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“Yes, well, you know how gossip can be. Rumors spread like wildfire. Which is exactly why she kept her identity a secret. She didn’t even tell your grandfather. She only told me.”
“Quite the coincidence, then. My grandmother was a witch, and so was my real mother.”
“Ah, yes. That. I admit, I was surprised when you chose to believe that Sabina Mallius was your true mother.” Magnus shot his father a sharp look, and the king laughed. “You really can’t blame me. You did have a blade to my throat and were threatening to kill me. I needed a distraction.”
“So it was a lie. Only a lie.”
“Of course it was. Althea was your mother, no one else.”
Cleo saw a breath hitch in Magnus’s chest, and his hands turned to fists at his sides. “Well done, Father. How foolish of me to have ever forgotten how ruthless you are.”
“Yes, I suppose I am ruthless. If I weren’t, I never would have survived this long.” The king turned to Cleo, cocking his head. “You have caused me extraordinary misery in your short lifetime—more than you will ever realize.”
“Me?” she said, sternly incredulous, refusing to show this monster a glimmer of fear. “It has never been my intention to cause misery or difficulties. I only want to live the life I was meant for.”
ught her mouth again, his fingers tangling in her hair. “Light, yes . . . much, much better than darkness. I adore light—it allows me to see you completely.”
“No, Magnus . . .” She pointed at the window. “It’s dawn. It’s tomorrow.”
His expression tightened and tensed, then he swore under his breath. “How long were we asleep?”
“From the looks of it, far too long. Lord Gareth’s castle is only a few miles from here, and if they’ve sent more guards out to search for me . . .” She turned a bleak look on him. “We need to get out of here.”
“You’re absolutely right. We’ll have to put this very important discussion about what I shall call you now on hold.”
“Yes, right after we discuss what to do about Amara and your father.”
“One thing at a time.” As soon as Cleo mentioned his father, his expression again grew strained. “We’ll go to Ravencrest, find a ship bound for Auranos. Put distance between us and the king. Lord Gareth couldn’t possibly agree with my father’s latest decision.”
“Knowing his sniveling, devious son, that’s debatable.”
“Excellent point.”
“But I do know people in Auranos,” Cleo said. “Nobles and diplomats still loyal to my father and to me. They could help us.”
“Me, begging for help from Auranian nobles?” He raised a brow. “Shall we argue about this later?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Fine, later.”
When they were dressed, Magnus touched her arm. “I want you to have something.”
She turned to him and saw that he held the earth Kindred out to her. Her gaze snapped to his. “I was afraid to ask if you still had it.”
“This belongs to you.” He put it in her hand and closed her fingers over it. “I have no claim on it.” He nodded firmly before she could say anything in reply. “Let’s go.”
She slipped the orb into the pocket of her cloak as he pushed open the door. . . .
To reveal King Gaius, standing, waiting, on the stone step.
Cleo’s heart stopped in her chest.
“Good morning,” the king said. “What a lovely abandoned cottage. I learned about this place, so close to Lord Gareth’s residence, so I decided to bring some guards with me here to investigate. It struck me as a perfect place to take refuge during a cold, stormy night.”
Standing behind the king were four guards in Limerian uniforms.
“It’s been some time, Magnus,” King Gaius said. “Have you missed me? More importantly, are you ready to answer for the crimes you’ve committed?”
“That depends. Are you?”
