Page 26 of Bonded Chaos

Eleanorwaspowerful, but her magic was at my disposal.

Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved the rose gold collar and ran my fingers over the intricate design. The collar was made of thick, interconnected chain links, forming a smooth, continuoussurface. The polished, reflective finish made it look luxurious, and I was sure it would be considered the height of elegance under different circumstances.

Eleanor’s eyes dropped to the collar, and an unreadable expression crossed her features. Her fingers twitched at her sides, as though she wanted to reach for it, but she held herself back.

“I want you to enchant this so that the wearer cannot leave the palace grounds unless I have removed it.”

Eleanor raised a perfectly manicured brow.

“What an odd thing to bring me, Your Highness,” she mused. “A collar can symbolize so many things.” She waited for me to elaborate, but I merely stared back at her. Relenting, she continued, “It symbolizes submission and control, but I’m guessing you already knew that?” she said, her tone bordering on mocking. “Who is it for?”

“That is none of your concern,” I replied curtly.

Eleanor’s eyes flashed with anger. She was not accustomed to being dismissed. Her considerable powers demanded respect, but not from me. She quickly concealed her fleeting outrage, knowing better than to stokemyire.

“I can bind the object to you if that is what you are seeking?”

“Will that prevent her from crossing the wards unless I remove the collar first?”

“It will,” Eleanor said cautiously.

Her gaze roved over me, and she didn’t shy away from her assessment. More than I could say for others in the kingdom. Many recoiled from my nearness.

“May I?” Eleanor asked as she held out her hand for the collar.

My fingers brushed against her ice-cold skin as I passed it to her. Eleanor’s eyes narrowed as she studied it, her long nails tracing the individual links almost reverently.

“You must name your intent,” Eleanor declared.

“My intent?”

“Blood magic is drawn to intent. You seek control, or protection perhaps?”

Her gaze flicked to mine once again. “Or is it punishment? Whatever your reason for seeking my aid, you will need to state that purpose before I can perform the enchantment.”

I weighed her words. Cadence needed to stay with me for her protection, yes, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t seek to control her in every way possible.

She was mine.

Mine to command. Mine to keep. Mine to own.

“I seek her protection, her loyalty.”

My tongue darted out to wet my lips, savoring my next words. “Her submission. I want her bound to me so completely that it can never be undone.”

Silence fell between us as Eleanor contemplated my demands.

“I can bind her to you, ensuring she cannot leave as long as she wears this,” she said, holding up the collar.

“I can even infuse it with tendrils of my magic to encourage her loyalty and submission. But you must understand, Your Highness, complete devotion is an act of free will. I can only take her so far. She will still need to cross the threshold herself.”

I ground my teeth together, but nodded in acknowledgment. “Do it,” I demanded.

Eleanor eyed me curiously once more before nodding.

“I’ll enchant the collar so only your blood has the power to remove it, but you must offer a sacrifice first.”

“What offering?” I asked, suspicion lacing my tone.

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