Exton

Dismissed, Keon takes a few minutes to visit with his younger sister, Trinka. Her pretty features are tight. Deep lines around her eyes betraying her anxiety. She tells him of an offer that came to the family only a few weeks before. An old friend told her he could find her a human child to serve as companion to her own youngster. He named a price that she found unbelievable. When she asked why this child would be "available", he told her it was a foundling and was being trained for life in a noble house.

Something hadn't sounded right to her. After all, hadn't the Queen passed an edict against the training of such companions? The next day she saw her old friend again, he remembered nothing at all of their previous visit. It bothered her. He was not one prone to forgetfulness.

Keon urges her to bring this to the Queen's attention. It would be a good idea to have a spell search done on the man. If she tells the Queen that Dealg Drubh suggested the search, he assures her any charges would not be brought against the man. They both know well how mercurial Mab can be.

His visit is short, shorter than he would have thought. It has been only ten hours since leaving the Human Realm. He finds himself becoming agitated. Leaving his sister's chambers, Keon finds Ramji and two Dark Lords waiting for him.

"The Queen and The Hunter have requested the company of Keon Blackthorn."

Keon nods, saying nothing. He follows the Dark Lords, Ramji at his side. Soon enough they turn into a small study. He drops to his knees as Mab approaches.

"Oh do get UP, Ke."

Herne's laughter echoes in the small room.

"I just want your assurances that you will not hunt this Sidhe on your own. When she is captured... She has wronged People from the Human Realm. One would assume they would like to have a say in her... disposal?"

Keon rises and leans against a wall.

"Aye, My Queen. She has raised something she does not understand. She sees them as lesser. They see her as a danger to them all. These Peoples will not be satisfied with just knowing she is gone. There is a general mistrust of Fae Truths."

The Queen nods slowly, thoughtfully.

"Take this." She hands Keon a sealed parchment. "It is a copy of the edict. Truant arrived an hour past. I have sent a detachment to Bloodmane's estates. She was not there when he came to Us. She will find it no safe haven should she return."

Herne crosses his ankles, relaxed in his chair. "Riders accompany the Sidhe Guards, along with Hell Hounds and an Inquisitor." He smiles features shrouded by his ever-present hood. "I suppose you are chomping at the bit, old friend? Is she something beyond our Sweet Silk? Has the Succubi lost her charm in your eyes?"

Keon blinks, finding it hard to hide his reaction. Mab turns thoughtful eyes on Keon. She paces close, stroking a hand down his chest.

"Has My favorite Minstrel found... love?" Her hand pauses over the tattoo on his chest, feeling the magic through his tunic. "Tsk, tsk, What have you done to yourself, Keon Blackthorn? One of the Sea Hag's spells? She must be something... Is she Human? Or Human Realm bound Fae?"

There is a bite to her words, jealousy was ever one of Mab's easiest aroused emotions. Keon fights to keep from swallowing, even breathing too deep. His hand captures Mab's, drawing it to his lips. He kisses the tops of her fingers, watching carefully.

She smiles sweetly and moves back a single step.

"My Queen, there is no Fae equal to You. No, My Queen, she is not a Human Realm fae, nor is she purely Human. She is her own Person, and a pleasure with whom to keep company." Mab laughs and drifts away, listening. He stifles a sigh of relief. "My Lord Herne, Silk is still the beautiful Succubi of Our Company. Her charms have not fled her. She spends her time where she will, as do I. Her heart belongs where it ever has, to herself, as does mine."

He moves away from the wall, stepping toward the door.

"But as You have so aptly put it, I am eager to be away. I left my friends seeking poisons and spells, and would fain return to aid them."

Herne nods, smirking slightly. Mab moves close and slides the backs of her fingers along his jaw.

"Hurry back to her Keon, but rest assured... if she hurts you, I will come to take you back among us. If she breaks your heart... I will cut out hers for a souvenir."

He nods once and steps from the room, Ramji on his heels. As soon as they are beyond sight, Ramji whispers to Keon. "Did she really mean that? Would she kill..."

Keon cuts him off. "Don't say her name. Not here." He looks around, then heads for the stables.  "I once belonged to the Queen. Would she kill someone who hurt me? Oh aye... with extreme prejudice."