Page 22 of Witch’s Heart

“At the crown’s expense,” he finished for her. “And see to it they receive payment for their services.”

“Oh, no we couldn’t possibly—” Lola started.

“I will have it no other way. Until my lady witch returns, you will work directly for me.”

Mya looked pleased by this. He didn’t like the idea of surrounding himself with more people. He had enough of them to entertain as it was, but Mya had chosen well. Lola was soft spoken, and Julian was clearly like him. In fact⁠—

“Do you fancy a spar?” The words were out before he could stop them.

Julian lifted his brows. “Now, Your Majesty?”

“No time better. I’ve steam to blow off after this morning’s council meeting, and an entire day packed with meetings. If I don’t wear myself down, I’ll end up calling for one head or another.”

Mya slapped her thighs. “I think that’s a grand idea. Well, then. My work here is done.” She reached for her teacup and drained it, then stood. “I’ll just leave you to it.”

“Yes. Right.” Rixon stood.

“You’re welcome, Lord Wielder,” Mya taunted before sauntering out.

“Is she always this manipulative?” He looked at Julian who huffed.

“I’ll just see to my tasks, then,” said Andrei, showing himself out next.

Anticipation rippled Rixon’s muscles as he led Lola and Julian to a sparring chamber used exclusively by the royal family. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d sparred with anyone other than Mina; that had been during their trip here. It must have been Jessin, back in Rockfall.

He had already made it a point to check in with Ralston on Jessin’s unit near the border. After learning the details, he made sure Jessin’s was one of the units he recalled. All the kingdom’s units would rendezvous here in the capital before going out on orders to protect various merchants under Sandro Haspel’s employ.

He hated to admit how much he was looking forward to reuniting with his childhood friend, even if for a little bit. It would be good to have a familiar face beside him. Perhaps he could convince Jessin to retire from the military and stay on permanently. The gods only knew he could use trustworthy people.

Would Mina be here when Jessin returned? Gods, he hoped so. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t imagined a thousand ways to take her when she was back. It was the only thing that kept him sane falling asleep at night. Most of the time it resulted in him taking himself in hand, but it was always a paltry finish at best.

Julian whistled, eyeing the rack of weapons, some blunted, others honed to lethal edges and points. “Take your pick,” he told the wielder before striding across the room to shed his shirt. Lola placed herself on the edge of the room in one of the comfortably cushioned chairs to watch.

Julian opted to use a set of his own daggers so he did the same.

They began to circle each other, eyeing one other up. Julian’s dark brown hair was cropped close. He had a piercing in one ear. His age was indeterminate; were he fully human, without the aid of his witch’s bond, he would look to be late thirties, or perhaps, early forties.

Rixon took the offensive and lunged, then lunged again, and again, hoping to force Julian into revealing his fighting style. Not that he expected anything unique. The wielders of the Citadel had all been trained under Herrin.

Julian dodged each attempt, as expected, revealing only a hint of his abilities. He was left-dominant and favored that side. He used this knowledge to deliver a blow with his fist to Julian’s right side. Julian grunted, but quickly recovered, countering with a swipe of his blade, clipping Rixon’s shins.

They danced back and forth with rapid movements, breathing hard as sweat began to slick their skin. Within minutes, he forgot about the council, forgot about his duties, forgot about how much he hated this fucking place. The only thing he didn't forget—could never forget—was Mina’s absence. Even still, it didn’t stop the elation moving through him as he pushed his body to its limits.

Chapter 8

Mina

I stepped from Jarrow’s stall, making my way towards the stable’s exit. I’d visited him for hours on end since returning to the Citadel. Mostly because I wasn’t permitted to leave and felt guilty that he was cooped up. Fiona and I had met daily, trying to uncover additional information about the portal under the palace. So far, we’d found nothing. Not in the remaining journals belonging to other head witches. Not in the library.

I’d been pleased to find Herrin waiting for me each morning before dawn, ready to resume my training as if I’d never left. I cherished the time with him, knowing that for one reason or another, it would come to an end. It felt good to push my body, to see how much I’d grown in the time away. It felt even better to see him grin with pride every time I came close to besting him⁠—

A figure detached from the shadows and I froze. Gianna crossed her arms, blocking me.

“What do you want?” I demanded, stopping several feet away. I’d seen little of her over the past week.

“Just making sure you aren’t trying to flee before tomorrow’s meeting.”

I snorted, looking down at myself, my lack of travel supplies. “I wouldn’t dare deprive you of the chance to vent your petty jealousy.”