Sei can’t take the next step, even though he tries to move slowly. Not running. That means the control collar isn’t conveniently literal.
“I’ll leave the device up,” Radovan decides out loud, then gestures. “Let’s go. Keep walking with me. Stay quiet.”
Sei has no choice but to follow. His fear mounts with every step closer to the tree line. The dark, dense trees close overhead like hands clawing over his eyes and throat. Sei swallows hard and tests the collar’s boundaries again.
“What are you doing?” Sei asks quietly.
Radovan glances over but doesn’t tell him to stop talking. “I didn’t have a choice, Sei. I’m sorry to take you with me, but without your power, I’m not strong enough to hide.”
No.Sei’s blood runs cold.No, no, no.
Giving his magic to Marek is one thing. Sei trusts Marek to stop when he says to. But with this collar, Radovan can silence Sei with a word. If Radovan took too much of Sei’s magic, Sei might not even be permitted to speak.
“Why do you need to hide?” Sei asks, trying to think clearly. None of the orders stop him from shaking inside. “You’re so successful at court. Your own talent won the queen’s favor.”
The flattery works. “I have the king’s favor too, but Imrik and Aliza value results. Not the people who provide the results. They’re so protective of information.”
“That sounds complicated. What do you mean?”
“No, dear Sei, I won’t burden you with the full truth.” Radovan sighs. “Suffice it to say I achieved a breakthrough. The greatest enchantment of my lifetime. Perhaps the greatest enchantment ever created.”
Every word of fawning flattery sickens Sei. “That must be incredible.”
“That’s the problem—my achievement is too incredible.” Radovan pulls out a compass and changes course. “Delivering my results would have signed my death warrant. Even so, I nearly made that mistake. Believe it or not, I’m not immune to pride.”
“I never would have guessed.”
“Hubris is the hero’s downfall,” Radovan says seriously. “House Dire eliminates those who know too much. Fortunately, Prince Kazia reminded me in time.”
The name stings. Did Kazia betray Sei too?
Sei thought he was nearing an understanding with Kazia. Not quite friendship—Kazia is too prickly and unpredictable for friendship. But Kazia helped Sei more than once.
Or did he?
Kazia told Sei to touch the instrument in Radovan’s laboratory. That simple action led to Sei’s first conversation with the enchanter currently abducting him.
“Did Prince Kazia help you plan this?” Sei asks, barely more than a whisper.
“He may have mentioned you, but no. This was my idea. Who would listen to…” Radovan trails off, then stops short. His glare sharpens behind his spectacles. “Perhaps you need a lesson on hubris too, Sei. You won’t get information from me.” Radovan rattles off a string of orders. “Don’t talk. When I move, follow me quietly and quickly. Don’t touch the control collar. Don’t question or harm me.”
The orders don’t take force with any tangible power. They’re binding nonetheless. Sei tries to run, but his legs refuse to move.
Radovan smiles sadly and approaches. “Don’t worry. I know how Fellrin values their grails. I promise, I value you just as much.”
Sei still can’t move as Radovan runs dusty, gloved fingers along his cheek.
“I’ll treat you very well.”
?
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Marek
Storm clouds gathering in their wake, Marek and Loska hurtle through the sky. Urgent magic crackles beneath Marek’s skin. The air he breathes is laced with the smoke of Loska’s building fire. Marek hasn’t fought a wraith in half a year. He would look forward to the exercise if not for the worry chasing his flight.
You’re an idiot,Loska informs him.
