The Stellis can’t form a response. He’s in too much shock. Blood pools on the floor. His comrades are shuffling their decks, magic stopping the bleeding. The man grabs up his severed appendage and runs off.
I’m honestly not sure if a wound like that will be able to be mended.
“Run, tattle on me to my brother like we’re children,” Kaelis says under his breath with a dramatic sigh. Then he turns to face the Stellis who remain—those holding Sorza—who have gone very,verystill. “You might be here with my father’s blessing. But do remember that this is only temporarily a place open to you. This ismyacademy, where I train theking’sArcanists. To bring harm to them is to threaten or damage property of the crown.”
No one says anything. No one moves. Most jaws have gone completely slack.
“Students, return to your rooms,” Kaelis commands. The Stellis take their opportunity to leave as well. The prince glances my way. “Professor.”
Students go one way, he and I go another. It’s the path toward the professors’ wing. No one should be suspicious at all. Yet my heart is pounding.
The moment we’re out of sight, he slows and steps closer to me, pushing us into an alcove, lightly caressing my face, as if his touch could smooth away the remnants of the Stellis’s. Like it’s a stain that Kaelis now needs to smudge away.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“You shouldn’t have stepped in,” he murmurs.
“Neither should you,” I reply, just as quiet. “I told you not to protect me so brazenly.”
“I will die before I let someone treat you like that.” He snorts softly. “Besides…this time it’s not just about you. I am ready to boil each of them alive in their armor for this transgression. Fuck my father’s orders. I wouldn’t be shocked if Ravin forged the damn thing.”
Never have I seen Kaelis so enraged. So…on edge. His anger, while justified, is also unnerving.He’s afraid.I touch his forearm lightly.
“Don’t worry about me.” I drop my voice, looking up at him. “I can take care of myself.”
My reassurances do nothing to ease his nerves. “He’s here.” Two words have me reliving every choice I’ve made in the past few weeks.He’s here.The Hierophant. Kaelis’s voice drops even lower. “You’re sure? This might be your last chance to change your mind about your decision.”
I know what he’s asking: Am I sure I can trust the Hierophant?No.There are so very few people I’m sure I can trust. But I can trust he has reasons to hate the king, too. That those reasons would be enough for him to ally himself with me. I hope.
“I’m sure.” Let the cards fall as they may. Let me reap the reward or punishment of my faith. Let it be a test of what I get when I trust. He nods. I stand a bit taller and swallow down the fear that sours the back of my tongue. “Do what you need to do to manage your brother. I’ll look after the students, too.”
His gaze finally softens some. “Thank you.” This prince, for all his sharp edges, does care about the students he’s sworn to protect. “I can only assume your research has been what’s keeping you from me. Given the number of times I’ve seen you in the library at odd hours.”
“You’ve been watching me?” I should be unnerved. Yet I’m fighting a blush. It’s Kaelis, after all. The man who just cut off a Stellis’s hand to defend me.
He completely ignores the question. “Have you made progress?”
I know what he’s asking, and a lump forms in my throat. “Not really.”
“The sooner we can undo all of this, the better.”
“You don’t think I know that?” The frustration in my words isn’t with him. “I am trying.”
“Let me help. Come to me.”
“I needed to exhaust all options first.”
“Like I’m some last resort?” He plays it off with a scoff, but I can tell he’s wounded.
“No,” I say hastily, gripping his hand with both of mine. The movement has me leaning in, our noses nearly touching. We breathe in sync. “I…It’s been a lot, Kaelis. I’m trying to get my bearings.”
“It has been. But that’s the thing, you don’t have to do this alone.” His hand shifts, fingers lacing with mine. “I know it is your way—your instinct. You are strong and self-sufficient; none of that must change. But you don’tneedit with me. I will be on your side until the end of time.”
I sigh softly. “I know.”
He nods. “After this ordeal with Emilia is over…come to me. Please.”
