Page 38 of Power of Five
“River.” Klarissa’s voice rang out in the silence that had stretched for far too long. “I am waiting for words of gratitude.”
River’s heart stuttered, the frozen shock melting to molten terror. He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t let Klarissa be the one to make the cut now.
Not now, not ever,River’s soul whispered to him.Your quint is full. Filled with the most precious gift possible.
River rose, draining his yet-untouched wine goblet. “I have long insisted that Citadel business and Slait business be conducted separately, Klarissa. I am not about to waver on that now. I will bring my case before you and the council at the Citadel, not here. Shall I have one of the servants show you out, or do you know the way?”
Klarissa’s face darkened. Before she could speak, however, the male beside her, Pyker, bowed low in a silent request to be heard. “The council is aware that the severing procedure would leave your quint incomplete, Prince River,” Pyker said, his tone strong but deferential. “As you’ve likely surmised from my presence, the elders believe it would be possible for me to heal into the bond. It... it would be the greatest honor of my life to serve beside you, Your Highness. And should you wish to test my skills before considering such a pairing, I am at your full disposal and command.”
“Noted,” River said, careful to keep his face still. Pyker sounded like he was truly requesting consideration, which went contrary to the council’s usual method of providing a compatible fae warrior of their choice when the situation called for it.
River gestured toward the door and the others filed out obediently, Pyker bowing low again before departing. But Klarissa, the last besides River in the receiving room, stopped short. Twisting smoothly before the door, the female closed it behind her, trapping them inside together, and extended her finger to touch River’s face.
River stepped out of reach, his jaw tightening.
“You can’t mourn Daz forever, River,” she said. “It isn’t healthy for you. Especially since she is alive and happy with a family of her own now. The quint magic chose you, and she chose not to compete with that. Not everyone has the same outlook, you know.”
“I am not taking you to bed, Klarissa,” River said curtly. “Was there something else you wished to discuss?”
The female crossed her slender arms. “Your mortal,” she said flatly. “The council is concerned that you are exposing the girl to undue stress and danger.” She stepped close to River again, her nail tapping his chest. “Leralynn will be provided with everything she needs upon her return to the mortal realm. Money, clothing, shelter. Lunos magic ripped her away from her world, and the council will repair the damage.” Klarissa paused, her voice dropping. “Stop using the riches of your palace to make Leralynn fear returning to her life, River. If you care for the mortal—and I’ve a feeling you might, your cold smile notwithstanding—you will ensure she is safe in a way she never can be in Lunos.”
