Concealed Special Edition

by Christina Bauer

  Rowan’s features didn’t so much as twitch. “That’s happened before.”

  I lifted my chin. “You seem to know a lot about it. Something come up in your political work with Genesis Rex?”

  “I know what you’re suspecting, but don’t go near this, Elea. It isn’t safe. Keep looking for your Necromancers and stay out of Caster politics.”

  My brows lifted. “So, Genesis Rex is negotiating for her hand in marriage, isn’t he?”

  “And if he is?” Rowan moved closer until our bodies were inches apart. I couldn’t tell if he wanted to hold me or was getting ready to press off and run. Maybe he didn’t know either.

  “You should tell me, Rowan.”

  “When it comes to Genesis Rex, there are some things I can’t discuss, Elea. Even with you.”

  “If there’s some marriage being planned between Rex and Amelia, then it’s my business. She’s my friend, Rowan. Everyone around her is trying to pull her puppet strings, and it’s all because I stepped into her life.”

  “And if a wedding was in the works, what objections would you have?”

  I’d met Genesis Rex before. “The obvious one. Rex is simply too old for her.”

  Rowan narrowed his eyes. It didn’t seem fair that the man should have thick lashes on top of all his other gifts. “What about Rex? Not worried about his side of things?” There was an edge to his tone that I couldn’t quite place or understand.

  “Your uncle seemed nice enough. Even so, he’s lived a long life. Amelia’s young in a lot of ways. She’s sweet and trusting. Your uncle seemed very—” I looked around the forest, trying to find the right words. “Worldly.”

  “You care about her, don’t you?”

  I nodded. It was a weakness to have gotten attached to another person so quickly, but I had. “I don’t want to see her used as a pawn.”

  Rowan sighed. “She’s the Vicomte’s only heir. There’s no way to prevent that. If it isn’t Rex, it could be someone else.” He lifted his hand and gently rubbed my cheek with the backs of his fingers. Every brush of his skin sent pleasant shivers through my core. Rowan leaned in until his breath brushed my ear. “Not all of us are lucky enough to be Commoners like you.”

  I frowned as his words sunk in. I leaned my head against the trunk, despair weighing down my bones. “This is why we’re impossible. I’m a Commoner and you’re a member of the Imperial family. You shouldn’t be anywhere near me.”

  “I told you that I’d find a way for us. If you don’t believe me, you can walk away at any time.” He shifted his head until his mouth hovered just above mine. “But I think you believe me.”

  I meant to march off, I really did. Somehow, I couldn’t move a muscle. Instead, I slowly licked my lips. “So, what’s this ‘way’ you’re talking about?”

  “I’m working on it.”

  “I won’t be some secret, Rowan.”

  “And I don’t want that either. We belong together, Elea. Openly.” His voice deepened, and every word seemed to resonate through my soul. “When you left me in the desert, it was the hardest night of my life. I thought the pain of losing you would fade, but it only grew worse. I want you with me, and I think you want me too.” He brushed his nose up and down mine. My legs shook. “I will make things happen between us, Elea. And in whatever way you want. No secrets. Count on it.”

  With those words, something inside me snapped. I leaned in, pressing my mouth to his. All of a sudden, I couldn’t touch him enough. Our kiss turned fierce. I brushed my fingertips against the scruff of his chin, then ran my palms over the firm planes of his chest and even slid my hand down his thigh, feeling the steel of his muscles under the soft leather.

  Rowan’s mouth devoured mine. Still, his hands stayed firmly in place, set against the tree trunk while mine explored. Every so often, he’d let out a low growl of pleasure to show what he liked. It was a rush of power to know how I could affect him.

  Finally, Rowan broke our kiss and stepped away. I kept leaning against the tree trunk, panting for breath. “What’s wrong?”

  “Transport spell.” Rowan nodded to a small red cloud that had appeared on the forest floor. Red meant it was a Creation Caster. Someone was looking for him.

  My shoulders slumped. A man like Rowan can’t forget his responsibilities and run off. He may want to, but his people would never let him.

  Rowan hitched his thumbs into the waistband of his leathers. “I can see what you’re thinking.” He gestured to the solidifying mist. “My responsibilities won’t always interfere between us. I give you my word.”

