Gathering Darkness (28 page)

He'd already come halfway. He may as well continue.

After another healthy sip from the goblet, he took a deep breath and quickly related everything he knew, everything Cleo had told him—about the awakened crystals, about the blood magic ritual needed to claim them. When he was done, he felt purged of darkness.

“So Cleo doesn't have one in her possession yet,” Amara said.

“No, not yet.”

“I see.” She appeared to ponder this as a servant approached and whispered into her ear. “Yes, very good. Go ahead and send him out here.”

“Please, your grace,” Nic spoke again to Ashur. “I urge you to leave this villa immediately.”

“You worry too much,” Ashur replied with a smile.

“And it seems as if you don't worry at all.”

“I simply choose my worries very carefully.”

A flash of red caught Nic's eye. He turned to see who had now emerged onto the patio, and, jumping up to his feet, he knocked over his goblet and spilled the rest of his cider across the tabletop.

Burrus, his enemy, stood before him.

“What are you doing here?” Nic demanded. “You're supposed to be in the dungeon.”

“Not anymore,” the thug replied.

A thought hit Nic like a sucker punch. “You're the prisoner who escaped, who killed Cronus. Aren't you?”

Burrus snorted. “Hardly. I was freed yesterday. Milo is still inside and he can rot there as far as I'm concerned. Now shut up, maggot. I didn't come here for you.” He glanced at the princess. “I have information.”

“Very good,” she said with a nod. “Tell us.”

Nic watched with shock as a slow and unpleasant realization had begun to set in.

The Kraeshians had more than one Limerian guard in their pocket.

“Late this afternoon, Prince Magnus and Princess Cleiona were spotted boarding a ship bound for Limeros, following on the heels of Princess Lucia, who has eloped with her tutor.”

“Limeros?” Ashur said.

“Yes. They left in great haste. I know this much: Princess Cleo was charged with treason and imprisoned earlier today. She was to be executed. And yet she's now boarded a ship while being very much alive.”

Nic's world ground to a halt. “What do you mean, she was to be executed?”

“Did I stutter? Are you stupid? Oh, wait. I already know you are.” Burrus rolled his eyes. “Princess Amara, don't bother trying to coax information out of this useless idiot. I'll tell you everything you need to know. For the right price, of course.”

“Of course.” Amara smiled at him and reached forward to pat his arm. “And I'm grateful for that. What else do you know?”

“Nothing at this time, princess.”

“So all who hunt the Kindred, apart from the king himself, have picked up and left for Limeros. Coincidental, don't you think?” She glanced at Ashur.

“I don't think it's coincidental at all,” he replied.

“Apologies,” Burrus said, “but did you say ‘the Kindred'? As in, the legendary treasure of the Watchers?”

“Guard!” Amara called out. A moment later, the guard from the entrance appeared at the archway.

“Your highness,” he said.

“We're done with our friend Burrus here. He knows far too much; I can't let him leave. Take him away and kill him, as quietly as possible.”

Burrus inhaled sharply. “Wh-what? Your grace, I've done everything you've asked of me.”

“And you've been very helpful. But now we're done.”

Two more guards appeared to help remove Burrus from the patio as Nic looked on, stunned.

He hated Burrus to his last breath, but he never would have expected this.

Nic realized that Amara was studying him as if she were considering painting his portrait. “Tell me, brother,” she said. “Has he been of any use to you?”

“Some,” Ashur replied. “Although not nearly as much as I'd hoped.”

His tone was strangely cold, confusing Nic deeply. “What's going on?” he asked.

Amara stood and squeezed Nic's shoulder. “I know it must be difficult to realize that things aren't always as you believe them to be. And I know my brother can be devastatingly charming. He could make a wild boar fall in love with him if he put his mind to it. You were hardly any challenge for him at all. Was it that first forbidden kiss that sealed your destiny? Did it make you dream of sharing more?” She cast an amused look toward Ashur as Nic just gritted his teeth in silence. “So what now? Shall we kill him, too?”

Nic was about to leap up from the table when he felt the cold pressure of sharp steel at his throat and Amara yanked him back against her.

Cleo would be so disappointed in him. He'd betrayed her in an attempt to save her by sharing information with these two. This was all his fault.

“No. He can still be of use to us.” Ashur dragged his chair closer to Nic's. “If you're right about Cleo and the others, we will need something on hand to convince her to help us, won't we?”

