Just as he promised.
Rushing to Agnes’ side, I pull her up into my arms and lead her out of the alley, leaving Sorin and Jarek to do what needs to be done.
Twelve
Roman
With only twoweeks until the Autumn Moon, there are no shortages of preparations that need to be handled. Galen has been distant since our last fight, and for the first time in our relationship, I haven’t sought him out.
The amulet around my neck stings my skin as I wait for the council to arrive. My stomach turns remembering how many failed harvesting attempts it took to finally have a successful one. I wrap my fingers around the stone. The purple stone, held secure by gold hooks, slides easily up and down the delicate chain it’s attached to.
The first time Galensuccessfullyharvested magic into the amulet, I thought I might pass out from the rush of power alone. The necklace had been Galen’s idea. Then again, so much of our plans have been his idea..
As soon as Galen wrapped the necklace around my neck, the Enchantress magick of Sight coursed through me. Visions of the past and future blurring together. It was impossible to decipher. Now that I have had years to practice, the visions are less diluted. The other magick we have stored inside the stone is still volatile, but useful when I can rein it in.
“Your Highness,” a voice interrupts my thoughts. Glancing up, I tuck the amulet under my shirt as my handmaid pulls the door back. “Can I bring you tea?”
I run my fingers through my hair and debate her seemingly innocent question. I should stay in the study. Have tea. Ready myself for a meeting with the council where they, again, will question how long we can expend our resources of hunters and guards in search for the Stones. But instead…
“No thank you.” I wave a hand through the air. “I’ll be going for a walk.” She smiles before she leaves. I toy with the amulet again as I exit the study and head straight for the dungeons.
“Why are you here?”the Dyrsjel asks as I settle onto the ground near her cell.
“I’m not entirely sure,” I admit. She turns, the iron from her shackles clanking as she positions herself opposite me. “You look better than when I saw you last. Not as repugnant with all that bruising.”
The crease between her brows deepens. “Is that a compliment?”
“Sure.” I shrug. “Take the compliment.”
“Charming,” she mumbles. “Thank you for the bread.” My stomach dips at the mention of the food I brought her last. The gift I left her. If Galen ever found out about it, he’d certainly go mad. Perhaps that’s why I did it. My way of showing him I still have some control. Of proving to him that I am powerful on my own.
Maybe I’m trying to prove it to myself.
“You’re welcome,” I say, keeping my eyes on her hands. Making a note to not lean too close to her cell.
“I suppose you’re really here to learn about Sorin.” Her icy facade cracks when she says his name, her eyes casting down. “What do you want to know?”
The amulet around my chest pulses and burns against my skin, so I pull it and rub it between my fingers. “How did you meet him?”
She startles, jumping back slightly. “That is what you wish to know?”
“Yes.” I smile at her, but she looks away too quickly to see it.
“We met on the river,” she says, her eyes drifting shut. A quiet smile playing on her lips. “He was running from a fool’s game of poker, and I happened to be where he ended up.”
“Ah,” I say. “So just by chance then?” Her eyes snap to mine but then she must notice the amulet because they drift to my chest.
“Yes, just by chance.”
“And where might he be now?”
Her eyes narrow, the gold in them illuminated by the flickering light of the lanterns. “No idea, Your Majesty.”
I tilt my head to the side, watching her for any signs or tells she might be lying. Restless fingers, wandering eyes. But her body is still, her eyes focused and clear. “My partner has told me a lot about the two of you.” It’s slight, but I don’t miss the curl of her lip. “He says you two got to know each other fairly well in the few weeks before you arrived here.”
“What is your point, Your Majesty.”
I grip the bars, putting my face closer to hers. “My point is that he wouldn’t lie to me. Which means you know Sorin well enough to know where he could be hiding. Maybe even know where the Stones are. I’ve helped you.” I nod to the discarded cloth that once housed the bread. “Now you help me.”
