“A fair try,” Farrin said.
Is thatpraisein his voice?Rattled by the thought, Rakel coughed when his long body pinned her to the ground. She shoved her palms at him.
Thick snow barreled at him, but he rolled away, evading it. In less than an instant, he tapped his magic and was back at Rakel’s side. He grasped her wrist and pulled her to her knees—not roughly, but quickly. He then crouched next to her and grabbed her other wrist.
Rakel breathed deeply and eyed him, forcing her shoulders up.
Farrin shifted, drawing a little closer so Rakel wasn’t yanked forward by his hold on her wrist. “Are you certain you are not interested in joining the Chosen?” he asked. The shattering of the silence made Rakel flinch.
“I would not align myself with the Chosen if it was my only chance at living,” she said, her chin rising.
“It may very well be. You’re strong, Your Highness, and you’re quite good with your magic, but you cannot hope to face an army of magic users.” Although his words were harsh, his slate-colored eyes were unexpectedly sympathetic.
She tried to pull away. “What doyouknow about my magic?” She yelped when Farrin further invaded her space so he could grasp both of her wrists with one hand.
“Quite a bit. Since you seem unwilling to kill anyone—friend or foe—I have received extensive reports.”
Rakel had to bite back a snort.He thinks I would show off my strongest magic? With all of those villagers and soldiers to see? How dense does he think I am?
“If you don’t want to join us, leave Verglas.” He held tight to her wrists, but he lowered them so they rested on his knee.
Rakel blinked. “What?”
“This land already belongs to the Chosen. You’re fighting the inevitable. Take what followers you have left and leave. With so many people—and with your royal blood—you will not be mistreated, in spite of your magic.” The planes of his face were smooth, and he spoke not with anger or aggression…but sincerity.
Rakel stared at him, confused by his freely given advice. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I would loathe to see you slain merely because you are an idealist.” Farrin boldly met her gaze. The white mark of his scar sliced across his face with stark clarity thanks to the bright moon.
“I amnot?—”
“You are,” Farrin said. His voice was as firm as rock, but not unkind. His eyes traced her features, like he was searching for something. “Leave Verglas. Try Farset, or Kozlovka if you must have snow.”
“I will not abandon Verglas. I won’t allow you to enslave these people,” Rakel said, her voice shaking with anger.
“It’s too late, Your Highness.” His breath was warm on her face. “Don’t throw yourself away for a beautiful dream.”
“Adream?” Rakel growled.
Farrin slid his free hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “A dream,” he repeated. He stared at her for several long moments—his forehead furrowed—and Rakel could see the battle raging in his eyes. He traced her jaw line with a finger before he released her hands with a sigh and stood. “Go, and—if you care for any of the people who serve you—leave Verglas.”
Rakel—unnerved by his touch—gaped at him. “You’re letting me go?” she asked, losing her studied elegance in her surprise.
“I’m allowing you to flee in honor of the care you have used when fighting my soldiers. Next time, I will not hesitate to drag you back to my camp with me.” He flexed the hand he had used to touch her face, frowned, then glanced at her. “Think over what I’ve said, Your Highness.” His black cape swirled behind him, and he was gone, carried away by his speed magic.
Rakel was paralyzed with shock for several long moments.What just happened? What could have moved him to release me?Remembering the intensity with which he studied her, Rakel shivered. She drew her cape around herself and set off in the direction the sleighs had gone.
CHAPTER 9
MUSINGS ON MAGIC
Oskar leaned back in his chair and tapped his nose. “So they’re attacking tomorrow, hmm? Do they have any reason to think weknowthey’re going to attack?”
“Not necessarily,” Phile said, her hands planted on her hips. “We arranged Graydim’s office exactly as it was. I’m confident he doesn’t know we visited his quarters.”
“However…?” Rakel said.
“They might change their plans because of our small excursion. It still confuses me that Graydim let you waltz on your merry way, Little Wolf.”
