Page 89 of The Princess of Nothing
Morgana nodded. “We have Licia to thank for those.”
“How?” Sometimes I didn’t even think to ask how things got done. They just did when I asked.
“They weren’t real ships, instead tricky, incredibly difficult glamours to create and keep standing for some time. He is a remarkable man.”
My forehead wrinkled. “Licia is... no. Please don’t tell me you like him.” I felt nauseated. “He’s awful.”
“He has his own motives, as we all do. I cannot condone him for that. Besides, like for us means two different things. He is becoming a friend.”
I inhaled sharply. “Which is what he will stay.”
Morgana pressed her lips together. “I don’t see Blaise anywhere. Any ideas? You know him best.” She gave me a look.
“No.” I looked around the bustling throne room of oddly dressed fae, in silks of white and blues, and tables covered with delicious foods and cooked hams. “Okay. Perhaps his library.”
Morgana side-eyed the white-pillared entrance to the east dungeons, leading to Licia’s gambling rooms. “I should go to Licia. We are working on ways to disrupt what is happening to the dragons in Berovia. If we can shake the foundation enough, we could even break the spells suppressing their magic which were placed on the two in captivity. They’d be able to break free. They’re not weak enough yet to be siphoned, but close.”
“Do what you need to do,” I said. “If they get the dragons’ magic, we’re done for.”
“Yes, we will be.”
Her revelation shook my core. My fears solidified. She never pushed fear. Everything could be changeable. Not now. She knew what was at stake. If she believed we’d have no chance, then it was certain.
“Please, stop them.”
“We’re doing everything we can,” she promised, although it did little to unknot the scrambles in my stomach.
Once she’d disappeared past the pillars into the shadowy, glittery area, I turned on my heel and headed toward the library.
The fire crackled from the large fireplace, hissing when he threw a newspaper onto the logs. The sofa sat in front of it. I remembered spending my evenings devouring the books there before we were to be married.
It felt like a lifetime ago.
Blaise’s sharp eyes found mine. “Seventeen looks good on you.”
I furrowed my brows.
“You didn’t think I would forget?”
I blushed. “I didn’t know you knew.”
“I made it a point to know important dates such as a birthday, especially when I was to marry you.” He tilted his head, his silver crown glinting as he did. “Although you did not become my wife, I can still recall it all. The details of you are firmly in my mind.”
I turned my back to him, my heart racking wildly. Gripping my nails onto the stone ledge, I gasped. The cold stole all warmth from my hands. “I see the towns and villages are being repaired.” I looked out at the frosted houses, hoping to change the topic.
“Yes.” He stepped next to me, placing his hand an inch from mine. “I’m bringing the kingdom back to order.”
“About time,” I said. “Although I don’t agree on your way of doing it.” I treaded the subject carefully. “We both know what you’re responsible for.”
“Yes. I killed him.” His words lay heavy in the air. He cast his eyes down to our hands. “It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud,” he stated. “I am also aware you killed yours. I know you were close to the castle after Amos died. You were seen by my spy at the tavern. Shortly after, news broke and the Ring of Immortalem he wore was missing, and we both know what happens when the wearer removes it. You disappeared to Berovia, to erase suspicion. A move I’d have made too. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together.” He dragged his smoky eyes to meet mine. “We have both murdered our fathers. I’ll also presume the ring was taken from you by Xenos.”
My throat felt as if it were closing. “I didn’t have a choice but to kill him, and yes.”
“Neither did I.” He blew out a tense breath. “There are two people who know the truth of what happened, and they are both standing in this room.” He exhaled slowly. “I trust you.”
“You also have the truth on me, so...”
“I know you wouldn’t tell, even if I didn’t know your secrets.”
