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“We need to work together.”

Serano huffed. I couldn’t blame him for not trusting me. I wouldn’t either. I didn’t trust him in the least, and that was clear. But then, he was insane. I could use that against him. I licked my lips.

“Neither of us can take him down on our own. You want to rule? Well, I don’t, Serano. All I want is to be left alone.” I let some of the anger and frustration I’d always felt seep into my words. I was tired of being a pawn, used and abused for these men’s lust for power. My face heated, but maybe the flush of my skin would help convince him I was being honest. Because at that moment, I was.

This time he didn’t huff. In fact, he relaxed slightly, knuckles going from white to pink as he straightened a fraction. He still eyed me cautiously though, debating my fate. Then it hit me. I needed to appeal to his most vulnerable spot. It was exactly the epiphany I’d had before—he hungered for power because he felt less than, and if I stroked his ego…

“I may have the magic, but you know what you’re doing,” I said, leaning toward him like he wasn’t a monster who’d just beaten a woman possibly to death in front of me. If my wrists were untied, I would have put my hands on his shoulders. Perhaps I should be grateful that wasn’t possible.

“I know nothing about ruling,” I said truthfully. “Father’s always kept that from me, probably in fear of my somehow taking over his throne.”

Serano nodded slightly, his Adams apple bobbing as my words hit him. Of course, he would assume my father shared his fear. His assumption might even be accurate, I realized as I continued.

“You know his secrets,” I said, voice raspy like some part of me feared saying the words out loud. I’d never dared speak against the king before. “You know his weaknesses.”

Serano no longer stared at me, but at a point in the distance. Hopefully, he was imagining the situation I was painting for him. Awkwardly, I climbed to my knees, arms stretched as far as I could manage as I moved closer to him.

“I want him gone,” I whispered, letting the truth and vulnerability in the statement register. “And I am willing to help you to get what I want.”

He eyed me up and down, searching for signs of lies or trickery, no doubt. But I stayed still, pleading silently for him to agree.

“Share it willingly, and I will consider this,” he said slowly, letting his gaze travel down my body to where my knees sank into the dark fabric of his bed.

Exactly what does he want me to share willingly? I wondered cautiously. One wrong move…I reminded myself, glancing at the form still unmoving on the ground.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked, trying hard not to let anything but naïve curiosity into the question.

He cocked his head, narrowing his eyes again, then retreated across the room. I panicked for a heartbeat, wondering if he’d seen through my charade, until he returned moments later, stepping unceremoniously over the mountain elf on the floor and holding out a shard of crystal—the same one, I realized that had been in the pocket of my torn pants when he’d found me.

“Fill it,” he said.

“Not with this collar on,” I countered, meeting his gaze and lifting my chin to show the metal threat.

He grimaced. “I suppose that’s fair.”

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. But I stayed still as he fetched a small thin metal tool and fiddled at my neck. The heavy metal released with a click and fell to the mattress, letting the cool air caress my throat. I closed my eyes, enjoying the bliss of relief for a moment before settling back on my haunches.

“I don’t suppose you’d untie my wrists as well?” I asked, pushing a bit too far I knew. But I had to try.

“Once I trust you,” he answered holding up the long, jagged shard.

I drew a deep breath, calling to the magic I’d felt respond when he tried draining me the first time. It had to have been my innate Centosian power, and he’d siphoned me practically dry once already.

Thinking quickly, I called on my illusion magic and prayed to the goddess as I bowed my head, touching it to the shard he held out. Soon the crystal glowed with violet light, and I sank back to the bed, only half-feigning my exhaustion.

Serano’s eyes lit up as he pulled the small piece to his chest reverently, closing his eyes. I watched, curious as the light inside bled into him.

When Serano opened his eyes, they glowed purple around the irises for a moment, and he smiled. It was a terrifying sight, but I stayed still.

“Please check on her,” I asked, unable to hold off another moment.

Serano bent and set fingers to the elf’s pulse. A moment later he stood, shaking his head.

“I’m afraid, in my moment of passion, I seem to have lost us our healer, but do not fear—I have another at the ready, Princess. I simply have to retrieve her.”

I swallowed back the bile rising in my throat. That was all she was to him—a tool to use for his own benefit. Just like me. And she’d paid the ultimate price. A tear escaped my eye and tumbled down my cheek onto the bed. I wished I’d been able to know her. Her healing me had been a wonderful gift, even if it had been under duress.

I kept my voice even as soon as I was ready to speak again, “Release me, please.” Serano hurried to comply. It appeared he’d been convinced of my veracity.