Then she went directly to her father’s meeting hall, where lately he spent most of his waking hours.
“Come in, Lucia,” her father called as she pushed open the large doors. She entered to find that her father wasn’t alone. Magnus was with him. Her chest tightened at the sight of him.
He wasn’t looking at her. He stood by the wall, his gaze fixed on the king. Magnus had spent a great deal of time with their father since the king arrived back from Auranos. She had no idea how he’d reacted to Magnus’s admitted failure during the trip leading to the deaths of two guards. She wished she knew the whole story. Magnus had been so upset when he returned.
“I know this has all been very difficult for you. Especially what Magnus told you about your birth.”
She tried not to look at her brother. Nevertheless, she now felt the chill of his gaze on her. “I’m trying to accept everything as best I can.”
“Know this, you are my daughter. I love you beyond any other I ever could have hoped to have. You are a part of this family today, tomorrow, and always. In every way. Do you believe me?”
His words felt solid and truthful. A small, tense piece of her finally relaxed. “I believe you.”
The king sat down in a tall-backed chair. She braved a look at Magnus, but he’d averted his gaze again. He had yet to even acknowledge her presence. It had been that way since the night she came to his room and tried to comfort his pain more than a week ago. At every meal since, he’d flatly ignored her. When she’d crossed his path, he sidestepped her. She’d become like a shadow to him.
She’d wounded him deeply. But she’d had no choice. What he wanted from her, she couldn’t give him.
“Do you know what my plans are when it comes to Auranos?” the king asked her.
She nodded. “You mean to conquer it alongside the chieftain of Paelsia.”
“Very good. And do you think this is a wise plan?”
Lucia squeezed her hands together on her lap. “It sounds very dangerous.”
“Yes, it will be dangerous. But it’s meant to be,” he said. “Magnus will be at my side. Together, we might have to give our lives in this siege to ensure the future strength and prosperity of Limeros.”
She looked at him with alarm. “Please don’t say that.”
“You care about us, don’t you, Lucia? Even now that you know of your true origins.”
She was an orphan who’d been taken in by this family, no matter how that situation had come about. Without her adoptive family, she had nothing. Without the Damora name, she was a Paelsian peasant. “I do.”
The king nodded. “I want you to come with us. Your magic was foreseen to be more powerful than anything the world has witnessed in a millennium. Your magic is the key to our success. Without you, there are no guarantees that we’ll survive.”
She swallowed hard. “You want me to use my magic to help you conquer Auranos.”
“Only if absolutely necessary. But we will inform them that we have a very powerful weapon at the ready. Perhaps then they will back down without a fight.”
“I’m not sure this is entirely wise,” Magnus finally said. “The prophecy could still be wrong. Perhaps Lucia is just another witch.”
Magnus’s voice was so cold, so detached, it sent a chill racing down her spine. He made it sound like an insult. Like something easily discarded. She watched him, and his eyes flicked to her for a second before they moved away.
He hated her now.
“You’re wrong. But, of course, the ultimate choice is up to Lucia,” the king said. “I believe with all my heart that she’s the key to our success or failure. To our life or death.”
Lucia’s love for Magnus would never die, no matter how cold he now tried to make himself appear. She would do anything to keep him safe. Even if he was cruel. Even if he hated her now until the day he died.
“I’ll go with you,” she said firmly after a long silence passed. “And I’ll do everything in my power to help you defeat Auranos.”
The combined forces of Limerian and Paelsian foot soldiers marched across the border of Auranos.
A little less than three months ago, Jonas had stood at this very border planning to make a forbidden crossing so he could extract vengeance for his brother’s death. The threat of Auranian border guards executing him on the spot was the same danger he’d faced when poaching with his brother.
But today, no mere border guards attempted to stop the invasion of five thousand strong. They had retreated to join the main Auranian force a few miles inland.
“Nice armor on the Limerians, huh?” Brion commented as he and Jonas marched side by side. They hadn’t been given horses like many of their countrymen. Instead, the chief had given them the task to keep an eye out for any stragglers and to ensure that everyone continued to move forward toward their destination. Brion likened this to being dogs trained to keep sheep properly herded.
“Very shiny,” Jonas agreed.
The Limerians were much better equipped than the Paelsians. He could spot most Paelsian recruits from fifty feet away. No helmet. No armor. And if a recruit held a sword, it was one that appeared rusty or blunt. Or, more likely, the Paelsians carried cruder weaponry carved from wood and studded with spikes. Still worked well enough to beat down an enemy, but it was far from perfect.
“Have you stopped obsessing about Princess Cleo yet?” Brion asked.
Jonas shot him a withering look. “I’m not obsessing.”
“If you say so.”
“I’m not.”
“Didn’t see her myself. Who knows? Maybe she was worth obsessing about. Gorgeous blonde, right?”
The mention of the princess had stripped any brightness from Jonas’s current mood. “Close your mouth.”
“Just remember, Laelia wants you back safe and sound, so try not to think too much of the princess. Got to get back to your betrothed as soon as possible.”
