So much. “Nothing.”
“Hmm.” A flick of her finger reinforced the ward she’d gifted me. Frowning, she scanned my frame before she gave me a quick nod. She turned and raced across the open area, darting around Evergorne warriors preparing for battle and surging up a steep hill where our flights of dragons waited at the top.
“She needs you,” I told Vexxion, not meeting his eye. I strengthened my mind’s wall, adding thick forests and stoneand even a band of glowing magic. I couldn’t allow him to know what I planned.
What will you be doing while we’re tossing bone coins at dregs, Fury?he asked in a deadly voice.
I lifted my chin. “I’m going after the Blade of Alessa.” After I’d finished completing the second part of the Liege’s first favor. Why that spell in particular?
The blade has been missing forever,Vexxion said.Where do you think you’ll find it?He gripped my arms and turned me to face him, releasing me only long enough to tip my chin up with one finger.I’m going with you.
“You can’t. I have to do this on my own.”Please understand.I love you. I’ll come back to you if I can. Know this.
Fury!
Trust me. Please.
Before he could hold me back, I flitted to the top of the tallest hill overlooking the plain, where I gathered my power. Once I’d formed a churning mass, I flung it at the flying dregs.
Like with the one at the cage at the fortress, nothing happened.
Why had the Liege insisted on this? I might never find out.
I flitted inside Ivenrail’s tent, landing on the plush carpet lightly enough he didn’t realize I was there.
Until I stepped toward him.
His low laugh rang out, and he gave me a slick smile. “What did you come to steal this time,rider?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I taunted.
A whip of his power flung me onto his throne, the onlychair in the room. Vines snapped up from the floor and bound me quickly.
I didn’t struggle. I didn’t pull on my power.
Iallowedhim to do this.
He sidled over to stand in front of me, tipping back my head to scan my face, using a finger just like his son always did.
“Are you planning something, Lydel heir?” he asked in a slithering voice.
“I’mHigh Ladyof Lydel Court, if you please,” I said with a grin. “I’ve swallowed my court’s core.”
Come and get it, you slimy fucker.
With a growl, he slammed his thumb against my forehead.
66
TEMPEST
Fury!Vexxion’s cry echoed in my mind. It sunk into my skin and warmed me—though only for one instant.
The king sucked down my power, guzzling it like it was the finest wine, until he paused and tugged his thumb away. His brow creasing, he stared at my face. “You’renother, but I taste . . .” He took a quick, startled breath. “Shecast a ward on you. Where is she?”
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“Where is she?” he bellowed. “She’smine.”
