AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I started at hearing Lord Crimsonale’s given name.
The older lord smoothed his hair back and huffed again.
“She’s right, Father.” Michas glared at the crown prince but then said softly to the Osaravee archon, “One step at a time. King Novakin needs to be removed. Now is the time to make that happen. We can worry about our land’s ruler after that occurs.”
“Buthe’llbe the next king if King Novakin is dethroned,” Lord Crimsonale hissed as he waved at my mate.
My magic stirred again inside me. Knowing that these three were working to remove King Novakin from power was one thing, but to also have it confirmed that they wantedallof the Achul family removed was where I drew the line.
The crown prince had given his life to the fae of this land, even if they hated him, and even if they believed him the villain. The truth was, Norivun was far from the evil ruler here, and my mate deserved to sit atop the throne if that was what he wished.
But I kept my lips closed as the three came to theirown decision. I knew if the older lord agreed with our final plan, he was more likely to stick to it, but if we forced it upon him, the fragile truce between us would crumble.
Lady Wormiful and Michas didn’t budge, and after a few more exchanges, Lord Crimsonale glowered but said, “Fine. I’ll disperse copies to our contacts.”
Norivun held out his arm. “Shall we seal it in a bargain?”
Lord Crimsonale’s eyes flashed. “Did I not just promise to give you aid?”
“You did, but a sealed bargain will ensure all parties involved hold their word.”
The older lord’s nostrils flared, but when Michas nudged him, he held out his arm. “Fine,” he snapped.
Prince Norivun cocked his head, moments ticking by as he thought. He finally gripped the Osaravee archon’s forearm. “Lord Gregorian Crimsonale, baron of Highsteer Castle, councilor on the king’s council, and son and archon of Osaravee Territory, I hereby agree to a bargain that ensures myself, Lady Ilara Seary, my four personal guards—Haxil, Ryder, Nish, and Sandus—you, Lord Michas Crimsonale, and Lady Taberitha Wormiful all will work together in good faith to dethrone King Novakin of the Solis continent. I shall create replicas of the looking glass, the original of which I’ll keep in my possession, and you shall distribute the unedited replicas that I created to the informants of your known factions. You, Lord Michas Crimsonale, and Lady Taberitha Wormiful will all provide knowledgeof every faction that exists so that all parties will stay informed. During the time the nine of us work together to dethrone King Novakin, none of us will betray one another, and we shall only speak truthfully and plainly if necessary information comes to light regarding King Novakin’s activities. Once King Novakin is dethroned, our bargain will end. I hereby end the terms of our agreement. Do you accept this bargain?”
Nish smirked, and Lord Crimsonale’s lips pressed into a tight line. By adding Michas and Lady Wormiful to the bargain, Norivun truly had tied the older lord’s hands. Now, none of them could betray us unless they were willing to let Gregorian suffer from the gods’ wrath, and we’d all seen how that went when the king had locked me in the dungeon.
Reluctantly, Lord Crimsonale tightened his hold on the prince’s forearm. “Prince Norivun Deema Melustral Achul, first son of the king, Bringer of Darkness, Death Master of the continent, son of Prinavee Territory, and crown prince and heir to the Winter Court’s throne, I hereby accept your bargain.”
A clash of magic billowed around them, and the bargain’s mark seared into their inner wrists. Both marks glowed brightly, depicting a king’s crown, before the marks disappeared.
The prince lowered his arm, and Lord Crimsonale smoothed his lapels.
A king’s crown.I knew those marks hadn’t been chosen at random. The gods’ marks always meantsomething, and I could only assume that was because both males coveted the throne.
Michas clapped his father on the back as Lady Wormiful fingered her eternal mark again before glancing briefly at me, her look guarded yet pensive.
Lord Crimsonale stood taller, puffing his chest out. “All right, Prince Norivun. Now that we’re sealed before the gods and goddesses, none of us can betray one another.” His teeth ground together, but then he gave a curt nod. “Let’s get to work.”
CHAPTER 18 - NORIVUN
Following our sealed bargain, we agreed upon meeting in four days’ time. It would take that long to produce replicas of the looking glass for Lord Crimsonale, Michas, and Lady Wormiful to distribute. If we worked fast.
“We shall see you then.” Lord Crimsonale swept his cape over his shoulder with a flourish as Lady Wormiful sneered down her nose at Nish.
Michas saw them out, then closed the door behind them.
“We’ll let you get back to your evening now.” Ilara waved toward his book and wine. “Are you enjoyingOf Fae and Might?”
Michas’s eyebrows rose. Scratching his head, he replied, “Surprisingly, yes.”
“Just wait until you get to the scene when Lady Furyful confronts Sir Risserton.” Haxil grinned, then waggled his eyebrows.
Michas canted his head, and Ilara smothered a smile.
“We won’t reveal anything,” my mate added, “but keep reading, and let me know what you think when you finish.”
Michas nodded, and I gave Ilara a side-eye.