Jonas grimaced. “I never agreed to any marriage.”
“Good luck telling the chief. He’s already picking out your wedding gift.”
Jonas couldn’t help but grin just a little, despite the subject matter not being remotely amusing to him. He had no intention of ever marrying Laelia Basilius.
But Brion was right about one thing. He had been obsessing about Princess Cleo ever since he returned home to find that she’d escaped from the shed, her rescuers rendering Felicia’s husband and two of her friends unconscious. They were lucky they hadn’t been killed. Felicia had been furious about the entire situation and swore she’d never forgive Jonas for getting her involved. It would take time for her to cool off.
By now, the princess was very likely back behind the Auranian palace walls, safe and sound. The golden-haired viper was full of surprises.
Jonas cast another glance over the men who surrounded him. Some from Paelsia were as young as twelve years old. Not men at all. And the numbers weren’t nearly equitable. There were far more Limerians here. Probably three of them to every Paelsian.
Brion raked a hand through his messy hair. “Tomas would be proud his death has caused this kind of uprising. He would have liked to be here to help us destroy these greedy Auranians.”
“Right.” But Jonas wasn’t so sure. He’d been thinking way too much, ever since the meeting with King Corvin. The moment he’d looked at King Gaius and questioned his motivation—questioned why he’d split Auranos with the chief. Something about that interaction rang true to him.
King Gaius wasn’t to be trusted.
Jonas’s hatred toward Auranian royals drove his desire to crush those who lived here, to take what was theirs so his land could prosper—and that was what the Limerian king offered. He focused on following orders and marching like everyone else, eyes forward on the path ahead.
But something still bothered h
im. Confusion wasn’t a new development for him, but at a time like this, when he’d pledged his life to the defeat of another land, he’d like to fully believe in the core reasons for the battle. He wanted the pure clarity he’d had before.
The clarity that his people were dying, his land was fading, and while most—like his father—believed that it was fate, Jonas did not. The clarity that Auranos had everything and refused to give assistance or to return to the trade agreement that had gotten Paelsia into their grape-ridden mess in the first place. The clarity that, just like poaching from their land to feed the hungry bellies of his family, he could gladly poach their riches as well in the name of his brother.
Easy. With this army, Jonas believed they would succeed.
King Gaius had stepped in and offered his assistance and proved himself to the chief’s satisfaction. He’d earned the chief’s trust. But he’d never helped Paelsia in any other way before this. Only in this siege against Auranos did he suddenly appear with ideas and plans. With his ready army, trained for battle from oppressing his own people.
“What is it?” Brion asked. “You look like you’ve been chewing on the ass end of a goat.”
Jonas looked at his friend, opened his mouth, but then closed it again. “Forget it. It’s nothing.”
He couldn’t share his current thoughts with Brion, not when they were so dark and revolutionary. But still they rose to the surface and demanded his attention.
What if King Gaius changed his mind? What if he wanted all of Auranos to himself? If King Gaius played things the right way, he could conquer not one land...but two.
Everything would be his.
What if that had been his plan all along?
However, the question was, with the army that King Gaius commanded—Jonas looked around at it again, at the fierce men in their strong armor—why wouldn’t he have simply taken Paelsia first if that was his plan? Why bother teaming up with a weaker land? Why work so hard to gain Chief Basilius’s trust?
He sent a glance in the direction of King Gaius and Prince Magnus, riding their mounts, backs straight and tall in their saddles. Accompanying them was the Limerian princess, Lucia. At first glance, she appeared both beautiful and haughty to Jonas. He had no idea why they would bring her along on such a dangerous journey.
They looked so...royal.
Jonas hated royals—all of them. That much hadn’t changed. And yet the chief had irrevocably aligned himself and Paelsia with these royals. From this day forward, their destinies were joined.
Despite the warmth of the Auranian air, something deep inside him went cold at the thought.
Lost in her grief over Theon, Cleo had no clue how bad the conflict outside the palace walls was until she saw Aron in the halls of the castle pacing, his face strained with worry. Aron never looked worried unless he was worried about running out of wine.
Lost in her grief over Theon, Cleo had no clue how bad the conflict outside the palace walls was until she saw Aron in the halls of the castle pacing, his face strained with worry. Aron never looked worried unless he was worried about running out of wine.
She and Mira had been on their way to their afternoon art class. The tutor was an old man who hated being kept waiting, but Cleo grabbed Mira’s arm to bring her to a stop.
“What are you doing here, Aron?” she asked.
Aron laughed, but the sound held no humor. “Is that any greeting for your future husband?”
Her face tightened. “It’s so . . . wonderful to see you again, Aron,” she forced out.
He honestly thought he had the upper hand with her. But she was confident that her future and his were not destined to intertwine.
“I’m glad to see you, Aron,” Mira said sweetly. Cleo looked at her quizzically, but only for a moment. “But you’re looking a bit blanched. Is something wrong?”
