A Queen of Ruin (Deliciously Dark Fairytales 4)

“Ah gotcha.” I shook my head and looked back the way we’d come. “I’m not sure, honestly. He was supposed to be here by now, but he doesn’t usually go in a straight line when more interesting things could be seen in a zigzag. He also might’ve gotten lost in your enormous castle.”

Her eyes took on a keen edge. “Yes, that is true. Well, I’ll go hurry them along.”

I wasn’t sure if she was actually worried about her sister, or a known shit disturber wandering around the castle. If not for the look in her eyes, I would’ve guessed the latter. I’d have to ask Hadriel about it.

Until then, though, I was going to dig into these plants, and I absolutely intended to spy on that faerie who could do actual magic. If I could somehow make potions, Wyvern would really be rolling.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Arleth

The second Calia left, Dee and I met Finley and shadowed her through the gardens. We’d worked with many of these plants on past visits, learning about them from the locals. But they’d kept more secrets than they shared, especially about the plants used to make the most lucrative poultices and salves. Those were the money plants.

Back in the day, we hadn’t pressed. But back in the day, we hadn’t had Finley.

I had a sneaking suspicion she’d charm information out from under our hosts, giving little in return. After all, her knowledge mostly centered around the everlass plant, which was a tricky plant for non-dragons to work with. The faeries had been mystified by it for years. Generations. They couldn’t get the knack, calling it an obtuse weed, perfect for dragons.

Finley would give them knowledge they couldn’t use, all while robbing them blind. She was the perfect thief.

“Oh wow!” She crouched beside a flowering plant with bright blue blooms and spindly leaves. “I’ve read all about this one!” She rattled off a name I’d never heard of. “This is great for the skin. It clears up acne and reduces redness— Oh goddess, you devious little thing.” She stepped over the row she was currently in and squatted down to a leafy, light green shrub. “Look at this! This one is rare because it is so finicky to work with. There are only three of them here.” She narrowed her eyes. “I thought I read that they like a lot of space. This wouldn’t be nearly enough. But that book was old, so who knows. Maybe the information is outdated.”

She worked her way through the garden, moving along the outskirts at first and then weaving farther in, recognizing the pattern. The faeries were incredibly organized, putting like plants with like. If this one helped the skin, that one likely did too. Similar but not the same. In the large middle area were the all-purpose plants, used for a variety of things.

Within each grouping, Finley recognized most of the offerings. She’d either worked with the plant or read about it. When she didn’t recognize a plant, she’d analyze its leaves and gently touch its flowers. She even noticed which kinds of insects landed on them and how they likely pollinated. The woman was a walking directory for plants. I knew a lot, but her range of knowledge was incredible. She’d spent a lot of time with her nose in a book, both in her youth and preparing for this trip, and it showed.

Well on our way toward the work tent, Finley gasped and stalled, holding out her hand to stop my forward progress.

“What is it?” I asked.

A woman down the way glanced over, her eyebrows raised.

It was then I saw it, and my heart surged. I was careful not to let the sentiment show on my face.

“What have they done?” Finley asked, aghast.

“Oh yes.” Someone, a pretty woman in her thirties with dirt smeared across her apron and her hat pushed a little off her forehead, wandered over. She smiled as she looked down at a plot of land hosting five everlass plants in horrible condition. “We’ve kept those going since Nyfain—excuse me.” Her expression turned bashful. “Since the king of Wyvern was here last. They grew because of him, of course. Because he’s a dragon. Well, you know that. We’ve been able to keep them going.” She preened.

Dee gave me a sly look with a small smirk. She was thinking the same thing I was. They still couldn’t figure out how to keep everlass healthy. They’d need to rely on Wyvern for the good leaves.

“You call this keeping them going?” Finley stared down in obvious horror. “They’re… You’re…”

“Is there a problem?”

I glanced behind me and very nearly let my joy show.

Plain face, loud clothes, not nearly good enough for my son. Eris.

He’d thought she was nice. Easy-mannered. A good companion.

It had all been an act. She’d been trying to seal the deal. To everybody but him, including her own people, she was nearly unbearable. I would’ve terminated the alliance several ways over if it hadn’t meant Nyfain’s and my freedom.