Page 46 of Staff of Nightfall

“Let’s not have a repeat of your reticence, shall we? I’d like to spare my ears.”

Adelaide shuddered. She understood better now why Regulus had been ready to kidnap her, with that pain being the alternative. How had he even considered disobeying for so long?

“He went back to Arrano,” she said, her voice tight.

“Did you two have a falling out?” When she didn’t answer right away, Kirven grabbed her braid and yanked her head back so she was looking at him. “What happened to ‘I love you?’ And he seemed desperate to protect you. With his constant self-sacrificing, I wouldn’t have expected him to let you wander about alone. What’s he up to?”

If she didn’t answer or lied, he would torture her again. But if she told the truth...what if he warned Nolan? Kirven sighed and wrapped his hand around her throat. Burning lines spread from his hand over her skin.

“All right!” The pain stopped, but he kept his hand on her neck. “We split up to cover more ground. He went to get his men.”

“Why?” His wiry eyebrows knit together.

“To rescue my parents.” Adelaide gulped.

“Typical. And I think I know whereyouwere headed, but I’d like to confirm my suspicion.”

“I was riding to warn the king.”

“Foolish girl.” Kirven pushed her back. She choked at the force of his hand against her windpipe. He stood and clasped his hands behind his back. “You and your father are nothing but trouble. Carrick told me your father figured out my secret. I recommended he kill Lord Belanger, but no.” He wrinkled his nose. “He’s obsessed with having you. It’s clouding his judgment. I’m letting him try his way for now, because a willing servant works better in my long-term plans, and he believes he can control you.”

His voice took on a hint of impatient annoyance. “I made a deal with him and put the binding on him because of his intelligence, ruthlessness, charisma, and ambition. A man with such a craving for power, with that much selfishness and so little regard for his fellow man, is an excellent ally in a war. Not to mention terribly easy to manipulate. He will be useful in restructuring Monparth’s nobility to serve me—but that works best if he’s happy with our arrangement. Also, I assumed he would kill Hargreaves. I’m disappointed he’s not dead yet. Perhaps Carrick is less competent than I hoped.”

“Then why didn’t you kill Regulus?”

“Because,” Kirven sounded like he was explaining something simple to a bratty and stupid child, “I gave my word. Haven’t you been paying attention?” He ran his fingers through his beard. “Ah, well. I’ll alert Carrick. I must be on my way again. There’s a palace to scout and a masque to ruin. But first...” He placed his hand on her forehead.

“No, please!” She tried to scoot away, but the bindings prevented much movement. Her back pressed into the wall of the shed. She hunched down, making herself as small as possible. His hand burned hot against her forehead. Nothing else happened.

Kirven frowned. “What?” He pressed harder, forcing her head against the wall. The heat from his hand made her eyes water. He dropped his hand and stared for a moment before grabbing the Staff. He placed the end of the Staff against her head, then cursed and moved the Staff to her chest. Nothing.

“What aren’t you telling me?” he screeched. “Why can’t I take your magic?”

Oh. That’s what he’s—Searing heat spread from the end of the staff, spreading invisible flames over her skin.

“Tree!” she shrieked. The burning subsided. “The fairies said the neumenet tree’s powers can’t be stolen! It gave me my magic, so my magic can’t be stolen. That’s what they told me!”

Kirven’s features slackened.

Adelaide cowered against the wall of the shed. “Please. That’s what they told me. I don’t know any more. I don’t know any more.”

He drew back the Staff. His shoulders rose and fell in sharp, tense movements as his expression became dark and dangerous. “Say you’ll serve me.”

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