Page 31 of A Cage of Magic and Darkness

“That they’re desperate gives me even more reason to go and walk among them. They need to know they’re not alone in this, and the castle won’t just abandon them. Please remember, Balthorne, that I’ve been here before. I’ve seen the devastation and destruction the rot bringsfirsthand. I won’t allow these people to believe their lives are over because of it.”

“What do you plan to do?” Cirrus asks.

“A gold sovereign for every household that has lost everything. Half a sovereign for those that have been damaged.” I look to the head of the treasury, a man called Walter Odel. “We have enough money in the coffers?”

“Yes, Princess, we do,” he replies.

“Good. I wish to leave on the hour. Please ensure the rest of the guard is ready.”

Cirrus ducks his head in a nod. “Understood.”

I am grateful he doesn’t argue with me. He needs to understand I’m not only the princess anymore. I’m the ruler of this kingdom and need to be treated with the same respect and authority he would have shown my mother or the king.

Despite my words and brave façade, the thought of walking through the city, among such devastation, causes my stomach to roil and my palms to prickle with sweat. How will the people be? Will they be angry? Probably. They will be grieving for their king. How are they going to accept me, a young woman, as their new ruler?

I refuse to let my fears hold me back. I can’t call myself a queen and then hide away in the castle. That would make me no kind of queen at all.

I leave the throne, and my people part ways for me once more. Only one person follows me—the head of my guard, Balthorne.

“Princess Taelyn,” Balthorne says, catching up to me, “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I’m concerned that Prince Ruarok has returned to the castle, so soon after his father’s death.”

I keep walking. Time is short, and he hurries along beside me.

“That’s because it was his father’s magic that’s been holding him prisoner all this time. He’s not returned, because he never left. He was here all along.”

“But I hear he was imprisoned because he wanted you dead. If there is genuine threat to your life, as head of your guard, I need to know about it.”

“He denies he had ever planned to have us killed. He claims his father just used it as a way to get rid of him. There was never any proof, and there is no proof now.”

“So, you believe him?” Balthorne’s handsome face appears troubled.

I stop short and turn to face him. “Until he gives me a reason not to, yes, I have to take him at his word. He is my stepbrother, the king’s son, the prince of Askos and Highdrift. I can’t pretend he does not exist.”

“You could have left him in the cage.”

I allow a small smile to tweak my lips. “How many years have you known me, Balthorne? More than I can count. Do you really believe I’m someone who could leave a man trapped in torment for the whole of eternity, no matter what he’s done? That is a punishment too cruel for words.”

“You have a kind heart, Princess.”

I start to walk again. “Too kind, I’m sure some are saying.” I sigh. “Maybe that is my biggest weakness.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t change who you are for anyone or anything. Stay true to yourself.”

“Thank you, Balthorne.”

He hesitates, as though he wants to say something else, but then lets it go.

17

TAELYN

Back in my chambers,I dress in a different long cloak, since Ruarok has taken my main one, and boots. Befitting the situation, I’m fully in black, the color a stark contrast to my almost-white hair and pale skin.

When the time arrives, I make my way to the castle entrance. Balthorne is putting together a group of guards to escort me into the city, and I expect to find him there.

Instead of Balthorne waiting for me, I discover Ruarok standing at the castle entrance.

“I heard of your plans, and I’m coming with you,” he says.

---