Page 64 of The Stolen Throne

I nod as I hustle after him. “Then let us make haste to rid our kingdoms of anything that man ever touched.”

Ican’t stop the shiver of unease I feel as we journey to Arcelia. It’s odd how this place no longer feels like home; instead, Wylan is where I feel the safest.

Rev had said that the path to Arcelia should be safe, considering the creatures that used to roam under the king’s control no longer have magic commanding them. Alair had pointed out that just because the king no longer controls them doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous.

“Will they not die, considering the magic that controls them is no longer there?” I ask in curiosity.

Dax looks over to me as he answers, “The magic that controls them is no longer there, yes. But the magic that revived them is still active. Until we destroy the mirror, the death-bringers will still move about the lands.”

I nod. “So once we destroy the mirror, its magic will then leave those it has touched?”

Dax shrugs. “That is the hope. I doubt that the effects from the magic will disappear completely, but those controlled by it will hopefully be able to find peace.”

“That would be preferable,” I say as our horses pull to a stop outside the grand front steps leading to the castle doors.

“Welcome home, Queen Eira,” Mir says with a smile.

I look at him briefly, shooting him a small smile, before turning back to the castle. I take in the grand majesty of what was once my home. The place where I was raised and where my family was murdered. “This isn’t my home anymore,” I whisper.

Bene walks up beside my steed and offers me his hand to help dismount my horse. His smile is gentle as he says, “This is where you called home for so long. How can it no longer be your home? Are you not pleased to be here?”

Once I’m settled on the ground, I rise on my tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips. “My home is where my heart is, and my heart belongs with seven males who reside in Wylan.”

“Is that so?” he says with a bright smile.

I pull away to look briefly at the others before peering up at the castle again. “This place holds only memories. It no longer holds my heart nor my love.”

“Are you saying that we hold not only your heart but your love as well, Princess?” Kas asks.

I can’t stop myself from messing with him as I reply, “Everyone except for you, Kas.”

His eyes widen before narrowing again when he sees the smirk I’m trying to hide. “Bad Princess.”

“The baddest,” I reply with a wink. Taking a deep breath, I tangle my fingers with Bene’s. “Let’s get this over with. I would like to return home as soon as possible.”

Dax tangles his fingers with my free hand and lifts it, pressing a kiss to the back of it. With a smile, he says, “As My Queen wishes.”

34

The moment I step through the doors of my old home, my stomach twists. The former king’s dark and twisted powers caress my skin. “Why does it feel like I’m walking through molasses?”

Dax looks at me with an arched brow. “What do you mean?”

My eyes roam the halls as we walk. “Do you not feel it? The oppressive feeling of the magic used here?”

Dax shakes his head. “I don’t feel anything.”

“Maybe, I’m…”

Dax interrupts me before I can finish my thought. “Do not discount your feelings. We will follow your lead. Take us to where you feel the magic is the most powerful.”

I freeze at the trust he is putting on me. “You—you believe me?”

His gaze softens as he nods. “Of course. You were the one who killed my father. It’s possible his magic attached to you, and it could be that what you are feeling is the residual power he left behind here.”

Taking a deep breath, I nod with renewed confidence. The feeling of the dark tendrils of power caressing my skin is less disturbing with my men by my side. “This way.”

My hands tighten in Dax and Bene’s as we continue through the castle. The magic becomes so thick it’s getting harder to breathe. I fight my way through the need to gulp down air as we approach the throne room.

---