Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 162269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 541(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 541(@300wpm)
But Teddy was struck, by her words, her demeanor, the look on her face.
His eyes drifted up, to Saturn, who was studying Moira with not a small amount of attention, and then he turned to look at Faunus, who no longer appeared annoyed, and instead was also studying Moira contemplatively.
Teddy went back to Moira.
“Moira—”
“Fine,” she snapped. “You’re Firenz. I don’t care.”
“I think we need to—”
Her gaze cut to him. “You have missed that I am done talking.”
She then again turned to the desk.
Teddy had little experience with women.
His mother left when he was young, not interested in a life with the husband she chose. So much so, she left her son behind in the leaving, Teddy suspected, because she had deduced that he was not the son she would wish to have.
Then there were his acolytes, but he had not spent much time getting to know them. He just told them what to do and in the now didn’t like to think of them, for he had been vile.
And last there was Nyx, who could have moods, but these were usually explained by something Lorenz or Teddy did that annoyed her.
He had no idea how he’d annoyed Moira, he just knew he had.
“We will talk later, when we find our lodgings for the evening,” he murmured.
Moira just made a noise, nothing more.
The feel of the room was uncomfortable for the surprisingly long time it took for the constable to return.
When he did, his manner had changed from attentive and efficient to deferential.
“You did not…” he began then nodded repeatedly as he seemed rather harried and awkward making his way to his desk, his gaze jumping from Faunus to Saturn and back again, but he did not sit. He remained standing. “I understand,” he went on. “Incognito in a foreign land. Though, of course, you could have told me.”
“I am sorry?” Faunus asked, watching the man closely, his big body suddenly tight with alertness in his chair.
“You do not wear the mantle of the Trusted Ones,” the constable explained, again looking between Faunus and Saturn, this indication that he was speaking about them both.
“We do not,” Faunus confirmed.
“Yes, well, I understand, of course, but I can assure you, I would have been appropriate in all ways. Regardless, of the now, Sir Alfie has requested when we are done that the two Trusted and their retinue move along to Birchlire Castle, where accommodation has been readied for you.”
“The two…Trusted?” Teddy asked.
“Yes,” he confirmed, nodding. “We just received word. From the castle. It came from King True himself, speaking for King Mars. When his Trusted, Faunus and Saturn arrive…”
He stopped when not only Teddy shot straight in his chair, Faunus did too, and emotion was wafting from Saturn as well.
“I…was to…send you along…” the constable pushed out then asked, “Did I say something to offend you?”
“You are sure this was the message,” Teddy pressed.
“Yes,” the constable said. “Apparently, King Mars received a raven that you were coming to the Keep to report. And he returned that, once you are done, you were to hasten to Birchlire so they could receive you.”
“And he said ‘Trusted,’” Teddy pushed.
The constable looked confused. “It was made particular note of. ‘They are members of the Trusted,’ it said. ‘Treat them as such.’”
Teddy felt the huge smile break out on his face as he turned to Faunus who was sitting, his handsome face stunned, staring at the constable.
“You do not have to hide your rank in Wodell,” the constable shared. “We are allies now. Your Farah is our queen, and the Dellish rejoice. Our Silence is yours, and the Dellish take pride. No one would harm you.”
“Well, thank you for that,” Teddy said, his voice practically bouncing with elation. “It means much.”
“Of course,” the constable said. “And as we have your story and the names and descriptions of the men who participated in the massacre, and I can assure you they will be sought, thus, this information will be of great assistance to our colleagues in the east. You of course know the families of these women are searching for them, and I will personally send word they are found, in good health, and they can be collected forthwith from Birchlire Castle.”
“We are invited to the castle too?” Moira asked.
The constable again appeared confused. “The entire party.”
Slowly, she turned her head to Teddy.
Teddy grinned at her.
The constable spoke again before she could grin back.
“You and the other ladies will enjoy Queen Farah and King True’s hospitality, although they are not here. They are fighting the righteous fight in Airen. But nonetheless, you will enjoy their hospitality until your families come to collect you,” he shared.
But Teddy was watching Moira’s face as he did so, and he saw it close off.
This was when Teddy’s sense of elation wore off that Faunus and Saturn had clearly earned a promotion along their campaign to rescue him.