“Yes,” she said after a moment. “I suppose you have a point.”

Ashur reached into the pocket of his surcoat and pulled out a small glass vial. “I happen to have this on hand, just in case.”

Amara laughed lightly. “My brother, prepared for anything.”

The prince righted Nic's toppled goblet and refilled it with cider, then flicked the stopper off the vial and poured in the contents. “This is a sleeping potion. It's very powerful, but completely tasteless. Drink it now, please.”

Nic stared at him, his disbelief at this betrayal rendering him numb. Of course, Prince Ashur had been manipulating him all along. He'd started his game that night in the tavern, planning to slowly plant more seeds over time. Ashur had given him just enough, the smallest taste, proving himself to be an expert at this particular sport.

“Drink, Nic,” Ashur said, his tone even. “Or my sister will cut your throat.”

Trembling with anger and the ache of disappointment, Nic picked up the goblet, tipped it back, and drained it in three gulps.

I'm so sorry,
Cleo
.

“Good.” Ashur nodded as Nic's world began to dim. “Now, let's proceed, shall we?”

CLEO

LIMEROS

C
leo didn't have enough time to find Nic and tell him what was happening before she fled the palace.

The thought that he'd have no idea whether she was alive or dead pained her. She prayed that he'd stay safe. She had to hold on to her knowledge that Nic was as smart as he was loyal, that he'd find a way to survive until they saw each other again.

Unaccompanied by guards who might notify the king of their unscheduled plans, the prince and princess quickly journeyed to the docks at King's Harbor. After pressing some gold into a dockworker's hand, Magnus learned that Lucia and Alexius had been there hours earlier, and that they'd boarded a ship bound for Limeros.

It was the confirmation they needed.

More gold secured another ship for them, set to sail along the eastern shore toward the northern kingdom of Mytica in pursuit.

The captain of the ship had recognized Magnus immediately. The prince confided in him that he and Cleo were chasing after Lucia to stop her from eloping with her tutor, and that it had to be kept secret.

Again and again throughout the trip Cleo tried to corner Magnus for a private conversation about what happened in the dungeon, but despite their small ship, he managed to avoid her at every turn.

Days after their departure, the ship finally reached its destination. The captain took the Niveus Seaway, which cut east into Limeros, and finally docked in Ravencrest, the largest city in the kingdom.

Finally. Another day on this cramped ship with only her thoughts to keep her company, and she'd go absolutely mad.

Cleo disembarked and gathered her dark gray cloak closer, pulling its fur-lined hood up to shield her identity. Her breath froze in clouds in front of her.

Everywhere else it was midsummer, but in Limeros, winter seemed to stretch out eternally. While at a glance it was beautiful, so pristine and white, it would be horrible to have to live in a place that stayed so cold all of the time.

It had just started to snow and the ground was slippery beneath the smooth soles of Cleo's shoes, which were meant for walking in much warmer places.

“Let's go,” Magnus said. He, too, had his hood up over most of his face. While they did have legitimate cause for being in Limeros, it would be best to avoid recognition as much as possible.

Just as they were about to get on their way, a voice called out, stopping them. “Prince Magnus? Oh my! Could it really be you? Here? How wonderful to see you and your lovely wife again!”

So much for staying incognito.

Magnus groaned, his steps slowing as an older woman covered head to toe in furs approached them. Cleo recognized her from the wedding tour. They'd met briefly at the Limerian palace before Magnus's speech, but she couldn't recall the woman's name. Remembering the names of nobles had always been her older sister's forte, not hers.

“Lady Sophia,” Magnus said, baring his teeth in a reasonable facsimile of a smile. “A pleasure, as always.”

Lady Sophia's cheeks were bright from the cold and her smile was stretched, coaxing wrinkles to the corners of her eyes. “I had no idea you were in town.”

“We just arrived.”

“To stay, I hope? Or have you become so used to Auranos's warmer climes that you've abandoned your true home?” she said with levity, without even an edge of accusation.

“I could never abandon Limeros forever.”

He sounded so composed, but he couldn't be. They'd been recognized, which Cleo knew was the last thing he'd wanted.

“Where are you staying tonight? Nightfall is upon us and the snow is thickening. Many believe it will be a very bad storm, I'm afraid.”

