“Karl did. I’m not sure why.”
I glance at them, expecting another attack, but they’re both calmer now. It doesn’t make any sense until I feel the hint of magic in the air. The High Witch must have done something to them.
The king walks over until he’s standing in front of Karl and Cheryl. “You defied me, then proceeded to attack a member of my inner circle at the first opportunity. I ought to kill you both for treason.”
Manu gasps, clutching her throat.
“My king, I don’t think they’re acting rationally. Something else is afoot,” I intervene. I can’t allow the king to punish them in such a final manner.
He cuts me a look that says I should keep my mouth shut or I’ll be facing punishment as well. I grind my jaw until my teeth hurt.
“But for better or for worse, you’re my niece’s mate, and ending your life means forcing her to live a half-existence. I won’t do that to her. It’s for that reason that, instead of sentencing you to death, I’m banishing you and your sister from my court. If you’re ever caught trespassing on my lands, youwillbe executed.”
Pain flares in my stomach as if I was punched in the gut. I look at Lucca, pleading with my eyes for him to intervene. All he does is shake his head. He has never disappointed me until tonight.
The king turns to Solomon, the first familiar. “They’re your problem now.”
He nods. “Yes, my king.”
The High Witch recites a spell that puts Karl and Cheryl in a magically induced sleep. I’m about to volunteer to bring them to Solomon’s hut when the king asks to speak to Lucca and me in private.
I spare another glance at Cheryl, wondering if I’ll ever see her again. My chest has never felt this heavy. Even if she could forgive me for what I’ve done to her and her brother, what hope is there for us? She’s banished from King Raphael’s court, and I’ll never desert him. I’ve sworn to protect the king and his family, and I won’t break my vow.
With hunched shoulders, I follow King Raphael to his personal chambers. Lucca’s posture is as dejected as mine. No sooner are we alone with the king than Lucca speaks his mind. “Do you think banishing them will work to keep Karl away from Manu?”
“Solomon will make sure of it.” The king approaches the fireplace and watches the flames dance.
“By using his peculiar type of magic,” Lucca continues.
“Karl was intent on killing me tonight, and I can’t fathom why he’d be so vicious. Does his behavior have anything to do Queen Maewe’s curse?” I ask.
“No,” Lucca replies. “I’m at a loss as well for Karl’s behavior. And how he managed to escape his prison cell.”
The king turns and faces us. “I set Karl free.”
Lucca’s eyebrows arch. “Why?”
“Manu begged me to. She also made another request, and that’s why I asked to speak with you alone.”
Lucca and I trade worried glances.
“She doesn’t want anyone to remind her that Karl is her mate. You aren’t to talk, hint, or answer questions about their romantic relationship. He’s only her familiar.”
I open my mouth to swear on it, but then I feel the compulsion to follow the king’s orders. He’s using his power on us, binding us to his will. I’ve never felt more powerless in my life. Lucca’s eyes are wide as he stares at his uncle in surprise.
It takes a few seconds until the knowledge of what Karl is to Manu evaporates from my mind like an early-morning mist.I shake my head, trying to hold on to the memory, but I’m left with nothing but the annoyance of not remembering something important.
Three
CHERYL
ITALY, 1521
Iwake up disoriented, not recognizing my surroundings or the scents. It smells like bark, herbs, sweat, and the cloying, sweet aroma of magic. The place is small, cluttered, and dark, but it’s definitely not a dungeon cell, and there aren’t any vampires in the vicinity.
The last memory I have is of trying to protect Ronan from Karl’s wrath. Not that the asshole deserved it. He made me believe he cared about me, only to turn around and take the princess’s side.
I’m still in my wolf form, which means we weren’t poisoned with wolfsbane.
