After peering around to make sure I was alone, I lowered my voice. “Do you know who I…”
Know who you are? Of course. I won’t say a thing if you will do something for me.
“Tell me and I’ll decide.”
My daughtercollects what cannot be stolen by force. Though I suspect she learned this particular hunger from someone far older and more patient than herself.
I frowned. “What does that mean?”
The chant you heard tonight speaks truth wrapped in pretty words. 'By choice they gave what could not be taken'. My daughter has discovered that willing sacrifice holds far greater power than murder ever could.
“Willing sacrifice of what?”
Davalon's smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed too sharp.What burns brightest when freely given, child? What can rarely be taken by force, yet flows like a river when offered willingly?”
I thought about it for a moment. “Life force. A willing sacrifice of someone’s power.”My stomach dropped. “Through the trials.”
Among other things. She's grown quite creative, though not original. Someone taught her well.
“You?”
Her spine stiffened.Never me. Never for something like this.The painted queen tilted her head.Tell me, what did you think of my granddaughter tonight?
“Laphira seemed…distant.”
She’s witnessed too much. Watching nobles die thinking they were proving their worth, when really they were just feeding my daughter's immortality, will scar a child.
“She’s a woman.”
Davalon shrugged. Her eyes glittered with something that might’ve been malice.The poor girl has been forced to watch every moment, every death. Naveer finds horror amplifies the power she gains.
“That's why Laphira’s so withdrawn.”
Partially.Davalon's lips curved again.There are other reasons, but you'll discover those yourself. If you're clever enough.
“How can I stop this?”
Stop what, child? People choosing to compete? My daughter never forces anyone into her trials. She simply provides opportunities for the brave to prove themselves.The painted queen's laugh was bitter.Choice is a powerful thing, child. Even when that choice leads to death.
“There has to be a way to stop her.”
Perhaps. Some magic runs deeper than surface spells.Davalon's gaze sharpened.Tell me, what do you know of your own abilities?
“I can nullify other people's magic.”
Can you? How interesting.The former queen seemed to consider this.Not all magic can be broken easily, of course. Some spells become part of the very foundations they're built upon. But a skilled practitioner might find creative solutions.
Her image began to waver, solidifying before going fluid once more.
“Wait,” I said quickly. “What do you want me to do to keep you quiet, and what kind of creative solutions are you talking about?”
Look for what sustains rather than what controls, child. My daughter's power has a source. Find it, and you will find your answers and know what must be done.But be warned. She's had years to perfect her craft. Ancient grievances have long memories and longer reach. She won’t allow anyone to stop her now.
She turned solid, her gaze staring into the dining room like every other portrait in the room.
I flitted back to the bathing area, my heartrate pounding in my throat.
Lore snapped his arms around me from behind, making me jump.