“Wrong?” Aron said. “Oh, no, I can’t think of a thing. The palace is surrounded by savage enemies, but there’s nothing to worry about. Only our impending deaths!”
His near hysteria couldn’t breach the walls of Cleo’s sadness, which had rendered her oddly serene. “They won’t breach the walls.”
Their enemies had set up camp a few miles from the palace walls, but to her knowledge they hadn’t made any threatening move yet. Messages were being delivered back and forth between her father and the Limerian king and Paelsian chieftain. Their enemies demanded that the king surrender, but he refused. And he demanded that the Paelsians and Limerians turn around and go back to their homes.
Three days had passed since their arrival, and no one had budged an inch. Cleo was now forbidden to go anywhere outside the castle. She looked at Aron coolly. “Is that why you’re here? Have you and your parents taken refuge at the castle in case there’s a breach on the palace walls?”
Aron held his familiar gold flask to his lips. He took a long sip from it and then wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand. “Our villa isn’t nearly as well protected as the castle itself.”
“You think we’re in that much trouble?” Mira asked, distressed.
Nic approached from down the hall. Cleo looked at him with open gratitude on her face. If it wasn’t for Nic, she wouldn’t be standing here right now.
“What’s going on?” Nic asked. His gaze flicked to Cleo.
“Aron’s moved into the castle,” Mira informed him.
“Oh, don’t sound so disappointed, Mira,” Aron replied. “I know you like having me around. I’m the life of the party.”
Mira blushed.
“Why would anyone be disappointed at your presence?” Nic said. “You’re very welcome here, Aron. Anytime. My castle is your castle.”
“This isn’t your castle. Despite the king’s affection for you and your sister, you’re really nothing more than glorified servants.” Aron took another gulp from his flask.
Nic gave him a withering glare. “ Are you too drunk to even take a simple joke, you worthless bastard?”
Aron tucked his flask into his pocket and grabbed Nic by the front of his shirt. “Don’t mess with me.”
“Oh, I’ll mess with you if I want to.”
“When did you grow a pair? Did running off with my future bride give you some courage?”
“Your future bride hates you.” Nic shoved the other boy back. “And by the way, your breath stinks like a horse’s ass.”
Aron’s face reddened with anger.
“Enough,” Cleo snapped, turning on her heel. She needed to see her father. Having Aron here was unacceptable, but if it was a sign that negotiations were going poorly, then she needed to know the truth. She left the others and went straight to her father’s meeting hall. Inside, there were many men milling about and arguing loudly with each other. She finally found her father in the very middle of the chaos.
He glanced at her wearily as she approached. “Cleo, you shouldn’t be in here.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”
She bristled. “I think if there’s about to be an all-out attack on my home, then I need to concern myself. How can I help?”
The man standing next to her father snorted. “Sure you can help. Can you handle a sword, princess?”
She straightened her posture and gave him a sharp look. “If I have to.”
“They’re very heavy.” The man rolled his eyes. “You should have had sons, Corvin. They would be more use to us right now than daughters.”
“Hold your tongue,” the king growled. “My daughters are more important to me than anything else in this kingdom.”
“Then you should have sent them away before this escalated. Somewhere safe.”
“The castle isn’t safe?” Cleo asked with growing alarm.
“Cleo, go now,” the king said. “Go to you
r classes. Don’t worry about any of this. It’s too overwhelming for you.”
She looked at him steadily. “I’m not a child, Father.”
The unpleasant man laughed at that. “How old are you? Sixteen? Do as your father suggests and go learn to paint. Or embroider. Or whatever it is that little girls do. Let us men deal with nasty things like this.”
Cleo couldn’t believe how this man dared to speak to her.
“Who are you?” she growled.
He seemed amused, as if a kitten had just shown him sharp claws. “Someone who is trying to help your father with a difficult situation.”
“Cleo, forgive Lord Larides’s rudeness; he—like all of us—is under a great deal of stress right now. But don’t worry, they won’t breach the entrance of the castle. Even if they get through the palace walls, you’re safe here, Cleo. I swear it. Go to your friends. To your sister. Let me handle this.”
She recognized the name—and now she recognized the man himself. He’d grown his beard longer since last she’d seen him. He was the father of Lord Darius, her sister’s former fiancé. His family was in the king’s trusted circle.
All these men saw when they looked at her was a little girl who’d run away on a whim to search for magic seeds. Who caused trouble. Who was utterly useless in every way except looking pretty. Maybe she was. And if that was true, then being here was only causing more problems for her father. Finally Cleo nodded and turned away. Her father caught her wrist and then kissed her quickly on the forehead.
“It will be all right,” he said firmly, pulling her out of earshot of his council members. “I know it’s been difficult, but we will survive this. No matter what happens. Be strong for me, Cleo. Do you promise me to do that?”
He looked so worried that all she could do was nod in agreement. The gesture seemed to help clear some of the darkness from his eyes.
“I promise.”
“Whatever happens, remember that Auranos has been a powerful place of beauty and prosperity for a thousand years. It will continue to be so. No matter what happens.”