Perception.
Especially against weaker Fae like those who frequent the palace. Their magic is strong, but their minds are moldable. They’re too reliant on what they think will never be taken away.
“The warriors on the battlefield are wearing thin.”He gets to the point. “The Well’s destruction has spread as far as Zealeh, and the creatures are flooding the shores of Andare. Aurora continues to send rebels to distract Lyrichia, but they’re needed on our own shores.”
My teeth clench, hearing about the fragile state of my home.
“But…”he murmurs in my mind. “There is hope knowing you are out.”
“There shouldn’t be.”
“Why not? Your people need you, Wilder.”
“My people needed my mother. Their queen.”
“She’s been gone for a century. That is nothing to balk at. The grieving is done.”
Is it? The scar burns through my cheek with the memories of the final battle. My ultimate failure to my queen and my kingdom.
“So that’s it then? A century in a cell, and you’ve given up?”
“Does it look like I’ve given up?”My patience runs thin at his comment.
“I don’t know anymore. Is the Rite really worth it when you could be fighting back home?”
“It’s our only chance. Like you said, the Well is unstable. If we don’t sever the magic between the realms, Vaelier will not survive.”
“And the human girl has the power to do this?”
“She can barely access her magic, but it’s there. She just needs to figure it out.”
“It doesn’t do us any good if she chooses Malachi.”He chuckles through the thread.“Rumor has it you’re not getting far with the human. Have you lost your charm?”
I meet the dark-haired female’s gaze.“Clearly not.”
“Then only the human can resist you? And here I thought it would be easier with her.”
If only that were the case. I rake my fingers through my hair, not answering.
“What about Aurora?”he asks.
“What about her?”
“She knows you’re free and have yet to come see her.”
“It’s too risky. Besides, she enjoys playing consort. She should be thankful I’ve yet to return. It allows her to keep her seat.”
“She’s hopeful you’ll let her stay at your side when you return.”
“Aurora knows where I stand.”
The crowd parts, and I catch gazes with Malachi. He’s grinning, but it’s a challenge. Around him, his circle laughs. They fawn over him, bow to him. His little pets play into his game. Rats trapped in a maze.
He knows I’m playing a game too, but he hasn’t figured out my plan yet.
“Do you think you’ll be able to pull it off?”my friend asks, drawing my attention back to him.“The human seems awfully resistant. And it doesn’t help that you keep reiterating that you’re going to destroy the realm.”
“Let me worry about Elorie.”
