The Conquering Dark: Crown by Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith Clay Griffith Page B

you and your colleagues here to serve the crown. First, hunt down those devils that threatened so many lives so recklessly at Westminster, and beyond that, to work to protect this realm from a growing occult threat. Is that plain enough?” The king’s eyes twinkled like a playful uncle, but there was a hard political mind behind them.
    â€œIt is, sir.” Kate raised her hand to Simon. “I must direct you to Mr. Archer as this band is his creation, in many ways.”
    William looked shocked. “Indeed? I’ve been told of you, Mr. Archer. Nothing in your background indicated great generalship in your nature. No offense.”
    â€œNone taken, sir,” Simon said. “I am generally known as something of a fatuous playboy.”
    â€œSomething of?” The king slapped his knee. “The very definition of, I’d say. I had occasion to hear about you once from Lady Dunston at a garden party that went rather astray.”
    â€œAh yes.” Simon struggled to stay serious as Kate playfully scowled from behind the king. “Lady Dunston is a fine woman of uncommon … a fine woman.”
    â€œYes.” King William chuckled, one man to another. “Quite fine. So what do you all say to my proposal?”
    â€œWe are eager,” Simon said, “to protect the innocent, anywhere. If you are offering the resources of the Crown to that end, I’d say we are in business, Your Majesty.”
    â€œExcellent! Well said, sir! Your sovereign and your nation thank you.” The king stood. “Now that we are agreed, I’d like to bring in another conspirator.” He went to the door and motioned into the anteroom.
    Grace North strode in and gave a perfunctory curtsy to the king.
    Simon exchanged a concerned glance with Kate, who was already on her feet.
    â€œThis,” King William said calmly, “is Grace North, as I’m sure you know. She has served as coordinator of the government’s magical efforts since early in my reign. Are you acquainted?”
    Grace looked typically angelic in yellow satin. “I am, Your Majesty, at least with Mr. Archer and Miss Anstruther.” She was calm and professional, the model of a political actor.
    â€œSo, Mrs. North,” Simon caught Grace’s gaze with false simplicity, “you recommended us to His Majesty?”
    â€œI did, Mr. Archer.” Grace took a position under a portrait of George III. “I perceive you are shocked to see me here, and I believe I know why. There are no secrets in this room. You are no doubt curious about my advocacy of Rowan Barnes and the disaster that resulted in the destruction of St. Mary Woolnoth.”
    â€œAs well as a series of murders. You recall the Sacred Heart Murders?”
    Grace gave Simon a cold glare that swiftly vanished. “His Majesty has been fully advised of that regrettable situation. I was supportive of Mr. Barnes because my magical advisors recommended him to me as the best solution to the Gaios problem. In hindsight, it was likely a mistake.”
    â€œLikely.” Simon stared at the powerful and beautiful Mrs. North. At the very least this nationally beloved woman had supported a dangerous lunatic, Rowan Barnes, who had murdered several women for ritual purposes. She had championed his cause as patriotic and threatened Simon with destruction if he moved to stop Barnes. At worst, Grace North also knew Barnes had actually been the cat’s-paw of the vile necromancer, Ash. And perhaps that wasn’t the worst of it at all. Kate had observed Mrs. North at Westminster doing something that seemed to be magical, withering one of the apes and restoring the prime minister to health. In Grace North’s eyes there was something deep and hidden, a cold blue secret. Or perhaps Simon was imagining it.
    â€œThose advisors have been removed from service.”
    Kate said, “May we ask who those advisors