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“Prince Eldritch,” Kelia said, keeping her expression somber as Mab screamed and cried. “I want no part in this war. I am here for the child only.”
“You think I’d allow my niece to be used as a pawn in some war that will affect nothing in my kingdom? I had to bring that infected creature down here by extremely hard means. The darkthings have no interest in my kingdom. They seek to destroy your world and I see that as a gift. Look at you, bringing a child to fight for you. This was a test, and you failed. I am not my mother, and we are not allies.”
“You are wrong,” Kelia replied. “There is a symbiosis between the surface and this kingdom. What affects my world will eventually show up at your doorstep.”
“You know nothing of the Underground,” he snarled, turning his anger onto her.
“No reason to fight amongst friends.” I ignored the fae flanking me and moved closer to the prince. “I know your mind and your resolve. You’ve become a fine warrior and it seems my lessons did sink in. You have a price. Name it.”
“My mother’s crown.”
Folding my arms, I eyed him. “You know that she is not an easy target. Even with all the preparation you have amassed. She is far more powerful than anything either of us have ever faced. To challenge her in open war is suicidal. She has not killed you because she would rather crush your spirit and make you bow at her feet. We both know exactly who she is. Come to reason, or do you no longer need my lessons?”
“Who saidIwas going to kill her? I was thinking someone who could share her bed would be better suited at the task. What would be more poetic than revenge for my father’s death being administered in the same way she left him for dead.”
“Your mother chose to save you that day.”
The prince snarled and his eyes glowed, his power rising to the surface. “She could’ve saved him, instead she saw it as an opportunity. I didn’t understand when I was a child, but her lies will no longer work on me. I see clearly for the first time. If anyone could understand, I thought it would be you. You have one day to return here or you two will both die. Either way, I will get what I want.”
“That’s rather morbid,” I grumbled.
“A bargain works both ways,” Kelia said. “My life is forfeit compared to the war and your threat means nothing to me. I’ll get you your crown, but only if Mab comes with me to the surface as agreed. She will not be in danger. The entire Magi Council will be protecting her.”
A crackle of white energy surrounded the prince, and I took a step back. I’d grown up with him and knew his innate control of lightning was nothing to take lightly.
“Kelia,” I whispered in warning.
“Prince Eldritch,” she said, ignoring me completely, “the queen is well fortified and protected. Without our aid, this war will continue. If you are willing to lay siege for another decade or so, then you don’t need us. But if you want that crown sooner you will agree to our terms.”
Fae moved with their prince, the circle of assassins surrounding us getting closer than I preferred. Prince Eldritch eyed Kelia with such hatred it drifted off in electric waves, making my hair stand up. Brave as always, Kelia held her head high, unphased by the walking death who’d set his gaze on her.
“And who are you that I should believe?” Prince Eldritch flicked a wrist and had his men step away from her. His electric energy crackled on the air. He was getting too close to Kelia, and I didn’t like that.
“I am Kelia Ironstone. Great granddaughter of Phineas Ironstone and our word is our bond.”
She’s an Ironstone?
That revelation piqued the prince’s interest and mine. Every race in Saol had heard of Phineas Ironstone. The powerful human who gave his life to create the barrier near the Borderlands, all because he made a promise to the Orc King during a game of cards.
“Regardless of your heritage,” Prince Eldritch said. “Mab is royal blood and precious to me, unlike my mother who would throw her to darkness. Your price is too high.”
Kelia’s face softened, an unusual expression for her, but utterly gorgeous. She reached out and took the prince’s hand, his guards immediately drawing their swords. The prince’s eyes widened, but he allowed her touch.
A blue tendril of magic covered his hand and his gaze narrowed, but not angrily.
“Prince?” One of the assassin’s moved in, but the prince held up his other hand to stop him.
The prince’s jaw twitched, and he slid his hand up Kelia’s arm as his white energy began circling hers in a weird dance.
Well, this conversation certainly took a different turn.
Curiosity piqued, I watched how Kelia pulled the prince closer, too close for my liking. I wasn’t normally one to get jealous, but I was feeling a bit left out of the fun.
“Your magic,” the prince whispered, tilting his head at her, examining her with a hungry intent. “It’s . . . invigorating and . . .” He groaned and tugged Kelia tight to his chest.
“You know,” I said, sliding away from the assassin on my left to get to Kelia. “Personal space is really important during a negotiation.”
“If I had wanted to kill your men or you, I would have.” Kelia’s magic swirled with the prince’s white, until the two created a burning white flame along the arm they touched. “You can feel my magic, because it is a sister to yours, an energy that few races are blessed with.”
