Page 144 of Sworn to the Shadow Throne

“We believe you to be an Arcanist, one who can wield strong magic across wholly disparate disciplines. Exceedingly rare, even compared to the general’s magic, and unmistakably someone who would fall under our aegis.”

Owain’s barely leashed tension traveled through our joined hands. He was ready to jump in and protect Camrick and me. But the Assembly needed to know where I stood from my own lips.

So I spoke first. “I’m curious what the Assembly’s aegis would look like, practically speaking. You know…for someone in my position.” I kept my face open and interested.

Vaustin said smoothly, “Naturally, we want to document your abilities. In time, we would provide guidance on their development. There are resources available to those—”

“Mm.” I tilted my head. “And what is the typical arrangement for someone who is, say, already sworn to serve the throne? I only ask because I’d hate for there to be any confusion between allies.”

Reina made a small sound that came out like a stifled laugh.

Vaustin’s pleasant expression remained in place with the strain of a man holding a door shut against the first winds of a maelstrom. “The Crown’s…relationship with the Assembly has always been one of mutual respect and cooperation. We would of course defer to—”

“To the Prince Regent.” I smiled at him. “Wonderful. Then I imagine we’re all in agreement.”

The silence that followed had a different quality than the ones before it. Less like a blade being drawn and more like one quietly returning to its sheath.

I reached for my wine and took a sip to cover my agitation. Everything I’d said was bluster. I’d just publicly placed myself under Owain’s authority. Had answered his small acts of public claiming with one of my own. Gods below, this wasn’t where I’d expected my life to lead me. I didn’t like that I needed someone’s protection, but that I had someone I could trust with myself now made the worry fade.

I couldn’t look at Owain yet, because I knew if I did, whatever was on his face—surprise, a question, or maybe even pride—would undo me entirely.

Vaustin inclined his head. “Indeed.”

Except something told me I hadn’t quite won, even though I’d made the last strike during the battle. Not a single expression fell, nor did they look away, even briefly.

Under the table, Owain’s thumb moved slowly across my knuckles. It took everything I had to keep my face perfectly still. I answered with caressing circles of my own.

This man.

The anger had been so much easier. Without it in the way, I wasn’t yet sure what we were together—except that I was still holding his hand, and I didn’t want to let go.

The thing that I felt most triumphant about was that I hadn’t tried to disappear or make myself smaller with my words or actions. Now I just needed to survive, free, long enough to see the Assembly conclave leave.

I didn’t realize I’d tightened my grip until Owain stilled. The sudden, violent screech of his chair legs scraping the stone floor as he stood caused every eye, including mine, to snap in his direction.

Uh oh.

Chapter 39

Lunette

I went from relaxing into this new, dangerous ease between Owain and me to heart-pounding anxiety in an instant. Camrick was on his feet before the echo of Owain’s chair had even faded.

Owain released my hand before he fully straightened. “Keeper Maeron,” he said, “I find myself grateful for your candor.”

Vaustin’s brows lifted by the smallest degree. “Your Highness?”

Owain rested one hand on the back of his chair. The posture should’ve looked casual. Somehow, it made him seem more dangerous than if he’d conjured a blade. “We agree that the Assembly claims no sovereign authority in Larethia.”

The warriors nearest the dais subtly stiffened.

Owain continued, “Larethia recognizes the Assembly as a foreign institution with considerable expertise, but it also has a troubling talent for entering discussions no one quite remembers inviting them to.”

One of Camrick’s hands curled around the arm of his chair.

Vaustin’s smile thinned. “Prince Regent, surely you do not mean to imply—”

“I imply very little,” Owain said. “I am stating it plainly.”