Page 86 of The Court of Secrets
“The Ring of Immortalem.”
It was the final Object of Kai we needed to break the curse. Under his charms and games, I saw the flickers of pain he was still trying to keep to himself. When he didn’t know I was looking, I saw his tortured gaze. He did a good job of hiding it, but I could tell he was desperate for it to come to an end, as was I.
“It was also a term of the peace treaty I sent.”
“Ooo, I wonder who he’ll say yes to.” He dropped the letter on the table. “My coin’s on me.”
“What matters is”—I put a finger in the air—“he’s interested in having peace talks. It’s a start.”
He kicked his legs up and pulled them back and onto the floor. As he leaned forward, a flash of worry crossed his features, fading his grin. “Having them in Niferum is best,” he said slowly, and the mood shifted. “If he plans on taking his revenge on you, which is unlikely, then you’re away from Magaelor and from people he could turn against you by saying the truth. Of your being in Berovia.”
I swallowed thickly. “Do you think it’s on his mind?”
“I’m sure every possibility has crossed his thoughts. When hurt, it’s easy to dream of vengeance.”
“Morgana said something along the same lines earlier.”
“How is she?”
I shot him a knowing look. “She’s back to reading cards and giving wise advice.”
He grinned. “I like her. She’s strong and sturdy, with good instincts.”
My eyebrows knitted together. “She’s not a horse.”
He chuckled. “I just mean she’s got a lot to like.”
I nodded. “She always has a way of making me feel better, about anything. She’s the real backbone of this kingdom. Without her, their queen would surely falter.”
Blaise took my hand in his and pressed his lips against it softly. “You underestimate yourself.”
“You’ve said that before.”
“Then stop doing it.” He smirked, gently letting my hand down on my lap. “On to another subject,” he said, sitting back. “I leave tomorrow for Niferum. Will you still be coming with me?”
My hands trembled for a second, but I shook the fear of what awaited away. We had a solid plan. I couldn’t let my being afraid cause hesitation when it mattered. “Yes.”
“What’s our plan?”
I scoffed. “You mean my and Morgana’s plan.”
He tilted his head. “You know I’m going to be there whether you tell me what it is or not, but in not telling me, you could put me in danger. We will be facing a thousand-year-old, unkillable necromancer, after all.”
“He’s not unkillable,” I replied. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I make my own choices, love.” He walked to the globe and twirled it around with his finger. “You’ve found a way to kill him.”
“Using the Dagger or Sword will work. Morgana found proof it did kill another necromancer long before him.”
He squinted, confusion sweeping his features. “Is she sure? I’ve read those books and didn’t see anything.”
I nodded. “She wouldn’t have said anything if she wasn’t certain.”
“She’s good at finding things.” He shook his head, as if to scatter his thoughts. “I’m glad we have a way to kill him.” He glanced at the window. “There’s not much of the day left. You’re meeting with the lords this evening, correct?”
I nodded, and my heart felt heavier in my chest. “I am, and we have a lot to talk about.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
