“Give her time to learn what we took years to master.”
Karwyn crossed his arms behind his back. “We do not have that privilege.”
There was something Karwyn wasn’t telling him. A few weeks ago, Rhay would have easily closed his eyes against his friend’s deceit. But his confrontation with Amira had robbed his peace of mind. He feared what would happen once everything was in the light.
Would he be able to look Karwyn in the eyes again? Would Rhay be able to look athimselfanymore? The other advisors seemed to have no problem knowing the truth, or ignoring it, his father included. Why was it so hard for Rhay?
“Why rush things?” Rhay dared ask, unsure if he wanted Karwyn to answer honestly or keep him in the pleasant dark.
“I am getting tired of all your questions,” Karwyn replied. “Why did you come?”
“Can I come in?”
With a sigh, Karwyn pulled away from the doorway, letting Rhay into the room. Looking around the familiar place, Rhay realised he hadn’t been in Karwyn’s quarters in weeks now.
The lounging area was the same, still decked in turquoise and silver. Karwyn’s emphasis on using the kingdom’s colours everywhere had made Rhay laugh at first, but he had quickly realised it came from a deep desire to feel legitimate. When your father kept repeating how worthless you were of your title, that you would never reach the level of your dead brother, you’d start to think you truly didn’t belong.
Karwyn sat on a turquoise armchair next to his lyre leaning against the wall. Rhay hadn’t heard him perform since the king’s death. He remembered the melody Karwyn used to play, sweet but melancholic. It was one of the rare times Rhay had been able to see the child in Karwyn. His face would relax as his fingers gracefully plucked at the strings. Why didn’t he ever play anymore?
With effort, Rhay forced his gaze away from the memory, needing to stay focused. He couldn’t let himself get emotional over the past or their friendship spanning back twenty years.
Rhay took a deep breath and started, “It’s about Amira.”
Karwyn leaned further back in his chair. “And here I thought you were done toying with her.”
Rhay could sense the jealousy in his friend’s voice. He had to play his cards right, or Karwyn would refuse his plan. “I am. I thought you could find a use for her.”
“Shehasa use, she is my fiancée. There is nothing else she can do besides waiting for our marriage,” he said, wincing at the final word.
Coming to sit on the arm of Karwyn’s chair, Rhay hoped their closeness would make him more lenient towards the idea. The soft velvet felt pleasant beneath his hands. Slowly, as if he didn’t mean to, Rhay’s hand grazed Karwyn’s shoulder, barely—he was aware that Karwyn could be tempted to read his mind. He’d promised not to when they were children, but something in the back of Rhay’s subconscious told him Karwyn’s word didn’t hold the same certainty anymore. Internally, Rhay winced at his treacherous thoughts.
“What if you send her to Pyria? Tarnan has invited her. She could gain his trust and spy on him for you.” Leaning in closely, Rhay tried hard to cling to their past. Playing with Karwyn’s feelings was not something Rhay enjoyed, but he saw no other choice.
Karwyn’s breath caught, his cheek faintly reddening. “Is this really the reason you want to send her away? I am not stupid, I have noticed she has taken an interest in a certain pill. Tarnan could use this knowledge against me.”
“Yes, there’s her little pill issue, but she’s a liability here. Her behaviour is getting more erratic every day, it doesn’t reflect well on you. You know how against fortae Tarnan is, she wouldn’t be able to find more over there. She’ll be forced to detox, far away from the prying eyes of your court.”
Karwyn still looked unconvinced. Rhay had to play his final card even if it might kill the last remains of his peace. “And frankly, she’s getting quite clingy. I think putting some distance between us would help her realise that our friendship is over. You wanted me to step up, to be your advisor. This can be my first act of service.”
A small smile lit up Karwyn’s face. “I will consider it if you swear to stick to your word this time. Attend all court meetings and commit to being my advisor.”
Rhay’s heart slowed in his chest, his stomach twisting. But what other way did he have to protect Amira? “Yes, I swear it.”
“Very well,” Karwyn agreed, his face relaxed for once. “Amira is too useless to even attempt to spy, but at the very least, she will keep Tarnan distracted from the contest and stay out of my way here. And if she does find fortae there, we could blame Tarnan for not being careful enough and allowing her to get hooked on pills. What a scandal that would be.” He patted Rhay on the shoulder. “You surprise me sometimes, Rhay. You are not as useless as your father thinks.”
Rhay forced himself to smile even though the comment dug into his heart. He hoped his plan wouldn’t end with Tarnan being thrown to the wolves. The king was doing him a favour. Pushing the guilt aside, Rhay’s hand twitched, seeking his violet flask in his pocket.
Thinking of his next steps, Rhay attempted, “You know, I’m not sure this wedding would be the best thing for you anymore. You’re well on your way to becoming the next high king, you don’t need a pathetic level-one to be your queen. Amira is only a liability now that you have your cousin at your side to show family strength.” Casually, Rhay picked up invisible fuzz from Karwyn’s jacket.
Karwyn narrowed his eyes. “I have signed a blood contract. Wryen is a plague, but Allamyst’s support does carry weight. And you have said it yourself, Loraine needs more time to train. As long as her powers are uncontrolled, she does not put the Adelway line in the best light.”
“You always say you don’t sign blood contracts without loopholes. Why are you so set on marrying Amira when you despise her?”
“I will not go back on my word to Wryen. My selection has made my engagement to Amira official, it would hurt my image to seek a loophole. My marriage to Amira will be nothing more than a formal binding. Once we are wedded, there is no need for me to see her beyond official events.” Karwyn sighed. “I am in no mood to explain all my motivations to you further. Do you not have a party to attend?”
At least Rhay had succeeded in convincing Karwyn to send Amira to Carnylen. Wryen would be forced to agree. “I do. Care to join?” Rhay replied, almost sure of Karwyn’s answer. He was done stating his case today, but Rhay wasn’t planning on giving up. If he could improve Lora’s handle on her magic, Karwyn would see Rhay’s reasoning. There was no need for Amira here at court.
“I have better things to do. But do keep an eye on my dear cousin. I find her quite…unruly.”
