Page 13 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals
The siblings stare at each other, neither willing to yield. Gods, it’s like they’re ten again, fighting over the last plum.
My mouth works before I can think better of it. “What if I go with you?”
At everyone’s shocked faces, I tug at my hair again. “As you said, this is a way to help the village. I’m not needed here. And a peace talk could allow us allies, allow us resources to rebuild. What if I go with you to gain more support?”
Cully snaps his fingers, eyes bright. “That. I like that idea. You two can keep each other safe.”
Nafre bites her lip. “And what if we’re attacked again?”
My hand waves out toward the village. Sadness hangs heavy around us. “Look around, Nafre. There’s not much left. If we only take a handful of guards, that won’t cripple the Coven. It’s a peace talk. There are people seeking allies. Seeking trade. We could use all of it.”
A few elders perk up.No one is going to miss the resident monster.
Grumbling under her breath,Nafrecrosses her arms in aggravation. She doesn’t like it. But it’s a good plan, and it could help.
Ican help in this way. The elders don’t respect me, don’t like me and the Coven fears me. Maybe if I do this, go on a long journey, bring back reinforcements, they’ll finally accept me.
If this is Gods’ Will, I’ll surrender to it.
Nafrepinches her brow. “Fine. You andTay. Four guards, no more or less. You’ll take my carriage.” Thankfully, it survived the fire.
Tay and Cully smile, pleased at her acquiesce. I didn’t think she’d give in so easily.
Stepping forward, I ready to follow the men back to the cottage to set up tents, before Nafre’s grip on my elbow stops me. Her concerned gaze fills my vision, panic clawing up my throat.
“Listen to me,” she breathes, moving closer. “King Griffin’s palace is not like here. It’s dangerous. It’s full of deceit and you might see some things that make you uncomfortable.” My brows furrow as she winces. “I’ve been there before, with my mother. Women are not thought of as worthy rulers. Tay was a good choice, but you? You will be vulnerable.
“Do not, underanycircumstances, use your powers there,” she commands, voice strong. “Act as a mute, do not speak. Never leave Tay’sside. Do not trustanyonebut him.” She steps back. “My mother thought your magic would be too power to control and taught you to fear it. You are dangerous but there? You will be coveted.
“You do not want to be something a Human King covets, Max. Hide your magic. Do not lose control. Can you do that?”
Nodding, I dip my chin out of respect, a cold ball of dread dropping into my gut. “Of course, Nafre. Whatever you say.”
Nafre nods, stepping away. “I have a bad feeling about what might happen once you leave this forest. Protect yourself.”
Chapter 5
Max
The long trek to King Griffin’s fabled White Palace is over a coarse bumpy road with one too many holes and my bones clash together with every jolt of the carriage as we go.
After the Great War ended centuries ago, in which no side won, the fractions who lived in Neevea crafted a treaty for peace. It was supposed to strengthen ties, bury the past and help everyone regrow.
It did none of those things and made us all distrustful.
Jostling, I try to keep my mind off of the fear curling inside my gut but it’s a losing battle.
Going into Human territory is terrifying, especially after Nafre’s warning. Humans are greedy, tend to take what they want, consequences be damned and my magic makes me unique.
Would they fear me? Steal me? Chain me, to use me? My body shudders, repulsed at the implications.
No, it’s best if I do what Nafre said—keep my magic hidden, don’t attract attention, and stick to Tay’s side. I don’t know what Griffin’s court will be like but I’d rather not be on the receiving end of anything terrible.
Tay taps my hand, clenched into my cloak. “Relax, Max.”
I snort, releasing the cloak, andpull my hair around my throat, foot tapping.
Right.Relax. Tay’s always be accepted for his magic—completely opposite of me. He might be nervous to be around Humans, but he doesn’t have to worry about being persecuted for his power.
