ends of this realm and the next, Lorcan Malone, secure in your love. Now I know my hopes and dreams are nothing but a sham.
Lorcan had taught her to how feel but he had also taught her how to hurt. Drawing deep within herself, she found the tattered remnants of her pride and drew them about her like a royal mantle.

Stepping away from him, she managed to tilt her chin slightly. “I'm sorry, Lorcan.” Why was she the one apologizing? Her resolve hardened. Her voice came out stronger and harder than she'd believed it could. “I don't feel the same way. I don't love you.”

He shook his head. Whatever she had expected from him, it wasn't disbelief. Although, given his track record, perhaps that's exactly what she should have expected. “No. I don't know why you're saying this, but I know you love me. When you're in my arms, when I'm inside you, that's when I know it for sure. That's when there's no place for denial, Tanzi.”

The pain in his eyes almost undid her resolve. She forced herself to focus. So he did love her. She could see it was true. It should assuage her pride a little, but it wasn't enough. It couldn't excuse his behavior. He had used her. She had been his excuse, his passport to start his journey across Otherworld, his reason to try to find the man who could destroy the faerie dynasty. Her people.

“I'll admit we've had fun, but joining the Valkyrie was always my plan. We both knew it. All good things come to an end, as they say. Now, if you'll excuse me...”

“Don't do this, Tanzi. Please.”

It took everything she had to turn her back on him and walk away. But she did it. It was only at the entrance to the Valkyrie Hall that her resolve crumbled. She looked back over her shoulder at him. If Lorcan had been standing there, still gazing at her with that same bewildered expression in his eyes, she knew she wouldn't have been able to continue. She would have run to him. But he was walking away. His shoulders were set, his stride determined. He was gone forever. Choking back the hoarse sob that rose like a solid lump in her throat, Tanzi continued through the doors.

Brynhild and the other Valkyrie maidens were waiting to greet her. Brynhild held her arms wide in welcome. “My sister. My fellow Valkyrie.”

Tanzi took a deep breath. “Before you say any more, there is something you should know.”

CHAPTER 20

L
orcan's journey back to the palace took considerably less time than the one that had taken him to Valhalla, probably because he didn't linger and he had a clearer idea of his route. He also didn't care if Moncoya was on his tail. In fact he'd have welcomed a confrontation with the evil little bastard, but none was forthcoming. He went about the task of handling the boat in a methodical, mechanical way, waiting almost impatiently for the numbness to go and the pain to kick in. When it finally came, it was so bad he lay down in the prow of the boat, curling into a fetal position, helpless to do anything.

The irony of it was that he had been so sure he
couldn't
love. He had truly believed for centuries that his heart was untouchable. Now he wished he could rip it still beating out of his chest and cast it aside. Anything to stop the burning, aching longing that wouldn't leave him. The worst part of it all was that he knew Tanzi loved him in return. He couldn't understand what had changed in those few hours between her lying warm and wanting in his arms and the cold, hard fury he had seen in her gaze before she walked through the doors of the Valkyrie Hall. The Norn had told her something that had made her feel differently about him, and he suspected whatever it was it might be connected to his quest to find the true King of the Faeries.

“If I ever do find that guy, so help me, he's going to have some serious explaining to do,” he muttered.

It didn't matter what the Norn had said. Nothing mattered except that Tanzi had voluntarily entered the Valkyrie Hall rather than stay with him. Lorcan hadn't been able to watch her take the final step. He had turned and walked away. He hadn't looked back, but something told him Tanzi might have cast a final glance in his direction. Whether it was his extra sense, his vanity or his desperate longing, he didn't know. He decided the wisest course was to ignore them all. It was too late. Tanzi was gone. She couldn't leave the Valkyrie Hall now of her own free will. The only way for her to get out would be if Odin himself granted her permission to leave. Would that happen? Could it? For now, all Lorcan wanted was to get back to the only person who might be able to give him an answer to that question. Cal would know. Cal knew everything.

He steered
Igraine
into waters that took him dangerously wide of Spae, not wanting to risk seeing the fishermen. He couldn't face Ailie and her well-meaning questions. The Strait of Wallachia held no fears for him this time. The Loup Garou assumed the same menacing positions high on the rock, looming over him.

“What are you waiting for, you loup bastards?” Even though he challenged them, they made no move to board the boat. Perhaps they remembered the gutsy little fireball who had taken on two of their number last time. Or maybe they sensed his desperation. If Moncoya wasn't around, he was ready for a fight with a wolf instead. Either way, the loup bared their teeth, but remained in place, content to watch him pass.

