Page 72 of Kingdom of Locks

The enchanter chuckled. “Not the type of magic you’re thinking of. I’m afraid you’ll never be a magic-user like me. But there is a certain magic that ties a ruler to his or her land, a power older and subtler and much harder to study than that of the dragons and the humans. As Fernedell’s heir, you should have absolute capability to move freely around your own land. I don’t believe our magic could stop that, even in its most potent form.”

Amell stared blankly at him, and the enchanter clarified.

“Even a dragon couldn’t cast an enchantment to keep you restrained within your own kingdom.”

“Dragon’s flame,” muttered Amell, amazed. “I had no idea I had such a protection.” It certainly made sense of his ability to enter and exit the tower, regardless of the enchantment that prevented anyone else from doing so. “Does that mean that the protective enchantments wealthy people have on their homes wouldn’t keep me out if I chose to enter?”

“It does,” assented Bartholomew. “Provided those homes are in Fernedell.” He smiled. “So please don’t abuse the knowledge. Just because youcando something, doesn’t mean youshould.”

Amell’s nod was vague. “I wasn’t planning a career as a housebreaker,” he said mildly. He ran a hand through his hair. It was one question answered, but it didn’t help Abigail or Hon—Princess, since neither of them were rulers or future rulers of Fernedell.

Well, not by blood, anyway.

“Do you still want me to continue with the project?” Bartholomew asked, watching him carefully. “Even though you are unlikely to have need of it?”

“What?” Amell looked up, glad of the interruption to thoughts that had been heading into dangerous territory. “Yes, absolutely. If you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind, Your Highness,” said Bartholomew. “It’s a challenge, and I enjoy a challenge.”

Amell nodded. “Thank you.”

He made his way to the castle, hoping his father would be too distracted by the latest disaster to scold him for how late in the day he’d arrived. It was frustrating to not be able to tell his father where he’d spent the morning, but then again, he wasn’t sure the king would be inclined to be more lenient if he’d known his son had come later than requested because he was visiting a beautiful girl of anonymous origin.

She certainly was beautiful, Amell reflected as he strode through the familiar halls. He’d thought so on first sight, and the impression had only increased since then. The sweetness in her eyes enhanced a naturally pleasant face, and she moved with incredible grace considering both her restricted environment and her absurdly impractical hair.

Furn had disappeared to his own home by the time Amell reached the wing of the castle where the royal suites were to be found. He changed quickly out of his traveling clothes, then hurried toward his father’s study. He was halfway there when he caught up to his sister, clearly bound for the same destination.

“Tora,” he said, smiling. He cast a wary glance around the corridor. “No overdressed lords in tow this time?”

“What?” Tora asked, looking confused. Her expression cleared. “Oh, that.” She shook her head. “No, you were right. I was behaving embarrassingly, and I knew it at the time. Vapid flirting isn’t for me. I won’t be doing that again.” She sighed. “I’ll just have to find another way.”

“Another way to what?” Amell demanded, completely at sea.

She sighed again. “I love you, Amell, but you’re incredibly dense sometimes.”

“Hey!” Amell protested, but she just linked her arm through his again.

“On your way to Father’s study?”

“That’s right,” said Amell.

“Terrible about this murder, isn’t it?” Tora asked quietly. “It’s exactly the sort of thing we were all afraid of when the break out happened.”

Amell gave her arm a squeeze, his eyes fixed reassuringly on hers. She was almost as tall as he was, so he didn’t have to look down to do so. “We’ll round them all up, Tora, don’t worry.”

“Well, it’s starting to look like we might,” she said. “Or haven’t you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Father received an anonymous letter just before lunch, regarding the location of escaped prisoners. He’s sent three squadrons to three different locations. We’re hoping to hear good news any minute.”

“That’s fantastic if the tips are legitimate,” Amell said. “But why would someone report it anonymously? Isn’t there a hefty reward offered?”

Tora nodded. “It’s all very mysterious.”

They’d reached their father’s office by now, and Amell knocked quickly on the door.

“Enter.”

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