I couldn’t say I felt bad about that.
The next thing I knew, Rowan scooped me into his arms. My eyes stung with tears. “Bone needles.” Every word made my lungs gurgle with blood.
“Shh.” Rowan kissed my brow and began a low incantation of healing. Warmth and strength spread through my body. My wounds closed over into unscarred skin. I could breathe again.
I wound my arms around his neck and pressed my cheek against his firm chest. “Thank you.”
“I’ll always come for you, Elea.” He gently kissed my cheek.
I released my hold and leaned back. I was completely healed. Even my dress was cleaned from all the tiny bloodstains. Rowan really was the finest mage I knew. Our gazes locked.
“I know what you’re about to say, Elea. I don’t want you going back in that mansion. Go home and be safe. Please.” He rubbed my back in slow circles. “I’ll take care of everything.”
Part of me wanted to believe him. I could walk away and all would be well, but even if Rowan could save Ada and the others, it was my mission to finish.
“I have to return. I found out something from Kamilla.”
“Who?”
“The mage you just beheaded.” After so much pain, I was feeling positively giddy with health and vigor. I couldn’t resist smiling a little.
“Ah, her.”
“You know the celebrations for Theodora?” These were held every year. Even my own shire had a little masquerade ball to mark the occasion. I wasn’t sure if Rowan would know about them.
“I’ve been made aware of them recently.”
“The celebrations are two days of festivities. It starts off with a play and ends with a masquerade ball. The festivities take place across the continent. Which one were you made aware of?”
“The ones held by the Montagne family. Their play will be held tonight in their gardens. Their masquerade ball takes place tomorrow.”
Montagne. I knew that name. It was one of the ones that Amelia had listed as possibly hiding the Necromancers. Excitement sparked in my veins. A play tonight and a ball tomorrow. That meant two chances to find Ada and the others. “I need to go there.”
“Those are rather exclusive events, I’m afraid.”
I knew what that meant. A bastardess like me would never be allowed past the door. There was one person who could help me. The Marchioness. “I think I can get an invitation.”
“I’d rather you didn’t. Let me sneak you in as a Caster guard.”
Caster women were small and pixie-like. I was tall and athletic. There was no way I’d blend in. Besides, Caster guards couldn’t go off solo and snoop for passages to whatever was hidden underground. “No, I’ll try to attend as a Royal.” I had a few ideas about how to convince the Marchioness. She didn’t like having Fantomes around. I might be able to help with that.
“Who do you think can get you invited?”
“The Marchioness.” Much as I hated it, I rose from his hold and smoothed out the folds of my dress. “If I go and speak with her, can you take care of this place?”
Rowan’s gaze turned intense. “You won’t let me talk you out of this, will you?”
“Not a chance.”
He looked around. “In that case, do you prefer a herd of wild animals tearing the place apart or that I burn it to the ground?”
“Burn it down. Once I’m well away, of course. I don’t want any signs of what happened here.”
“As my Lady wishes.”
We stood toe to toe, staring at each other. Tendrils of feeling and connection wound between us. It disobeyed every tenant of Necromancer control. I wasn’t sure how much I cared anymore.
“Do you wish me to go with you?” asked Rowan.
“No. The Marchioness will be more likely to help me without you there.”
He blinked with mock-surprise. “I’m a member of the Caster Imperial family.”
“Precisely. She had enough trouble adjusting to me as a bastard half sister to Amelia.” I pictured the anger on the Marchioness’s face when she spoke about having to endure a Fantome in her home. “Trust me. I know how to deal with her.” Maybe.
“I’ll still be nearby if you need me. Just say Tamu. He can appear and disappear in a heartbeat if you’re in trouble, as you’ve already seen.”
“I’ve seen. It’s a strong spell.” I stepped toward the door. “Thank you, Rowan.”
Rowan leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “Stay safe.”
A headache started biting into my temples. All the weeks of searching were beginning to drain me. I shook it off and walked away.
There will be time enough to sleep when the Necromancers are safe.
For now, it was time to have a discussion with the Marchioness.
Chapter Eleven