Before I can say anything, the unrestrained spasms begin. Her arms and legs jerk haphazardly. Violent quakes rack her body. The blood drains from her face, tiny whimpers forcing their way past blue-tinged lips as her eyes roll back in her head.
I step toward her only to receive a sharp jab to my stomach.
A cough is forced out of me as I double over while Neris continues to seize. “I have to help her!” I choke out. “She’s not breathing!” The blue tinge is spreading from her lips to the rest of her face, her neck straining. My fists clench, but my powersdon’t answer me. It’s a stillness—a level of control—that I’ve always craved, but now … Realms, I feel powerless.
“Take that one to the infirmary,” says the sovereign. His voice is cool, as if nothing out of the ordinary is occurring
He takes another step so he’s towering over me. He nods to one of the soldiers who grabs Neris’s body from the floor. The soldier disappears from the spot, leaving me with Sovereign Rheon, the masked woman, and the other soldier at my side.
“What is your name?” the sovereign asks.
My shoulders slump even as I try to push them back. “Gwyneth fa Eurig.” The words slip out automatically, and I wince, shaking my head. My heart thrums faster. “Pendry,” I correct. “Gwyneth Pendry of Barr na Cahar.”
Recognition sparks in the sovereign’s eyes. “fa Eurig. Any relation to Eurig Davies? Royal Guard?”
“Yes, Your …”
“Excellency,” he says with a smile that could curdle milk.
My hand starts to move to my pocket before I remember that my wrists are bound. “Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Your family’s name is renowned. So, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I expect you can handle coming to an accord in a civilized fashion. This castle has been through enough; I doubt you want to reduce it to rubble. Especially with your father within its walls, yes?”
The threat rings loud and clear. “I can be civilized, Your Excellency.”
“Outstanding. So, let’s state the terms of our agreement before I have my enforcer release you from your bonds.” He glances up, looking past me at someone. “Ah, Jac, just in time,” he says.
I dare to turn my head as a young man with skin a shade darker than mine and red robes walks into the room. A stack of books and a couple scrolls are balanced in his arms.
Is this his enforcer?
“I need you to draft an agreement for me,” says the sovereign.
“No problem, Your Excellency.” The man hurries to the desk, preparing a quill and inkwell and laying out a fresh parchment, pinned down at the top and bottom with paperweights.
“I, Sovereign Rheon Odhran hereby declare that Gwyneth … Pendry, is it?” He looks at me.
“Yes, Excellency.”
“—be exempt from penalty provided that she joins the Zenith in its quest to restore balance to the realm and provide safety for Magekind.”
My eyes bulge. Am I hearing correctly?
His gaze focuses on me again. “What are your conditions should I allow you to join our cause, Lady Gwyneth?”
Taking a breath and straightening my posture at the expense of more pain at my wrists, I say, “Safety for my friend. She was only trying to protect me from a threat in my own home. She is brave, clever, and has excellent baking and cooking skills. She can do anything asked of her with impeccable proficiency.” Ihateto paint her as a servant, but I’m desperate. “She also is a quick learner. She would make a fine scholar.” She’ll kill me.
Realms, I hope she’s alive. Anxiety wraps its hateful fingers around my throat and squeezes.
At the same time, the sovereign grips my chin lightly, and my blood runs cold. My heart thuds wildly in my chest. He tips my face up to his, and I hold my breath. “Is this what she was protecting you from?” Rheon asks.
My brows pinch. With everything that occurred after catching Arionna and Gruffud, I’d long forgotten about Gruffud’s impassioned blow. The sovereign’s touch suddenly feels less daunting. “Yes, Your Excellency. My husband struck me, and Reneris stepped in to defend me.”
“For what reason did your husband strike you?”
I try not to gape at him openly. There should be no reason that would justify anyone striking their partner, but alas. “I caught him bedding another woman.”
Silence fills the space as the sovereign releases me. He steps back and addresses the man with the red robe. “Provided that Lady Gwyneth joins the Zenith—” His brow lifts. “What is your friend’s full name?”
