As the curtains and windows fly open and the invisible creatures leave the room, I feel a chill run down my spine. I shudder thinking of the unseen guards who lurked in this room, watching us and protecting Malachi without me even realizing it.
Silas turns his back on his father and exits the room, the door slamming behind him. I feel Silas shift, and our connection dims as he and Larkin leave the castle. I slowly turn my focus back to Malachi, and a wicked smile graces his face.
“Alone at last, with a worthy opponent.” He looks me up and down. “You look stunning, by the way. Good enough to eat.”
“Of course I’m worthy.” I steady my stance and calm my racing heart. “But, I don’t think we need to become rivals right away, Malachi.”
He studies me like a hunter finding his prey, but what he doesn’t know is that I love a challenge.
I return his prying gaze and size him up, asking, “How old are you?”
For a second, he’s surprised by my question. “Ouch, Briar. Do I look that bad?”
“Who said I was basing that question on looks? Not everything is physical, Your Majesty. I’m basing my question on the advanced abilities I’ve heard of, and now seen.” I smile, and place my hands behind my back. “However, if we are talking about your looks, my question still stands.”
He laughs. “Don’t you know it’s rude to ask someone their age?”
“That doesn’t offend you, though,” I bite back. “Does it?”
“No, it doesn’t, but I’m glad you can recognize my wisdom. Many people don’t understand my level of…knowledge.”
I angle my head. “Is that what we are going to call it?”
“I’m not sure why I’m surprised that the daughter of Lornx Blackbyrne has a mouth that wicked.” He stands, ensuring that we are on an even playing field. “Is that mouth how you won Silas over, or was it something else?”
Malachi stares directly at my lips, his eyes darkening, and a wave of repulsion hits my stomach.
“You are truly nauseating.”
“Oh, take a joke.” He points to the sitting area near a roaring fire. “Shall we?”
I let him take the lead, and I curl my fists at my side. I won’t let him get under my skin. Silas warned me about his father countless times. I refuse to let fear take over my mind. Malachi gestures to an empty chair, and I follow his instruction to sit. He crosses his legs and studies me for a moment, his brows wrinkled. The crackling fire pops, and I can’t help but flinch. He smiles, aware that I’m on edge.
“You are fascinating.” Malachi chews his lip.
“Is that a compliment?” I spit back. “Or another insult?”
“However, you’d like to take it.”
I huff a sarcastic laugh.
“The strongest vessel for Kalix to ever live.” He taps his index fingers on his lips. “Tell me, can she hear us right now?”
“No, she can’t. I can control her, and right now, she isn’t here.” I place my hands casually in my lap. “Right now, she isn’t even a thought in my mind."
He laughs wildly. “You cannot control her. She only lets you believe that you can.”
“And how would you know?” I question.
He pauses, thinking of his next words carefully, and the slightest change in his eyes lets me know that he’s trying to enter my mind. I glance at his wrist, noticing a bit of grey discoloration on his skin. I tilt my head and let my thoughts swirl.
“That’s a story for another wonderful meeting, Queen.”
That title on his lips makes my skin crawl, and I can’t help but fidget in my chair. I narrow my eyes, carefully considering my next move. He’s currently playing a dangerous game of back and forth, and what he doesn’t know is that I was made for this game. A subtle tap in my mind makes my insides squirm; the tattoo is blocking him right now, and I’m thankful for the pain I experienced at this moment.
“You know,” he says, clearing his throat. “I was truly upset when Silas found a way to block my talents a few years ago. I had such a great time tormenting him as he grew older.” He smiles, fully aware of the weight of his words. “Given how your mind is closed off, he must have shared this knowledge with you. Tell me. How much did it hurt?”
“Like hell,” I respond. “But, all the pain was worth the miserable look on your face right now.”
