Haldir frowned as alarm and confusion marred his handsome looks. A crease formed in between his forehead. "Ileus are you sure that it was black magic? And I haven't heard of any bridges on that side except the one you had built along with Kaizan and your group of friends long back." Haldir knew all about Ileus' shenanigans.
"Did you check that side of Draoidh lately?" asked Ileus.
Haldir shook his head. "No, why would I risk checking and getting unwanted attraction on an entry point that is marked by you? That would be utterly foolish." Adrianna had created a blood bond with Haldir to protect Ileus at all times. He was aware of the bridge and had never once objected to it being formed because he knew that only Ileus and his friends knew that it existed. Ileus had cast an invisibility spell on it. He had cast such spells on all the exit and entry points of Draoidh, which he meant to keep a secret. And because Haldir never interfered, Ileus was able to get in Draoidh with his wife.
"Then go and check it now. There is a bridge right next to it and it reeks of necromancer magic. You have to investigate every Shaman and every group that is trying to form a cult in our lands. Tighten the security. The magic out there wasn't childish… it was very dark… someone wanted to trap Anastasia. What I don't understand is who knew that Anastasia was coming here?"
Haldir crossed his hands across his chest as his back stiffened. "Why do you say that Anastasia was being trapped?"
"There was a voice that called her. It was weird because if no one knows about my marriage with her or if no one knows that she was coming to Draoidh, then who created that spell? Who over here knew that Anastasia was coming? It is alarming and very strange. It needs immediate attention. There is someone out there who has thought of a hundred plans ahead. There is an agenda that he or she wants to fulfill and there are spies that work for him or her. Find out as soon as possible!" Ileus said in a harsh voice that was laced with anger and anxiety. Every step he had to take with caution.
Haldir's eyebrow rose. "I will find out about it, Ileus." He said that and then he left. Before leaving he said, "I know that your mother is angry, but she also has her plans. If she has restrained Anastasia from going out, one of the reasons is that she is actually protecting Anastasia from the onslaught of the people and council members. You haven't exactly entered in the ideal way, so let her create ideal conditions. Your wife is a very powerful fae. We all know that if she wants to break away from here, she can, but would that be right?"
Anastasia walked inside the room at that point. She heard what Haldir just said. "That's right Haldir and there would be a limit to my patience. So don't test it. I will give only two days for the queen to make her decision about me."
Haldir gave her a faint smile. He bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness. I will convey this to the queen, but please also understand that if your plans fall in place, then no one would be happier than the witch queen. After all having a fae ally, and that too the future queen of the fae kingdom is going to only work in her favor." He took a deep breath in. "Adrianna is a mother. You have to let her deal with her inner turmoil for her hopes of finding her daughter have shattered. Give her time. Give time to yourself, because time heals all the wounds. Time will make you calmer. Time will let you make better decisions. Anger would only hamper your judgment. And decisions taken in haste are mostly the worst." Saying that Haldir closed the door behind him and they heard his heavy footfalls receding.
Anastasia was astounded at what Haldir said. Her anger came down a little. Though at first she thought he was lecturing her, his words weighed on her slowly. She walked to her bed and sagged on it. She lowered her head to look at her hands in her lap. Time… she didn't have much. At this point of time she didn't know whether to trust Adrianna's decision or not.
"Ana?" Ileus called her. "Haldir is one of the most dependable and wise people… after Isidorus. You should trust what he is saying."
"I have some questions," she snapped.
"I am shocked," Kaizan said, rolling his eyes.
"What questions, sweetheart?" Ileus said and walked to sit behind her. He rubbed his hands on her back and shackled her wings. Then he pulled her in his lap and kissed her temple. "You can ask whatever you want."
Anastasia pursed her lips at Kaizan. "You are a persistent midge fly."
"Now that is rude Anastasia," he replied. "I am a werewolf who attracts flies—ones who want to have sex with me."
"Do all of Ileus' friends come with shamelessness? I mean if I have Ileus as my husband, are his friends wrapped in a shameless package and gifted forcibly to me?" she asked with exasperation in her voice.
Kaizan frowned. He tilted his head, pursed his lips, glanced sideways, rolled his head, rolled his shoulders, gazed at Darla and when he was out of whatever he could do, he opened his mouth while Anastasia watched him with irritation mounting. A minute later he said, "Yes."
Anastasia's mouth fell to the floor. "Just a yes?"
He shrugged.
"Ignore him sweetheart," said Ileus. "What was your question?"
Darla giggled. "I will take my leave, my lord," she said. "I have to talk to Aidan about something urgent."
"Ah sure!" Kaizan commented. "Even I have to talk to Aidan."
"What?" Darla cried. "No you don't!"
"I have to," he replied calmly.