  “And I believe you.” The words tumbled from my mouth, unbidden. What really shocked me was how fiercely I meant them. Beyond all reason, I trusted Rowan over anyone else in my life. Not that I should. My judgment wasn’t the finest. The last man I trusted, Tristan, had lied to me and tricked me into taking on a curse.

  Linden materialized in the clearing beside us. He appeared just as I remembered him—a lanky man with light brown hair and a missing arm. He’d changed since Rowan and I had freed him from the Midnight Cloister. After his release, Linden had looked positively skeletal. He’d been the victim of one of the Tsar’s experiments. It made my heart glad to see him looking so fit. He smiled. “Elea! It’s good to see you.”

  “And you, Linden.”

  He turned to Rowan. “You’re needed back at camp. Your uncle has new ideas for tonight.”

  My eyes widened. “Tonight? As in, the Montagne celebrations for Theodora?” There were two events for the celebration. The play took place tonight while the ball would be held tomorrow.

  Linden frowned. There was no real anger in it though. “I can’t speak about that.”

  “You and your secrets.” The Casters were forever hiding where they were going and what they were doing. When it came to Genesis Rex, their secrets turned extreme. Rex had a series of body doubles. All the guards wore leather helms over their faces to hide which man was their king. Rex was constantly under death threats, but still. “There’s no point in playing coy. Both of you are too easy to read. I’m going to attend tonight as well. I’ll see you there.”

  Rowan’s brows drew together. “It’s impossible for you to attend.”

  I shrugged. “I can be very persuasive.”

  Linden shook his head. “I’ve seen the aftermath of your magickal handiwork. I don’t even want to know how you plan to get an invitation. I’ve no doubt that you will succeed.”

  “Does that mean you’ll both be there?” I tried to ignore the way the thought of Rowan made my heart thud faster.

  Rowan gave me another one of his crooked grins. “Yes, I’ll be present.” He stepped up and pressed his palm against my cheek. I leaned into his touch. “Remember what I said.” His voice was so low, only I could hear him. “We’ll be together.” He moved in close enough to whisper in my ear. “Look for me at the ball tonight. I’ll be guarding Rex.”

  “I will.”

  He brushed a gentle kiss on my forehead and walked back to Linden. Soon, a red haze formed around both of them, and they vanished.

  For a long minute, I stared at the spot where Rowan had last stood. Bit by bit, my Necromancer training came back to me. Finally, I scrubbed my hands over my face and got back to work. I needed to ward this property, prepare for the ball at the Montagne estate, and forget about Rowan for a while. Too many lives were depending on me to do anything else.

  13

  There was no doubt about it. Casting these gods-damned protection spells was taking far too long. Still, I couldn’t stop now without risking everything I had cast before.

  As much as I wanted to leave, there was no other option. I simply had to finish my spellwork.

  I followed a trail deeper into the forest. Stout trees towered around me, their heavy branches blotting out any sign of the late afternoon sun. Hours had passed since I’d last spied another soul. No question why, either. This part of the forest was a muddy mess. With every step, my boots took on fresh streams of c
hilly sludge. Swarms of angry gnats buzzed around my head. The stale smell of rotting leaves filled the air. And my wards weren’t done yet.

  How I wish this was over.

  I trudged onto some high ground under an oak tree. At least, the earth here only oozed up to my ankles. There were no gnats either. Some tension left my shoulders. This spot was a definite improvement. I paused, ready to cast again.

  Closing my eyes, I reached out with my mage senses, searching for the cords of energy that I’d placed across this property. Every strand of power represented a different spell to protect the Havillands.

  The spells were all there, strong and solid. My heart lightened. My work was almost done.

  Raising my left hand, I spoke an incantation for giving my magick a visual form. Suddenly, my spells materialized as a glowing spider’s web of blue power that stretched off in every direction—a sight only I could see. Dainty lines of energy linked every rotting leaf, ridged tree trunk, and blade of grass. The ties appeared bright, solid, and strong. I lowered my hand and sighed.

  My casting’s complete.

  Satisfaction warmed my chest. The entire Havilland estate was now fully protected from virtually any mage. I glanced down at my mud-stained frock. The land might be fixed, but when it came to my appearance? What a mess. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me. I grew up on a farm, after all. The Montagne passion play started in a matter of hours. My pulse sped as I thought about what Kamilla had said in the Havilland’s gallery. Ada and the others might be hidden at Montage estate.

