Page 130 of Rook of Ruin
“That is how they keep their forms instead of becoming the shadows they once were.” He sighs. “What is the greatestsource of power?” When I don’t answer, he sighs again in disappointment. “The greatest source of power is life. And the life of a dragon—above fae, above humans—they are the greatest source of magic.”
Am I living in a fairy tale? This is the stuff of fables. “How do you know this?”
“All monarchs do, knowledge ispower, after all—but power also comes through good breeding.” Callan flicks his wrist as if bored, but I immediately wonder if my sister knows about this, if she thinks the same way. “If the Wraiths truly were able to conjure a fucking curse, it means they have gathered enough power that they can take out most of the northern villages of Acros. The only way to do that in such a short amount of time is if they found a dragon. A curse like that is worse than those demon wolves they create. Wraiths are malevolent creatures. All of them. That’s what we are calling them. The Malevolent.”
Tess. Zane.All the innocent people. Panic rises in my mind. “We need to help. It’s going to be a fucking bloodbath. Acrosi warriors do not have the experience Bethalian warriors do. Rooks have fighting experience, but against a Wraith? Without braces?”
Callan shrugs his broad shoulders. “We will do nothing until called upon.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Go back with Simon and convince your father to send warriors to the borders. Send a letter to Lewis. We need to help. We need to be there when Acros calls for aid.” I glare at him, daring him to challenge me.
He fucking does. “You would send our warriors into harm? You are no longer of Acros, you are of Bethal. Your first priority is the people and warriors of Bethal.”
Callan watches as I nod in understanding, but I also know if Acros falls, Bethal could too.
He takes another sip of his coffee, then gently sets it down on the table. “I will consider your request if you do something for me first.”
Does he not realize what he just said? I try to keep a cool head. “And what is that, Callan?”
“Don’t you know?”
“Should I?” Stupid fucking games.
He leans forward. “You should. You’re better than this. You know me better than anyone. Come now,think.”
No.I’m done with games. I played my fair share in Acros, especially with Ossian, but as much shit as he gave me, Ossian would always tell me what I did wrong or what I was missing. Callan does not.
I have no fucks to give right now. Heaving a breath, I stand, raising myself to my full height. “Don’t you dare use games to play with the lives of the innocent, or you are no better than your mother.” Reckless. I’m reckless.
Callan snaps. “I am the future king of Bethal! I will do what I think is right for our kingdom!” He stands, reaching across to grab me, and I slap his cheek. Fury fills his face.
Oh shit.
Fear overwhelms me when Callan easily tosses the table to the side. Dishes go crashing, but I refuse to move. His light brown eyes turn cold, staring me down, and his chest heaves. At his full height, Callan is several heads taller than I, but I give no indication of backing down.
The door to the library bangs open, and Dove enters. She quickly assesses the situation, waiting. Callan smiles but does not remove his eyes from me. “You are dismissed.” Dove makes no movement, waiting for my word. He moves his head to the side, laughing. “The loyalty your warriors have for you is admirable. This is yet another reason you would make a better queen than Anna. No one has ever stood up to me; they either cower or play games. You give me the truth whether I want to hear it or not. Did you truly think I would hurt you like Simon has?”
I did. I do.
He shakes his head, showing his disappointment in my thoughts. “What I want from you is simple and private.”
I seethe. “Then why play games, Callan?”
“ThegameI play is only for the future of Bethal.”Truth.
I consider what he says. “It’s okay, Dove Thank you. I believe the future king will remain calm.” I narrow my eyes at him, and Callan smiles widely at me.
“Yes, ma’am.” Dove leaves quickly.
“You have twenty-five warriors?” he asks.
“Yes.” If he already knows the answer, then why try to hide it?
“As loyal to you as that one?”
“Yes.” They are loyal as fuck, and if they weren’t, I wouldn’t tell him.
His grin is so large, I hope his face hurts. “Then I don’t need to worry about your safety. You are important to me, to the future.”
