This place was strange, unlike any other city I’d visited. There was something about it that made me feel like I’d stepped back a few centuries. It reminded me of the mythical times of King Arthur.
I had time to shower before dinner, a welcome feeling after all I’d been through. The bathroom was attached to the bedroom and had indoor plumbing. Maybe it was better than Camelot. Joshua lay on the bed, taking a nap while I showered.
In the bathroom mirror, I saw the slightest scar on my back from where the knife had pierced my skin. It had healed. The Mindonsiphan was still a mystery to me, and without Chancellor Collins, I may never know how it worked. I hoped Elsa, Cate, or Aidan could shed some insight.
I showered and dried off, wrapping a towel around myself as I stepped into the bedroom. Shivering, I dug through the wardrobe, finding dress after dress to choose from. It did feel like a blast from the past. I chose a dark purple gown with the illusion of a corset, but without the traditional tightness. Drying my hair, I secured it up in a messy bun with a few strands falling loose. Did everyone in Spade live like this or it was a luxury provided to few?
I quietly left the bedroom, doing my best not to wake Joshua. “Thank you,” I breathed, having come out of my room finding Henry in the hallway. “For all that you’ve done.”
He smiled. “For you, Olivia, anything.”
“I don’t know if I would have found Joshua without your help. Thank you for helping me save Joshua’s life.” I turned on my heels, hearing the door creak as Joshua came out of our room.
“It was my pleasure,” Henry told me.
“We should talk later.” We had a lot to discuss that would probably overwhelm him. It was time he knew the truth and understood what he was capable of.
Joshua stepped behind me, his arms around my waist, reminding Henry I wasn’t available. “I still don’t trust him,” he breathed into my ear.
“You trust me, don’t you?” I clutched his hand as I glanced over my shoulder at him. He loosened his grasp and let go of me, long enough to take my hand. Together we headed down the hall for dinner, trailing behind Henry.
Joshua sighed. “Of course.”
“Then trust me when I tell you, he’s an ally. He didn’t have to risk his life to take us to Haven, but he did.” I could see the cogs working in his head, trying to find Henry’s motivation in helping us.
“He killed Margo. I can’t forgive him for that. I won’t.”
“I know," I said. “I don’t think the others will, either. He explained it to me.” I squeezed Joshua’s hand before we stepped into the large dining room. “I’m not happy it happened, but I’m trying to understand.”
Joshua and I were the last to arrive at the dining table where our companions had gathered. It was the first time in over a decade I was glad to see Gavin. Almost everyone was dressed to the nines in suits and Renaissance dresses. All but Elsa, having ignored the attire in her wardrobe and opting after a fresh shower to wear her dirty clothes. Rane looked beautiful in a dark midnight blue gown. It reminded me of why I had been jealous of her the first time we met: she was gorgeous. She sat quietly at the table, offering me a friendly smile. Elsa’s eyes were transfixed on the ceiling, studying the architecture in awe. She was fascinated by Spade, curious about this new world she found herself tossed into. “Is it time to eat?” Cate asked as Henry stepped into the room.
“I’m sure dinner will be soon.” Aidan eyed her to shut up, while picking at the dirt under his nails. He seemed bored, or at least he presented the façade of boredom. I didn’t know if he was disinterested in Spade or trying not to show he cared. However, Cate fit right in, the forest green gown hugging her curves as she eagerly waited for the food to be served.
“I’m not being rude,” Cate dismissed Aidan. “I’m hungry.”
Adelaide ran towards me, wearing a red dress of her own. Just before reaching me, she twirled in a circle, her skirt swirling around her. “Don’t I look pretty?” She beamed with matching rosy cheeks.
“Yes, you do.” I said, bending down I planted a kiss to her cheek. I helped her to the table and scooted in the long wood-backed chair. It was heavy. The table seated twelve though there were only 9 dining tonight. “Wow, this is elegant,” I said to Henry. He smiled warmly pulling back my chair and I ignored the look Joshua radiated as he claimed the chair beside me before Henry had the chance. I tried not to laugh as Gavin sat across from me and Rane to his left. Henry finally took a seat between Rane and Elsa.
“I’m glad you made it here safely.” Gavin smiled and I felt Joshua’s quizzical look at me. I’d been angry at Gavin, hated him last Joshua knew.
“Thank you.” I faced Joshua and explained, “Gavin helped rescue you from Haven. He and Rane accompanied me through the Gravelands.”
Joshua tried to take in all the information. “Why didn’t you return home?” he questioned.
Rane smiled. “I was hoping to see Henry again.”
I tried not to laugh. It had been no secret on the trip that Henry was searching for a wife. Was this why Rane had decided to come to Spade again? I didn’t ask.
Gavin spoke up, “The walk here was shorter than home. I was hoping I’d get a ride back to Torv in the near future,” he confessed. “Though, right now, I am enjoying my time here.”
Henry smiled warmly. “You are all welcome to stay for as long as you’d like. I can provide you with transportation back to Torv when you’re ready to leave. Just say the word.”
“Thank you,” Gavin answered. “And thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”
Throughout dinner, Joshua stared at Henry every so often and I could still see a hint of jealousy burning inside of him. I tried to ignore it as much as I could as I ate. I was starving and was thrilled for such an elaborate meal. It started with fresh salad and now we were on our second course of vegetable soup. I had no idea what we’d be eating next, so I ate is if there were no tomorrow. Finishing every drop in my bowl.
I glanced up every so often at the others from Shadow. They were all occupied with their meals. I wondered how they felt about their home having been destroyed. They were the few lucky ones, the survivors.
Joshua finally spoke up, “Tell me how you’ve managed to keep off the radar from the government for so long.” Joshua had an edge to his voice, accusing Henry of something sinister.
“We’ve managed a good front in defending ourselves. Our men have weapons we’ve built and stand on guard at every hour,” Henry answered.
Joshua’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t explain the drones. Haven and Thena were destroyed by them. How is it that Spade is untouched?” They must have cut a deal with the government as Torv had done.
“We’ve taken down two drones in the past six months.” Henry grinned. “Our men are that good.” He let the words hang in the air for a moment. “Would you like to see?”
I smiled politely, glancing from Henry to Joshua, seeing the flustered look cross his face.
“After dinner,” Joshua agreed and I wondered how the boys would do alone together.”
“I’ll come with you both. I’d like to see it, as well.” I smiled boldly hoping I wasn’t interfering and at the same time I was curious about Spade. I wanted to explore the compound but I thought it might be better to be shown a tour first, get a lay of the land. Maybe I wouldn’t be forced to sneak out as I had in Shadow many months ago.
“That would be nice.” Henry answered and I felt the heat radiating off Joshua. “In fact, you all are welcome,” he invited the others. I glanced at him, wondering why he was upset that I’d be coming along. Of all things I thought he’d appreciate my company. I ignored the boys. The third course of our meal arrived as fresh plates were placed in front of us and a giant roasted turkey was set in the center of the table.