Avery slipped her hand into his as they walked through the wall and into the depths of the tower. The dark, cramped space made Savine uneasy, but he continued on, keeping Avery behind him as he kept her hand laced in his.
Finally, they entered the airy library. Rylo’s pride and joy. Even before he was king, he’d squirreled away rare books across Aeritis and now had accrued the largest private library collection in the realm. Savine knew this was only a fraction of his treasures. He wondered what books Rylo kept on humans and witches. Surely he had plenty of ancient texts on them? Maybe even books that explained their powers and more.
“Come, make yourself comfortable,” Rylo insisted as he sat on a damask couch made for wings.
The wing adapted couches were uncomfortable for Savine and his large frame. Avery seemed to sink so deep into the adapted back that he worried she’d be lost inside the couch.
“Your unexpected hospitality has been appreciated, but Rylo, what’s the game you’re playing this time?” Savine asked. The words cut through him. Savine didn’t want to say this. He wanted to fucking punch the pompous bird in the throat.
“I have always been a gracious host. Savine, it has been a long time since I have had the honor of your presence in Nephel. Why can’t we enjoy one another’s company? And I had to meet this beautiful young human I’ve heard so many rumors about.”
Savine tried not to grind his teeth at Rylo’s words. “Although the visit was unplanned, perhaps it was overdue. But you could have doneit in a more diplomatic way. Without allying with my enemy. By the way, what does Jasper think of this scheme of yours?”
Rylo laughed a strange, manic laugh, almost like a choking sound. “Oh! I cannot wait to see what he thinks of my scheme!”
Savine’s jaw tightened. He couldn’t keep his body relaxed around this man. Avery sat beside him, unspeaking. He wasn’t sure why she held silent. He never wanted her to feel like his own voice stifled her voice. Sensing his unease, she scooted over close enough that their legs grazed each other. Hers under the thick layers of a Nepheli dress felt a distance away. He couldn’t wait to get her home and dress her in Latian splendor.
Suddenly, Rylo’s shrill laughter stopped, and he contained his composure. “Would you care for tea? Perhaps some other refreshments. You must be famished after your amorous night together.”
Avery spoke before Savine got the words out. “You are, and have been, evading the question as to why you took me hostage. While I am thankful that you didn’t subject me to the torture that you’re famous for, I can’t thank you for the hospitality that you’ve forced on us. What will it take to get us out of here?”
Rylo chuckled at Avery and gave her a cold, cruel grin. “My dear, I have already told you. Everything depends on how you act in one day. We have some very special guests arriving this evening. Tomorrow, you will perform your magic for all. If your performance is satisfactory, I will release you into the arms of your heart’s desire. Now about that tea? If you will not have any, I see no reason to deny myself. Perhaps you drank in your fill during your rendezvous last night?” Rylo raised an eyebrow as Savine scowled at him. These innuendos were getting old.
“Who are the guests joining us this evening?” Savine asked, although he suspected who it was. It could be anyone, but more likely,it was Jasper. Why would he want Avery to display her magic? Would he have to fight for her? He’d fight anything Rylo threw at him, even if it was an Abyss damned demon.
“Oh, someone you areveryfamiliar with. Although, like myself, you have not been on the best of speaking terms.”
The color drained from Savine’s face. It was as he expected.Jasper.He was bringing Jasper here. Savine kept the turmoil buried inside him. That monster would be near Avery, and Savine may not be able to protect her.
Not even his essence twitched as he said, “You are referring to the King of Latiah?”
“Yes, of course. After all, he was the one who put me up to capture her. We’ve made a trade. He, for some reason, thought I had a need for a human girl, and in return, I am supplying him with the protection he needs to prevent said little witch from ending him.”
Avery’s eyes glittered as she looked at Savine. A smug little smile was etched on her face. “You want me to kill him here? You know that as a witch I can kill him without dying?”
Rylo’s golden eyes sparkled back at Savine’s mate’s eyes. “At last! We are getting somewhere. Of course I want you to kill him!”
Savine creased his brows as he spoke, “But you were working with Jasper when you attacked us.”
“Well, I’m not stupid enough to tip your father off about my betrayal. And besides, I needed to know you and Avery are strong enough to succeed before I make any final plans. Avery, the execution particularly impressed me.” Rylo flashed his gaze to Savine. What fucking execution was Rylo talking about? Savine looked at Avery, her ashen face gazing down at the ground.
Before Savine could speak, Rylo continued, “But if Avery fails, Jasper will either kill her during her attack on him, or he will executeher to save face. I will be happy to do the honors for you, Savine. That whole law of progeny and not killing one’s children will get in Jasper’s way.”
“So you admit to playing both sides? Either Jasper is dead, or we’re dead, but you come out with what you want either way,” Avery stated, shaking her head with disgust.
“I am doing what is best for myself and best for my people.”
“What will your people get from this?” Savine asked, curious to see how Rylo’s insane thought process functioned.
“What your people have denied us for centuries. Our land back. You see, I will give Jasper what he wants in exchange for our land. If he survives and refuses to return our stolen land, I will not give him what he desires most. Avery, if you are successful, I will exchange your freedom to the new king, and will gain my land in the exchange. I have no use for a human. What would I do with a human, after all!” Rylo leaned his head back and laughed at his own joke. As if the balance of his and Avery’s life was some sort of flippant game for him.
“What if I don’t attack Jasper tomorrow night? He won’t have a reason to execute me,” Avery replied. Savine tensed as she said this. No, he knew her words were not true.
“How little you know of our world! As the King, he does not need a reason to execute someone. And if he wanted a reason, your very existence, as Savine’s openly professed soulmate, would be reason enough.”
“But you said you wouldn’t kill me because I am Goddess marked.”
“No! I would not dare upset our Mother Goddess Althea. But Jasper will not know about that Goddess mark. I have just the thing to hide it from even the most discerning eyes. Much stronger than a simple essence glamour. Made from deep magic. The same little talisman that Jasper wants sobadly.”