Lorcan thought of Tibor as he passed the Vampire Archipelago. The prince was whiling away his time, still believing that one day he would win the hand of Crown Princess Tanzi. Lorcan raised his coffee cup in salute as he sailed past the high-class resort. “We both have it bad, my friend. But there's a difference between us. You love the image, the perfect face and the gorgeous body. I love the funny, fiery, fearless reality behind the princess.”

It was dusk when he anchored
Igraine
close to the cliffs below the faerie palace and set out in the dinghy for the beach. When he drew closer, he could see a tall figure on the sands. As he reached the shore, Lorcan recognized Jethro de Loix.

“What brings you here?” Lorcan asked, jumping ashore.

“You do. Well, you, Cal and Stella to be exact. I've been hearing some strange stories about a sorcerer who is out to get the four of us at all costs. Moncoya's new weapon. Apparently he's something to do with Niniane. Anyway, I thought I'd come and check it out, see what Cal has to say.”

“Iago.” Jethro raised his brows and Lorcan continued. “That's his name, but I've no idea why he's after us or what his connection is to Niniane. And Cal doesn't know. I already asked him.”

“I'm hearing bad things about this one, Lorcan.” Jethro helped him pull the dinghy up onto the sand. “It may be more Moncoya propaganda, but there's a rumor this guy is a real chameleon. He can disguise himself in pretty much any way he wants.” Jethro's irrepressible grin appeared. “We need to watch our backs. At least I know what my other enemy looks like.”

“On that subject, I saw Prince Tibor recently.”

“Am I forgiven?”

“I wouldn't count on it.”

Together the two men made their way up the steps in the cliff, past the lake and over the manicured lawn toward the castle entrance. They were within a few yards of the vast oak doors when something solid hit Lorcan hard between the shoulder blades, causing him to stagger forward.

“What the—?” He swung around to find the something solid that had hit him was a small, determined faerie princess. Vashti launched herself at him again, fury blazing in the icy depths of her eyes. Lorcan was less worried about that and more concerned with the dagger she held in her hand. He tried to sidestep and catch hold of her by the wrist, but Jethro was faster. Coming up behind Vashti, he caught her unawares. Jethro lifted her off the ground and held her against his own body with his muscular arms wrapped around her waist, pinning her own arms at her sides.

“Let go of me!” She squirmed wildly in Jethro's hold.

“So you can kill my friend? I think not.”

“What the hell is this all about?” Lorcan regarded Vashti in astonishment.

“I warned you what would happen if you did not take care of my sister, necromancer.”

He held up his hands in a helpless gesture. “Vashti, you know it was Tanzi's own decision to stay with the Valkyrie.”

She continued to struggle to break free. Her efforts were futile. As Jethro's biceps bulged with the strain of containing her, Vashti looked tiny in the circle of his arms. “But she couldn't, could she? All because of you!”

Lorcan frowned. “What do you mean ‘she couldn't'? I watched her enter the Valkyrie Hall. I didn't leave until she was inside.”

“Once she was there, Tanzi had to confess the truth to Brynhild.” Vashti was so agitated, she was panting.

“What are you talking about? What truth?” The dagger forgotten, Lorcan took a half step toward Vashti, ready to shake her into talking sense if need be.

“She couldn't join the Valkyrie. Not after the Norn had told her she was carrying your child.”

“What?”
Lorcan could hardly believe what he was hearing.

“Yes, my sister, the faerie princess. Carrying the child of a hybrid sorcerer! A renegade with no people of his own. How proud she must be.” Vashti's lips drew back in a sneer.

“Wait...are you telling me she
hasn't
joined the Valkyrie?”

“Of course not. Do you think they would take a pregnant warrior? Brynhild told Tanzi she must leave Gladsheim at once, before Odin learned of her effrontery.”

Lorcan ran a hand through his hair, his brain refusing to fully process what he had just heard. “My God, you mean she's out there somewhere, all alone?”

Jethro spoke in Vashti's ear. “If you drop the dagger I'll let you go.” She debated her options. Muttering a curse, she let the knife fall to the floor. Releasing her, Jethro bent to pick it up before turning to Lorcan. “I'm not even going to pretend I understand any of this, but what danger is Tanzi facing right now?”

“Moncoya will go after her. He wants her to marry the devil.”

“So we have to find her before he does?” With his usual quick wits, Jethro managed to sum up the situation in a few succinct words.

Lorcan threw him a grateful look. “Not a minute to lose.”

Vashti stepped closer, her burst of temper forgotten. “I'm coming with you.”

“Daddy's little spy? I don't think so.” Jethro shook his head.

Vashti's eyes narrowed dangerously, but Lorcan intervened before she could respond. “She might be useful. Vashti and Tanzi can communicate telepathically.” He glanced up at the castle. “If Moncoya is after her, there's one other person we need.”

Jethro nodded. “The sooner we get Cal, the sooner we can set off.”

