Page 102 of The Rebel's Prize

While he dressed, his mind raced. His head ached, though not as badly as after a reveilé. He could live with it. But he needed to get back to work.

His fingers worked buttons and tugged clothes into place while he tried to sort through his memories of the last day or two. The time around the attack seemed the haziest, but he ran through it several times until something gave him pause just as he was pulling on his left boot.

"Istvan. Istvan said he would tell us it was him. That's a confession. Or near enough to one." He stood, turning his attention to Chloe. "And no one has spoken to him since?"

"After what happened to you, apparently everybody thought it might be safer to wait for Elarus."

Lucien swore. He understood the caution, but it was difficult to predict whether time would cause a suspect to crack or give them time to regain their composure. "He might have changed his mind."

"I don't know about that," Chloe said. "Deandra showed her true colors. Perhaps he'll be eager to save his own neck now that she's already—" She bit the word off, face paling slightly.

"She condemned herself," he reminded her gently. "You didn't cause any of this. She chose her path a long time ago."

"I know."

He wasn't sure she accepted it, though. Or perhaps it was just memories of Charl biting at her that made her feel guilty about Deandra's likely fate.

"The best thing we can do now, love, is make sure everyone else who helped her is also brought to justice. If you want to be able to hide away with me, then the empire needs peace. Which means, I think, that we should get back to Elarus."

* * *

A group of amused faces greeted Chloe as they emerged.

Sophie recovered first, though hints of laughter danced in her eyes. "Lord Castaigne," she said. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thanks to you and Elarus, Your Majesty." Lucien swept a deep bow. "I am in your debt."

Sophie's smile was fierce. "I think if we can bring these conspirators to justice once and for all, then there will be no debts, my lord. A safe and peaceful kingdom for my people is all I want. I'm sure the emperor would say the same."

Chloe glanced at Imogene, but before she could ask the question, Imogene said, "Yes, His Imperial Majesty is aware that Lucien has recovered. He's waiting somewhat impatiently for an update."

"He can wait a little longer," Lucien said. "I think we should be able to bring this to a conclusion now." His attention shifted to Elarus. "If Elarus can confirm whether there is sanctii magic involved."

When she didn't immediately answer, he added, "I assure you, Elarus, that the emperor will let you decide if there is to be any punishment in your realm for any sanctii who may have assisted in this. Our laws state that a sanctii's actions are laid at the feet of their mage. There will be no repercussions for your people. The mages may need to consider their rules around bonds, but that is a matter for them. And, given the nature of this plot, I doubt the trial, or any evidence given, will be made public. Other than the executions, perhaps."

Elarus considered him, then nodded. "Some sanctii. Some human," she said. "But sanctii teach, I think."

"And you can tell if this magic has been used on someone?" he asked. "Now that you've seen the...impact on me?"

She nodded again. "Yes."

"Can it be reversed?" Valentin asked, interrupting.

Was he thinking of the prince? Chloe sucked in a breath, waiting for Elarus to answer. Would she recover her memory of Deandra at the parliament?

"No. Not unless like them," Elarus said, sweeping a hand between her and Lucien. "Bond. And sanctii."

That answered that. Octarus had been the key to saving Lucien. And he had been bonded to Rianne when Deandra had taken Chloe’s memory. So they were gone for good. But instead of anger at the news, all she felt was grateful, her hand curling into Lucien's.

Goddess.

They had been so fortunate. Without the bond, Lucien would have lost all those months, all those moments where they had come together. He loved her, but there was no guarantee it would have been the same. She could have lost him.

Lucien looked as though he'd expected that answer. "That rules out most people."

"And rules out recovering the memories the conspirators have erased. Memories of their crimes," Chloe said. Which meant it wouldn't be as simple as restoring those and then the Truth Seekers being able to use their magic without doubt.

"No," Lucien agreed. "But we just need to find one thread to pull on. One confession we can be certain is true. Then we will be able to bring them to justice."

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