Page 34 of The Crowned Queen

“It’s impractical and ineffective on a mass scale, sir,” Kai said, his voice quiet. “Each fae would have to be linked with one human—a mage strong enough in their own magic to compel without the help of amplifiers. Our records show that without careful handling, many fae living under sor’vael go mad. Some even kill themselves. If you value her as an asset, my professional recommendation is that you proceed cautiously here.”

Araya flinched, a shiver skating over her skin. Kai was looking at Pryce, his expression carefully neutral, but she couldn’t help but feel like he’d been speaking to her. Was that what she had to look forward to? Madness—followed by death at her own hand or Jaxon’s once he tired of her?

“Hmm.” Pryce hummed, taking a step back. “I guess we could cut out all their tongues and get the same result then.”

“You could,” Garrick agreed from the head of the table. “But then they wouldn’t be able to answer questions, testify, or communicate anything of value. Honestly, Baran, hasn’t anyone ever told you that you catch more flies with honey?” He waved a hand at Jaxon. “Unbind her tongue. I’m sure Miss Starwind will behave.”

Jaxon squeezed her shoulder once before letting his hand drop, taking the compulsion with it. Araya swallowed hard, rubbing her throat. She resisted the urge to test her voice immediately, caught between Jaxon at her back and Pryce’s predatory attention. They wanted something from her. That was the only reason she was here instead of still locked up in that cell.

“I’m sure you’re aware that there was a disturbance at the Shaw estate last night,” Pryce said, his gaze burning into her skin. “Fae rebels attacked the house, causing half the structure to fall into the tunnels below. Do you know anything about that?”

“The Arcanum says there is no fae rebellion,” Araya answered.

Jaxon’s hand tightened on her waist. “Don’t be tricky, Starling,” he warned softly. “Not with him.” More loudly, he answered for her, “She was unconscious for the past three days. I don’t see how she could have known anything.”

“What about her bond with Shadowbane?” Pryce asked.

Jaxon stiffened. “Her sor’vael prevents her from accessing it,” he said.

“And you’re sure it worked?”

Jaxon didn’t answer.

“So no, you’re not sure.” Pryce sighed deeply. “Miss Starwind, can you confirm whether Commander Shaw’s order prevented you from accessing your bond with the fae prince?”

“He’s a king now,” Araya whispered, ignoring Jaxon’s hissed warning. “And yes, it did.”

“Very good.” Pryce studied her, his scrutiny making her skin crawl. “And do you love King Shadowbane, Miss Starwind?”

Araya straightened, lifting her chin. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

Jaxon’s grip on her hip tightened painfully, but Pryce spoke again before he could retaliate.

“That’s excellent, Miss Starwind.” He leaned against the table, his gaze never wavering from hers. “I think we can help each other here. Loren Shadowbane was at the Shaw estate last night. In his struggle with Commander Shaw, he was seen falling into the sinkhole that was formed when the structure collapsed.”

Araya’s breath caught in her throat. She’d seen the destruction. If Loren had been caught in that⁠—

“Is he dead?” she asked, both dreading and desperate to know the answer.

“We don’t know,” Pryce said, his measured voice betraying nothing. “His body hasn’t been recovered, but cleanup is ongoing. He could be dead—or badly wounded, crushed beneath the rubble.”

Araya swallowed back her tears. The bond sat in her chest, so close and yet so far out of reach. But she couldn’t look weak. Not here.

“He’s worth much more to us alive, Miss Starwind,” Pryce continued. “If you were willing to use the bond you share to guide us to him, you could save his life. I’m sure you realize that every moment counts.”

Araya’s heart dropped into her stomach. Loren would rather die than be taken prisoner by them again. But if he was buried somewhere under tons of rock and rubble, hurt and bleeding—he’d never leave her like that. No matter what the cost.

“Yes,” she whispered. “If Jaxon allows it—” the words were bitter in her mouth “—I’ll use the bond to see if he’s alive.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” At the other end of the table, Kai’s normally tan skin had gone sallow. “She’s barely recovered from having the runes inscribed and you’re lifting and instating compulsions left and right. This is exactly what I was talking about⁠—”

“You cleared her, Kai,” Garrick chided. “Don’t let your emotions get in the way of making the right decision. Miss Starwind has always been bright. And she wants to help.” He nodded to Jaxon. “Go ahead. No time to waste.”

Araya let her eyes flutter closed again. She would cooperate. Just this once. Just long enough that if Loren was hurt, if he needed her help, she could get someone to him. He would be furious with her but he would be alive. They could figure the rest out⁠—

Jaxon’s magic slid over her mind, uninvited. It traced the contours of her power, caressing her magic. Araya shuddered. No one should touch her power—her soul—like this. It wasn’t right. But the weight on her chest lifted⁠—

And the bond answered.