Page 41 of Lady of the Lake

Talan rests his hand on the small of my back. “Lord Aedan, may I introduce my wife, Princess Nia de Morgan?”

“Princes Nia, I’ve heard so much about you, and now I’ve seen it with my own eyes—the only woman in the kingdom who can make the prince truly smile.” He takes my hand and presses his cold lips to it.

“Charmed.” While his fingers are touching mine, I unleash my powers.

Pain shoots through my skull, nearly blinding me, but I grit my teeth and power through it, diving into Lord Aedan’s mind.

And nearly lose myself inside it.

Aedan is ancient, and his mind is infinitely more complex than most, sucking me deeper and deeper inside its labyrinth. This happened to me once before, long ago, when I touched the mind of Caradoc, a Fey mage. Back then, it caught me by surprise, and I couldn’t find my way out. But this time, I resist the vortex of confusing thoughts, emotions, and fantasies. Skirting the edges, I try to find a way to influence it, but it’s like trying to push against an oncoming ocean wave. There’s nothing for me to grip and use. The only clear need that I can recognizeis that Aedan is quite tired and hasn’t slept well in centuries. But when I search for anything deeper, I get pulled into the dangerous whorls and eddies of his thoughts. I can’t do it. I can’t control him.

I pull my magic away, breathing hard, my head throbbing.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Aedan frowns at me.

I realize I have his hand in mine, and I’m crushing it.

“Yes, just a bit dizzy.” I let out a delicate laugh. “The mead here is much stronger than I’m used to. Thank you for steadying me.”

Aedan puffs out his chest, beaming at Talan. “I’ve been telling your father for years. The mead in the palace could be so much better if he’d only let me supply it.”

Talan flashes him a charming smile. “Ah, Aedan. Your mead is, of course, exceptional, but in Perillos, we have a refined palate and don’t require strong mead to make our women agreeable.” He lifts his glass in a toast. “Some of us rely on charm, but of course, you always did have unusual tastes, didn’t you? Your predilections might require more coaxing.”

As Aedan stares at us, open-mouthed, Talan guides me away again, his hand resting against my lower back.

When we reach a quiet corner, I turn to face him, draping my arms over his broad shoulders and brushing the back of his neck with my fingers We need to look like lovers whispering.

He lowers his head until our mouths are inches apart. “What happened?”

I’m pressed tightly against his steely chest, feeling his heartbeat through his clothes. I turn my face up to his. “I couldn’t make him do it. In fact, I couldn’t even read his mind. It’s too complex. I can’t find any way to motivate him.”

“Motivate him?” His hand slides down my spine in a slow caress. “Nia, I’ve seen you make a noble confess all his dirty little secrets. What’s so complicated about Aedan?”

The warmth of his muscular body washes over me. “Ker-Ys was simple. I used his fear of you to push him, and he confessed because I made him think you already know everything. He thought confessing was his only choice, but Lord Aedan…I can’t understand his thoughts enough to influence them. All I can tell you is that he’s been sleeping badly. I don’t think he’s slept well in centuries, which I’m guessing is because of you. But that’s hardly a reason for him to confess to you. I’m sorry, Talan. I’m not sure there’s much I can do.”

“I can’t move forward without him.” Talan’s muscles go tense against me. “You’ll have to try again.”

I tilt my head up, my lips grazing over his strong jawline. He lets out a quiet sigh.

“It won’t help,” I whisper, “and it might end up with me being swallowed by his thoughts, permanently insane. Do you really want to explain to Lord Aedan why your wife has become a gibbering mess after touching him?”

“Let me think.” His hand moves lower. Idly, his thumb traces my hipbone, sending shivers of heat over my body, each lazy stroke skimming the sensitive skin beneath my diaphanous gown. “You said he’s tired, so you know one thing he craves. Can you make him go to sleep?”

I bite my lip, thinking, and his gaze drops to my mouth, his eyes darkening into something dangerous.

“I think so,” I whisper, “but won’t it look suspicious if he suddenly falls unconscious?”

“Not here.” Talan’s warm hand on my hip sends distracting heat licking down my body. “We’ll surprise him in his room. You get him into a deep sleep and destroy his defenses. Then, with your help, I’ll step into his dreams. If I stand close enough, I’ll be able to sculpt his dreams and use them. And once I manage it, I’ll be able to carve a permanent way for me to do it again in the future. That way, I can slowly get him under my influence.”

I don’t answer. Over Talan’s shoulder, I see the two figures step into the hall, their capes blood-red slashes against the dimly lit space. My blood runs cold. It’s Maertisa and Vidal, the only two people in the kingdom who can recognize me.

Cold dread crashes over me.They cannot see me.They are two of the most dangerous captains in Auberon’s army. They’ve met me before, and they know I’m a Knight of Avalon. I was standing right next to Raphael when they captured him.

The question is, what would Talan do if they screamed out the truth about me?

Talan is whispering something to me now, but my thoughts are in a panicked haze, and I can hardly focus on his words.

I’m looking past his bicep, watching as the twins walk closer to us. My heart slams against my ribs.

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