Page 67 of Kingdom of Locks

“You will,” Amell promised, collecting his bag and moving toward the window.

“Plus,” Aurelia added reflectively, as she lowered her hair down the side of the tower, “you shouldn’t really get a big head, you know. I probably only think you’re handsome because I have no basis for comparison.”

“That certainly puts me in my place,” Amell said gravely, his eyes dancing merrily.

“Thank you,” said Aurelia softly, as he took hold of her hair. “For bringing all those wonderful things.”

“It was nothing,” he said, his tone equally gentle. “I wish I could do so much more. Oh,” his voice dropped even lower, “I almost forgot. I got the other thing you asked for.” He drew a tightly scrolled piece of paper from an inner pocket of his cloak, and Aurelia took it hastily, slipping it into her sleeve.

“Thank you,” she said again, grateful that he hadn’t asked her any questions. She searched his eyes a little shyly. “Will you come back soon?”

“Tomorrow,” he promised. “And every day, until we can find a way to get you out of here.”

Her face glowing and her heart light, Aurelia stepped back and braced herself against the wall. Once Amell was safely on the ground, she leaned on the windowsill, watching his lithe figure until he disappeared into the trees. Then she turned suspicious eyes on her mother.

“You talked about me while you were in the study, didn’t you?”

Mama Gail acknowledged it unashamedly. “Of course we did.”

“What did you say?” Aurelia demanded.

“I just wanted to make sure he knows that although you seem alone and vulnerable up here, you’re not unprotected.” Mama Gail gave her a tight smile. “Parents are always protective of their children, Aurelia, we can’t help it.”

Aurelia gave her a look. “Mama, I truly don’t think he means me any harm.”

Mama Gail sighed. “I don’t think he does, either,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean he won’t do you harm unintentionally.” For some inscrutable reason, she threw a disgruntled look at the flowers still lying on the table.

Aurelia frowned. It didn’t make much sense to her, but she was glad Mama Gail was at least acknowledging Amell’s good intentions. It seemed the cheesecake had worked.

“Well, it’s a shame that enchanter from the guild didn’t have better news about getting through the restraining enchantment,” Aurelia commented. “But at least I won’t be bored today!” She turned eager eyes to the stack of books.

“Yes, I’m looking forward to something new to read as well,” Mama Gail smiled. She gave her daughter a teasing look. “That is, assuming you intend to share your bounty with me.”

Aurelia laughed. “You shared the cheesecake, so it’s only fair.”

The day passed in a blur, sunset approaching all too soon. Aurelia grumbled to herself as she stashed all her new treasures in hiding places around the tower. It was hard to remember that so recently she’d felt fearful every time Cyfrin approached. Now she just felt irritated at the interruption.

But his presence didn’t have to interrupt her thoughts. She barely heard his forced attempts at pleasant conversation, her mind on Amell, reliving every expression, every look. He’d brought her flowers. And books. Those wonderful books! She’d made it halfway through one of the storybooks before she had to stop and hide it. She thought she might read the one about dragon lore next.

Her distraction wasn’t enough to prevent an involuntary shudder passing over her when Cyfrin laid his hand on her midriff again, and the enchanter apparently noticed.

“Why do you shy away from me like I’m a snake, Honeysuckle?” he chastised. “Have I ever hurt you?”

She stared at him in bemusement. “Is that a joke? You locked me up in this tower when I was only a baby, and you’ve kept me here against my will ever since.”

The enchanter looked like he couldn’t decide whether to be astonished or angry at her matter-of-fact response. Aurelia felt a slight surprise herself at his reaction. Was it really such a short time ago that she’d been too cowed to defy him openly?

“I have fed you, and clothed you, and protected you from a hostile world,” Cyfrin snapped. He controlled his voice with an effort. “The violent criminals now running loose across the countryside are excellent proof of why you need me.”

“What is the update on the prison break?” Aurelia asked, realizing that she’d forgotten to ask Amell about it.

“They continue to roam across the land, ravaging at will,” Cyfrin sniffed.

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t they caught any of them?”

“No,” said Cyfrin impatiently. “Now hold still so I can work.”

He closed his eyes, putting all his attention into his magic, and Aurelia and Mama Gail exchanged a look across the room. Little did the enchanter know that his lies had been exposed by another source.

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