He would make herwant him.
The way no one ever had before.
Not even Soraya, for she’d only wanted tofixhim, once she learned the truth of his condition. Their entire lives, she thought he suffered from something obnoxious, but certainly not fatal. And when she’d learned of that...he swore she loved the idea ofhealinghim more than anything else.
You weren’t enough for her to stay,Kinlear thought, as he took another sip of the winterwine in his flask.
He needed it to numb his mind. He needed it to numb his verysoul,for it had ached foryears, after she left. He’d ruined his relationship with Arawn over it, for it was easier to cast blame upon someone else.
Kinlear’s soul ached even more today.
He tilted his head back and took a long pull this time, letting the numbness sink in. He was just getting ready to fall asleep, to bask in the warmth of the space, to remind himself that he was no longer the scared little boy he once was, before learning he was Veilborne...
When suddenly, he heard a loud clatter. A bucket being overturned, likely one of the foolish younglings. He sat up, annoyed at the interruption in his nap, when he heard Zey’s voice. Someone had ruined her Demonstration, and now?
They would most certainlypay.Kinlear hummed to himself, waiting for the chaos to unfold beyond his little hideaway. He coughed again, so he uncorked his vial, not wanting to deal with it, and took a quick sip.
The footsteps came closer. He spilled a bit of tonic on his lips as a figure appeared, slinking into his alcove, back turned to him as Zey rushed past.
And suddenly, he wondered just how much he’d drank.
Because...it washer.
His Rider.
Say something!His mind screamed.Now is your chance!So, he chuckled, and said, “A dangerous thing, to mess up Zey’s Demonstration. And before the Masters, no less.”
She spun around as he corked his vial, doing his best to remain calm...the picture of the Handsome Twin.
But her face went ashen as her eyes slid to the Veilblade he always kept sheathed on his hip.
“Y-your Highness,” she sputtered.
It was not missed on him...how terrified she looked, now that it was the two of them together.
Completely, beautifully alone.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” Kinlear said. Because this washisspace, a place where he came to sulk. She couldn’t see him herelike this,drunk on winterwine and lazing about like a damned cat. Hehatedcats, especially after dealing with the raphon. “This ismyhideaway when I need a bit of peace and quiet.”
Gods, why did you say that?he thought.She’ll leave!
He didn’t want her to go.
Not until he learned her name, at least. Not until he made the conversation from earlier right.
Be the mysterious prince!he told himself. Again, the voice sounded like Magus.Charm her, you fool, like the princes in your fantasy books!
“I...I got lost,” she stammered.
A lie.
He could see it written all over her face.
Refreshing,Kinlear thought, that she wasn’t afraid to defy the Five. Sometimes he swore he was the only Sacred that ever did.
Dance, Kinlear Laroux. Dance in the darkness with me.
He shook the ghost of Soraya’s voice away. She was gone. And she was never coming back.