* * *

When Tanzi explained why she could not join the Valkyrie, Brynhild had surprised her. The Valkyrie leader's expression had taken on a faraway look, as though she was recalling memories of her own.

“You are not the first, and you won't be the last woman to be faced with a choice between love and duty. I envy the outcome you have reached.” A gleam of humor had entered her eyes. “But the Allfather will not be as sympathetic, so you must leave Gladsheim as soon as possible.”

When Brynhild offered her an escort to take her anywhere she wanted to go, there was only one place Tanzi could think of. It was dawn when the boat Brynhild provided arrived at Spae, and the island looked as inviting as ever with the sunlight dispersing the early-morning mists. Tanzi had been slightly worried that Lorcan might also have chosen to come here, but she remembered his words. This was the one place he avoided if he could. She drew in a cleansing breath of sea air as the sand crunched under her feet.
This is where I want to raise my child...if my father will only leave me in peace to do so.

Ailie greeted her with a hug and a mug of steaming tea. The older woman listened in silence as they sat on the grass on the village green and Tanzi told her story. Only when she had finished did Ailie speak. “Lorcan spoke to me of this challenger for your father's crown when you stayed here. It was eating away at him that he had not told you of it.”

“So why didn't he do so?”

Ailie sighed. “It was the age-old story. A secret gone too far. At first he didn't tell you because you were never going to need to know. You would be gone from this world before it mattered. By the time he realized how important you were to him, the secret had become too big to tell.” She gave Tanzi a sidelong glance. “Men don't always get it right, you know.”

“But the Norn told me he knows the identity of the challenger. If that's the case, he must have been working hard behind my back to discover it. And then he kept it hidden from me.”

Ailie shook her head so hard that her curls flew wildly about her face. “He does not. I know nothing about the Norn, but I know Lorcan. He didn't put much effort into finding the challenger precisely because he knew it would hurt you. He has not discovered who the true heir is.” She patted Tanzi's hand. “And I know how much he loves you. And, for Lorcan, love is not something that came easily. Or something that might ever have come at all.”

Tanzi felt sharp tears sting her eyelids. “Ailie, what does
Searc
mean?” It was a question that had occurred to her on the journey from Valhalla. Lorcan had been so insistent about his love for her. That speech he had made begging her not to join the Valkyrie had really mattered, she was sure of it. At the time, through the haze of her damaged pride, the depth of his emotion had had not penetrated her hurt. Now doubt buzzed away in her consciousness like a persistent wasp.

Ailie wrinkled her nose. “
Searc?
It means nothing. Not on its own.
A chéadsearc
, that means ‘my first love,' and
a rúnsearc
means ‘my secret love.'” She looked at Tanzi in alarm. “Why are you laughing?”

Tanzi shook her head, unable to explain. Lorcan had called her
Searc
back in Barcelona. Had she been his first and secret love even then?
It doesn't matter. I sent him away. I told him I didn't love him in return. I broke his heart all over again.
The laughter turned to tears. She leaned on Ailie's shoulder and cried as though her own heart would break, as well.

“There will always be a home for you and the child here on Spae.”

Drying her eyes, Tanzi sat up straight. “I wouldn't wish my father on you. He will come looking for me now I no longer have the protection of Cal's spells. A visit from him would rip this island apart.”

Ailie was looking beyond her—at the path that led from the beach—her eyes widening. “I think it may be too late.”

Tanzi turned her head with a sense of dread. As out of place as an orchid in a field of wildflowers, Moncoya was striding toward them. Even in his haste, his sartorial flair had not been forgotten and he wore pristine white riding breeches tucked into highly polished black boots. A long-tailed coat of burgundy velvet hung open over his signature ruffled shirt and his mane of hair streamed behind him in the breeze. From the expression on his perfect features, Tanzi surmised he was not happy to see her.

“My daughter.” His jaw was rigid with anger. “You have added to my difficulties of late with your elusiveness. Let us talk in private.”

Ailie rose to her feet. “That may not be what Tanzi wants.”

Moncoya glanced at her in the manner he used toward any woman with neither beauty nor power enough to interest him. “And you are?” The ice in his tone made Tanzi shudder, but it appeared not to affect Ailie.

“Your daughter's friend.” Ailie stood her ground, appearing very small even though Moncoya was only a few inches taller.

The ring of fire in her father's eyes blazed brighter than ever and Tanzi decided it was time to intervene. “I will talk to my father alone, Ailie. Is there somewhere we can go?”

“You can use your own cottage.” Ailie nodded across the square to the little house Tanzi and Lorcan had shared. “Call me if you need me.” The message was clear. She watched them walk away with her hands on her hips.

Once inside the cottage, Moncoya glanced around him with a disbelieving curl of his lip. “You, my Tanzi? Living here?”