The darkening skies above looked very grim indeed. If a storm gathered, it would make traveling on foot next to impossible.

Cleo started as Lady Sophia grasped and squeezed her hands in greeting.

“Princess!” she gasped before Cleo could respond. “Your hands are so cold! Your highness, your beautiful wife is freezing to death out here! We must get her somewhere warmer immediately. I'm staying at my city villa tonight after a day of visiting with my sisters. Please, allow me to offer you the hospitality of my home for the night. Unless you have somewhere else in mind?”

Cleo couldn't help but be charmed by Lady Sophia's exuberant and generous offer. And with the oncoming storm, where
did
Magnus propose they sleep? Outside, where they'd turn into blocks of ice?

“That's very generous of you,” Cleo said when Magnus stayed silent. This decision would be hers to make. “Yes, of course, we accept your kind offer. Much gratitude to you. However, we'll need to be on our way at first light.”

“Certainly.” Lady Sophia beamed, then gestured for her servants to draw her carriage up. “Where are your trunks?”

“They'll stay on the ship for now,” Magnus said. What little they'd managed to gather before leaving didn't take up much room at all. “I brought my wife here to see the local shops, and to show her that Auranian dressmakers aren't the only ones capable of creating magnificent gowns.”

His
wife
. That word, from his lips, always sent a shiver down her spine.

And she had to admit, he was very a good liar—nearly as good as she was.

“Very true.” Lady Sophia nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, what fun! I adore having honored guests at my villa!”

Oh, yes. What fun indeed.

• • •

Lady Sophia's villa was much grander than Cleo had expected. It was every bit as large as most of the villas in the City of Gold, only the decor was much less elaborate. Whitewashed walls, sparse artwork, smooth unadorned floors. But quite comfortable.

And cozy. She'd forgotten how the cold outside could help one appreciate the warmth inside. It was a thought that never occurred to her in Auranos, where fireplaces were used only for decoration.

Soon they were ushered by servants into the dining room and seated at a long table.

“Hmm. I have missed the taste of
kaana
these last months,” Magnus said over dinner, his expression a bit stiff.

“My cook does wonders with it,” Lady Sophia said from the other end of the long table. “I'm sure your father would be pleased to know that we continue to include this official Limerian delicacy with most meals. What do you think of it, princess?”

Cleo looked down at the yellowish muck adorning her plate, sitting next to some overcooked chicken and limp asparagus. Limerian delicacy?
Kaana
tasted like slimy, rotting seaweed.

“Delicious,” she replied.

“How is your sister, Prince Magnus?” Lady Sophia asked as the servants refilled their goblets with peach nectar.

Magnus dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin. “Delightful, as always.”

“Still unbetrothed?”

His lips thinned. “You could say that.”

True. Elopements did not require a betrothal.

Cleo tried another mouthful of the disgusting
kaana
, forcing herself to swallow it down.

“My son, Bernardo, remains unmarried, believe it or not,” she said with a bright smile. “I will never give up on my dream of joining our families through marriage.”

“Nor will I, Lady Sophia.”

This woman amused Cleo deeply. She seemed completely oblivious to everything and everyone around her, yet entirely genuine in her comments and questions. Cleo needed more Lady Sophias in her life.

The woman's expression then shifted as if a cloud had crossed her inner sunlight. “I want to offer my deepest condolences for your mother's passing, your highness. Queen Althea was a dear friend for many years and, I know, a wonderful and devoted mother to you and Princess Lucia.”

Magnus nodded stiffly, focusing entirely on his plate. “Thank you for your kind words. She was certainly a special woman.”

Cleo watched him from across the table. Mention of the queen had brought a flicker of grief to his eyes, but it was restrained, just like everything else about him.

She still believed it had to have been the king who'd given Aron the order to kill the queen. Did Magnus believe that too? And, if so, had he confronted his father about this? If he had, nothing had resulted from it. She imagined only more lies had left the king's lips to divert Magnus's suspicions..

The king lied to get what he wanted, to anyone and everyone.

Cleo only lied to protect herself and those she cared about. And she'd continue to do so when needed, without shame or remorse.

Whatever it took to survive this. Her fight wasn't over yet. Far from it.

