AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Slowly backing to the door, I kept my keen gaze focused on the icy atmosphere until I was certain nothing lurked nearby. Pivoting, the moment I exited, I dashed to the dining hall to find the girls had already been escorted out.
Large windows covered the right side of the room. Peeking outside, I looked at the girls being lined up.
And right at the end, next to Janetta, stood Rosalie.
By the time I got outside, I lost all pretense and moved to go straight to her. Lord Demious blocked me before I could come close. He eyed me and I knew in that steady gaze of his, he would handle the situation. Lord Demious was many things, but he was not to be undermined. The magi would never challenge him in fear of what would happen to Farrow’s Gate, and that truth gave Lord Demious plenty of power.
Stepping around to flank his side, I watched Rosalie. Even with her eyes red from crying, she held her chin high and met Kelia’s inspecting gaze with ferocity and courage.
My instincts wanted to shift and rip the head of the human who threatened my female but fighting would cause more damage than good. I’d wait until Lord Demious gave the word.
Kelia clasped her hands behind her back, walking back and forth in front of the girls. “Lord Demious has not told you everything about this competition of his, but I will.”
Whispers exchanged between the prospects and Rosalie balled her fists.
“You are needed for war.” Kelia’s statement sent gasps and cries through the girls.
Saol only had one war, against the very creatures we fought only a day ago.
“Give me the key to their collars.” Kelia held out her hand, never once actually acknowledging Lord Demious.
“I can temporarily dispel—”
“The key, Demious, now.” Kelia’s voice rose, and a blue energy began emanating from her hand.
He handed it over with a grunt. “I thought we were on the same side.”
“We are.”
Kelia took the key and stood in front of Janetta. “What can you do? And do not lie. Lying to the magi is treason.”
Janetta’s lip trembled. Rosalie grabbed her friend’s hand and nodded for Janetta to speak.
“Poison,” she stammered. “I can spew poison.”
“Gas or liquid?”
“Gas.”
Kelia nodded, seeming to approve. “That will be helpful in the war. We’ll be able to use you.”
Janetta cried and Rosalie wrapped an arm around her shoulder, hugging her tight.
When Kelia moved to stand in front of Rosalie, it took all my willpower to not step in front of her and stop whatever Kelia planned on doing. The only thing keeping my swords at bay was Lord Demious. His selfishness would not allow his bride to be taken, regardless of who gave the order.
“You,” Kelia said. “What can you do?”
“That one is not for the Council.” Lord Demious moved Janetta aside and slid his arm around Rosalie’s waist. “You should be resting.”
With a wide smile, Demious placed his hand on Rosalie’s belly. “Kelia, this is my betrothed and she’s with child.”
Silence followed, and being a quick thinker Rosalie smiled back, pretending to play along. Though everyone here knew that none of the prospects were here long enough to make that lie even a possibility.
“Baine, escort my betrothed back to her chambers.” Lord Demious guided Rosalie to me.
With a relieved sigh I couldn’t express, I nodded.
Lord Demious craved power, but he never crossed the magi. To outright lie like this meant he would not play along with whatever agreement he had made. Though I could not be more grateful. When Rosalie came within a foot of me, I placed my hand on her elbow, desperate to touch her skin and know she was safe.
