I set my goblet down, thinking furiously. The Assembly was involved because they wanted mages back in power, just like in the days of Avanfell’s empire. Except that was likely only their first goal. If mages led every kingdom again, they could justify placing themselves above the kings as the supreme arbiters of magic.
Anwen was probably a powerful mage, given how easily she seemed to maintain her shield against my magic’s intrusion. But she was still a woman in a conservative, warrior-centric society that trusted steel over magic.
“And you have to marry…” I thought aloud as I forced myself to relax. I didn’t want to antagonize her with something I expected she hated about her privileged life, but I needed to know.
“Obviously,” she mumbled, quickly finishing her wine, as if time was running out for that freedom too. “A foregone conclusion since my birth.”
The freedom not to be bound to a man if I didn’t want it was the one good thing about living in poverty back in Caervorn. If I could support myself, nothing would force me to get married.
“Would your court accept a mage beside you on the throne?” I asked.
Anwen’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Not really. But they’d tolerate one…ifhe brought enough coin and treaties with him.”
I leaned forward slightly again. “Wouldyouconsider a mage?”
“I will consider anything to avoid the necessity of fucking my disgusting cousin. Whatever it takes to stop them from taking what ismine. Anything to stop them from burning every gifted child in the street.”
The sound of my fingernails tapping echoed across the table’s heavy wood.Damn. I was beginning to like her too.
Anwen narrowed her eyes at me. “You’re working toward something. Just say it.”
“I know someone,” I said. “Someone diplomatic. Respected. Well-loved and of the correct rank.”
Her expression didn’t change, but her posture shifted—like a fox lifting its nose to catch a scent. “One of my supporters already recommended we try to arrange a divorce for Larethia’s king since he wants one already. Do you speak of him?”
“No,” I said quickly. “There would be too much political upheaval if you married King Berian. One of you would be expected to give up their throne.”
The look she set on me was as frigid as the words that came out of her mouth. “And you think I’d give up mine?”
“No,” I said with too much force. “You’re already hiding enough, Anwen. You need someone who knows what it means to hide while in the spotlight. And someone who will be your biggest supporter.”
She stilled like she was waiting for me to spring the trap.
“Berian’s younger brother, Owain,” I said, holding her gaze. “Or Prince Nisien, Darreth’s co-ruler and Emrys’s twin. A marriage alliance with either kingdom would create peace across Avanfell since they’re already allied.”
Anwen laughed, the sound a brittle whisper of disbelief. “The shadow prince or the golden one? Imagine us… So different.”
“If it means ending the war and lifting the tariffs from Larethia or Darreth’s trade routes, your court might accept it. If it means new silver and grain pouring into the northern reaches where crops are scarce, I can’t see them saying no. Owain is as charming as he is kind. And Nisien is gentle and measured.”
“But they’re both mages.”
She’s so used to pretending, she’s doing it even now.“And so are you.”
Her eyes flashed. But she didn’t deny it.
I took another sip of my wine. “Owain is the head of Larethia’s military. Your court would absolutely accept him, given enough time. And his magic is so unique. But he’s also hiding something…” I shuddered involuntarily at the memory of his eyes going black as night. “Though I don’t know what.”
Anwen huffed in surprise. “He’s not completely human, lady mage.”
I knew it.
“Does that bother you?” I asked. “Whatever he is.”
She shrugged. “I’ve met him a few times before, and my court knows of his ancestry. My people have a less brutal history with Larethia than Darreth, so that does speak in Owain’s favor—even if he is part Fae. But you also mentioned Nisien. Do go on…”
Fae. Gods above and below.
I cleared my throat. “Nisien doesn’t flaunt his strength. He’s as good a fighter as Emrys, but only his inner circle knows that. His magic isstrong. I’ve seen it myself. He just knows how to hide it. Exactly like you.”
