Page 21 of The Robin on the Oak Throne

Immuneto magic. That was what Graves had originally believed, and it was the lie they’d peddled around when he’d discovered her absorption abilities. She was glad that at least that truth hadn’t reached anyone’s ears.

But that wasn’t all that Estelle had told her. She had known Graves was going to come after the cauldron, and he was going to do it with someone who could break into this room. She had planned to test Kierse’s immunity. Hence the wave of magic. Which meant…

“The cauldron isn’t here,” Kierse said.

Estelle pointed a lacquered nail at her. “Correct.”

“This was a test for me. Not Graves.”

“I’ve lived a long time,” Estelle said as she stood. She stepped up to Kierse and dragged a nail down her cheek. “I like new things.”

“I’m not for sale.”

“Everything is for sale,” Estelle said sweetly. She pursed her lips and tilted her head. “He has done quite a number on you, hasn’t he?”

Kierse refused to step back. She met Estelle’s unending violet eyes with her own dark, narrowed ones. She didn’t particularly like being made a pawn in someone else’s game, by Estelle or otherwise. And if the cauldron wasn’t here, then she didn’t need to spend another minute here.

“If the game is over, then I’ll be going.”

Kierse turned from her, flipping the coin across her knuckles again as she headed for the door. Turning her back on her opponent wasn’t her best bet, but she had a feeling Estelle found her more valuable alive.

“I have one more game,” Estelle said. “If you don’t wantto leave empty-handed.”

She sighed heavily and stilled her feet. “What game?”

“A riddle. Simple thing. You guess the answer and I’ll provide information to what you’re after.”

A riddle. Kierse didn’t know if this was a trap or not. If she felt like she was in one, it was usually too late.

“And what happens if I answer incorrectly?”

“You lose the game,” Estelle said with a smile.

“What comes with a loss?”

“A truth.”

Truth. Kierse frowned. The truth hadn’t been kind, and she doubted Estelle’s would be, either. But what could Estelle know about her that would be a truth Kierse did not already know? Was it worth it to try?

“Tell me the riddle.”

Estelle’s smile sharpened at Kierse’s agreement. “I thought you might change your mind.”

Kierse hated that Estelle was right—she didn’t want to leave here empty-handed. Her magic was recharging, and she could just barely see the film of Estelle’s illusions. She wasn’t strong enough by a long shot, but it was better than nothing.

“You’ll have five minutes to complete the riddle, otherwise you lose. Are you ready?”

Kierse nodded with her heart in her throat. “Ready.”

“I’m not given, I’m taken away,

A choice that leaves a debt to pay.

For love or honor, or for a cause,

I’m offered willingly, despite the loss.

In games of strategy, I’m a mere pawn.

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