And if he could take her away by force anyway…
She sidled closer to Teryn. They kept their gazes on Darius for several long beats before exchanging a quick glance. Cora gave him a subtle nod, which made his jaw tighten. Just as quickly, they returned their attention to Darius.
Cora opened her mouth to accept his terms, but Teryn spoke first.
“I want a blood oath. That’s how humans secured vows in ancient times, predating written contracts.”
Darius smirked. “Yes, I know how history books work.”
“Then cut your palm and state the promise you made earlier. That you will escort Queen Aveline safely to and from Syrus, and that you will take her from Ridine for no longer than an hour, and that neither you nor anyone else will cause her harm.”
Darius narrowed his eyes. “When I asked if blood mattered to you, this wasn’t what I’d had in mind. Are you like my son, then? Dabbling in blood magic because you’re not strong enough to do anything else?”
Cora couldn’t help the furrow that formed between her brows. WhydidTeryn want a blood pact from Darius? She’d never known him to value such old-fashioned traditions.
Teryn shrugged. “You’re about to abduct my wife. If you fear I’ll use your blood for nefarious purposes, then I’d say it makes the terms of our agreement almost even.”
“Only almost?”
“My wife’s safety is priceless. There’s nothing you could give me but your life that could balance the scales. So I’ll ask for your blood.”
Darius continued to eye Teryn, but he drew his knife nevertheless. “Very well,” he said with clear reluctance. Holding out his hand, he sliced the blade across his palm. A red line appeared, and as he squeezed his fingers into a fist, a drop of blood fell to the stones. Then another. “I, Darius Solaria, hereby promise that I will escort Queen Aveline, by way of worldwalking, safely to and from Syrus, and that we will stray to no other kingdom. I vow that I will return her to Ridine by the end of an hourorallow her to leave on her own at any time. Furthermore, I vow that neither I nor anyone else will cause her harm at any time during the course of our agreement.”
Cora analyzed his words, seeking loopholes. Not that it mattered. Like he’d already admitted, this wasn’t a magically binding vow, just an old tradition based on superstition. Maybe what Teryn had said was the important part. Instilling a hint of fear in Darius could make him keep his word.
She breathed deeply, connecting to all the elements and sought any sign that this was wrong. Dread pulsed back, as did anxiety, but she felt no clairsentient warning. No inkling that this might be a trap.
“All right,” she said, voice thick. On trembling legs, she strode out from behind Teryn. He grasped her hand as she passed him, squeezing it. She squeezed it back in wordless reassurance. Her lungs tightened as she released his palm, felt his fingers slip from hers. She took another step. “I’m ready.”
In the next breath, Darius stood before her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, then?—
Cora was gone.Teryn hadn’t been prepared. Hadn’t even seen Darius move. He and Cora had come to the same conclusion—that they didn’t have much of a choice but to humor him. Not when Darius held Ridine at his mercy. Not when he could come back at any time, fill their castle with countless soldiers, and claim victory by morning.
Either Darius was less capable than he’d made himself seem or he truly was desperate for an alliance with them.
They needed to find out which was true.
And how to exploit it.
That didn’t lessen his terror at having witnessed him taking her like that. His rage at knowing he’d agreed tolethim take her.
Hatred burned hot in his chest as he narrowed his eyes at the three spots of blood on the stones. Without a second thought, he marched into his sitting room, extracted a piece of parchment from the bureau, and placed the paper over the blood until crimson bloomed over it.
“What are you doing?” Emylia’s voice came from beside him. She was as semi-transparent as always, outfitted in an equally hazy loose dress that billowed on a nonexistent breeze.
“Were you here the whole time?” he asked, his tone low and controlled. If she’d been there before, he hadn’t noticed her. He’d been too focused on Darius and Cora. “Did you enjoy the show? Did you just stand there mute and watch him take her?”
“What could I have done?”
He was being unfair in taking his frustration out on her, but she’d been avoiding him ever since their last conversation on the battlement. When she’d refused to explain what she’d meant about feeling like she’d disappear if she came too close to him. He understood exactly why now. Because touching her ethera would force her to move on to the otherlife. To claim the peace she’d said she’d wanted but hadn’t been able to receive. Peace she’d only find after taking care of her unfinished business.
He knew the truth.
She didn’twantto move on yet.
And he didn’t want her hypocrisy right now.
Teryn finished soaking the blood into the paper and folded it. As he rose, he met Emylia’s accusing gaze.