• • •

“I certainly hope it's not too unpleasant,” Lady Sophia said as she accompanied Cleo and Magnus to their bedchamber. The woman's finely lined face was finally starting to show signs of worry, and she patted her salt-and-pepper hair nervously at the doorway. “If I'd known you were coming, I could have made much more suitable preparations.”

“No, it's perfect.” Cleo grasped Lady Sophia's hands and squeezed. “Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”

“Any time, princess. Any time at all!” Lady Sophia beamed brightly. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

She closed the door, leaving them alone.

“This is absolutely ridiculous,” Magnus grumbled. “We shouldn't even be here. We're wasting precious time.”

“It's snowing,” Cleo reminded him.

He glanced toward the window. “It's always snowing in Limeros.”

“We'll find Lucia tomorrow morning. Besides, I'm sure she and Alexius have also taken shelter for the night.”

“Yes, much gratitude for the reminder that my sister is somewhere alone with
him
.”

Was this jealousy? Or pure concern for her safety? Cleo wasn't entirely sure.

“It's getting late. Wouldn't want to stand in the way of your beauty rest.” Magnus swept a glance across the room, stopping at the canopied bed. “The floor is all yours.”

She was sure Lady Sophia wouldn't think that deciding who got the bed was something a newly married couple would have to discuss, yet it most certainly would be an issue tonight.

When Cleo didn't reply, Magnus frowned. “No cutting comeback, princess? I'm disappointed.”

Squabbling wouldn't do either of them any good right now and it only wasted time. “What happens tomorrow?” she asked.

“It's simple. We find Lucia. We stop her from making the horrible mistake of marrying Alexius or helping him claim the crystal in any way. And then I will kill him.”

She stared at him. Was that his solution to every problem? “That's a bit rash, don't you think?”

“Is it? He's using her; he has been all this time. It's one thing we agree on.”

“That doesn't mean he deserves to die.”

“We'll have to disagree on that. No surprise there.”

He was being deeply unpleasant this evening, more so than usual, which was saying a lot. “What about the crystal?”

“I won't be leaving Limeros without it.”

“You.”

“Yes, me. What?” He cocked his head. “Did you think I'd give it to you as a gift? It's mine. It's always been mine.”

“And your father's, you mean.”

“No. Not his.” Magnus went to the window and peered outside. “It seems that Lady Sophia was mistaken. The clouds are passing, the snow is stopping. And there's a full moon on the rise. That'll help light our way when we head out for the temple tonight. Lady Sophia will have to deal with my rude disregard for her hospitality as best she can.”

Suddenly Cleo realized that she and Magnus were finally alone with no one listening in. Total privacy.

It was time to get to the truth of matters.

“Why did you do it?” Cleo asked, her stomach in knots, and not only because of the meal she'd forced down to be polite.

He didn't turn around. “Do what, princess?”

She forced herself to sound confident, keeping her chin high. “I can't figure it out. I've been thinking about it for days now and it still makes no sense. Based on your sullen attitude and the fact that you've barely looked at me since we left Auranos, all I know for sure is that you regret saving my life. Of course, why wouldn't you? It was the stupidest and most irresponsible decision you could have made and I'm sure your father will never forgive you.”

Magnus turned to face her directly. On his face was an annoying mask of indifference, as if they were discussing nothing more important than the weather. “My father would forgive me for anything if given enough time. His children are one of his few weaknesses. It's something I've only recently realized.”

In Cleo's opinion, Magnus vastly overestimated the king's capacity for forgiveness. “You murdered Cronus. The king valued him more than any other guard.”

“I was left with no other choice. He wouldn't have spared you, even on my orders. He'd already been issued a direct command by the king, and Cronus never failed my father. Ever. And the other guard . . . well, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. That was too bad for him.” Magnus shook his head. “I don't want to talk about this.”

She didn't care if he wanted to talk about it or not. She needed answers and she wouldn't give up. “As much as it pains me to admit it, your life would be a lot easier if you'd let him kill me. No fake marriage, no worrying about your secrets being exposed, no more threat to your father's stolen throne.”

He focused on the sleeve of his coat, brushing off an invisible piece of lint as if it were the most important task in the world. “You knew where I could find both Lucia and the water Kindred. I needed that information. And when I return with both of them, my father will come to appreciate why I did what I did.”

“I didn't say anything about the crystal until after.”

“Then all I can say is that I have no further explanation that will properly satisfy you.”