“A powerful witch can wield plant magic as well. It means nothing.”
I wouldn’t say we meant nothing, but even the words next to it made my heart hurt.
“You are the company you keep, Your Highness,” Nemian pointed out with a haughty brow raise.
“I shall be glad to leave yours then. Off to bed with the lot of you.”
Nemian stepped forward, teeth bared. “This abomination won’t stand.”
I wasn’t sure if he meant me or Maggie. I had expected a war of magic, treachery and words, not the raw hate I saw on his face.
“Chrysanthemum,” he said. Magic crackled through the air with the flair of a compulsion behind it. Dread filled my belly, searching for the Elf or soldier at the end of that coercion spell.
I should have been celebrating our victory. I had scooped my crown right off Brad’s bewigged head.
But if we won, why did it feel like we failed?
Chapter 20
Maggie
Jax tore through the crowd, shoving me behind Noth who sprouted claws the size of swords to block the Elven blade aimed at my head. I didn't have time to be afraid as the tip of the sword sliced the hair above my ear.
Noth’s deep voice filled the air. “Touch her and prepare your grave.”
With NIghtmare speed, he knocked the Elven attacker out with one punch while Jax blocked her escape. Noth gathered the mantle of the crown around himself as we squared off with his people in the growing morning light. The change in the air was palpable.
“Take her to the dungeon,” Noth proclaimed, his voice resounding over the crowd.
For one hideous second, I thought he meant me,because something was definitely different. But the guard dragged the Elf into the palace instead.
“Stay behind him,” Jax advised. “I have his back.”
“Are you his bodyguard now?” I asked Jax.
“You're hired,” Noth snapped, still scanning the crowd for threats.
“Guess I get to ask for whatever salary I want then,” Jax quipped.
“You would dare move against me, Nemian?” Noth asked.
I watched the Noth I knew for this past year shift into something far more frightening than a Nightmare.
“You can't think that was me, Your Highness? I threw a spell to block the assassin. That’s what you heard.”
He had to be kidding. We all witnessed him call out a word of power. I didn't understand the rules of this game. Could you lie in front of everyone and get away with it? Noth and I bonded, whether they liked it or not. But as I looked at the faces around us, I saw calculation in every expression.
What were they all waiting for? Slap this Elf-eared donkey’s ass and be done with it. The crowd, the other Council members, just stood there, anticipating Noth’s reply. Not even Yaya moved.
Well, that was all right. I was more than ready for round two.
Noth caught me by the back of the collar as I started forward. “She’s nothing. None of yourconcern.”
He might as well have plunged a dagger in my chest. I wasn't one to take offense easily. I dished it out too much not to take it, but Noth’s words sliced to the bone. I shrank back to his side, falling into a defensive stance.
“Thanks, Rat Face,” I snarled.
I want you to survive this.