  I could rescue them all tonight. The thought made my head swim.

  I patted my pocket. Today, I’d headed out with my witness watch. I pulled out the device and glanced at the face. I still had until midnight tomorrow night. After that, the totem ring would be fully charged and my friends were good as dead. Determination made my hands ball into fists.

  Time to find out if Ada, Veronique, and the others were at the Montagne estate. My heart warmed at the thought. Perhaps I might even find some other trained Necromancers as well.

  I was tired of being the last of my kind.

  No matter what happened, I needed to get ready for tonight. Unfortunately, I’d wasted too much time casting spells today. I’d have to transport to Amelia’s mansion. I bit back a groan. Transport spells were the worst. They hurt like blazes and drained me of magick for hours.

  I sighed. There was no avoiding it. I’d never get a carriage in time.

  Raising my left arm, I gathered fresh Necromancer power to me. An azure mist swirled around my feet as the bones in my left palm glowed blue. I spoke the incantation for a transport spell to Amelia’s chamber.

  Strong as stone and fast as wind

  Magick moving without end

  Take me to my heart’s desire

  Travel racing fast as fire

  Darkness enveloped me. My muscles tensed, preparing for the pain that would surely follow. Transportation magick always hurt. It only got worse when my energy was low from casting, like it was today. The transport hit me like a boulder. Every bone felt crushed under enormous weight. Agony streamed through my limbs. All air left my body. I couldn’t even scream.

  The pain vanished. The spell was complete, but I couldn’t focus on my new surroundings. Air was my first priority. I leaned forward, bracing my arms on my knees as I gasped in breath after breath. Seconds passed before I noticed the familiar lines of Amelia’s chamber, from her elegantly carved furniture to her many tapestries of unicorns. Then, I noticed something that wasn’t familiar at all.

  Philippe stood half naked over Amelia’s washbasin.

  My mouth fell open. It wasn’t that Philippe was unattractive. I just saw him as more of a brother. Maybe.

  I quickly covered my eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  “My chamber is occupied and I needed to wash off.”

  “Occupied?” I peeped through my fingers. “You have more guests?”

  Philippe tossed his washcloth into the basin, picked up a white towel, and wrapped it loosely around his shoulders. Why didn’t the man put on a shirt? “Who said it was a guest? One of the new chambermaids is a dirty little vixen. She wanted me to—”

  I raised my hand. “I’d rather not know the specifics.”

  “In any case, she’s now asleep in my bed, and I needed to clean up.” He looked me over from head to toe. “But I’d say you’re in far worse shape than I am.”

  I couldn’t stop my smile. “That’s true. Could you send in a servant to help me, assuming that there are some you haven’t ravished into oblivion?”

  A mischievous light danced in his eyes. “There are, in fact, one or two who are still conscious.”

  As a good Necromancer, I should act appalled. Philippe seemed to make everything a grand adventure. I didn’t bother to keep the slyness out of my voice. “Glad to hear it.”

  Philippe rubbed his neck in a slow rhythm. “That was very impressive, by the by.”

  “What was?”

  “Your transport spell. I’d never seen one before. Amelia has some magick, but not enough to—” He grinned. “You know.”

  My heart warmed under his compliment. Only Grand Mistress Necromancers could manage transport spells, and even then, it was a rare skill. “Thank you.”

  The door flew open, and Amelia stepped into the room. She was wearing a silk dressing gown with her hair tied into loops using long strips of white cloth. “Elea! When did you arrive?”

  “Not long ago. I cast a transport spell from the Havilland estate after I’d finished their warding.”

  Amelia turned to her brother and gasped. “Philippe! Have you no shame?”

  He shrugged. “Not in particular.”

  Amelia gripped his forearm and dragged him toward the door. “You have to leave.” She paused. “No, you have to stay and put some clothes on first. What if the servants saw you this way?”

  At that comment, Philippe shot me a sly look. I could guess his meaning. Most of the servants here were young, female, and had already seen him naked. I fought down a laugh.

  Amelia scooped up a white shirt from the floor and handed it to her brother. “Now, put this on and leave. Summon Clothilde. We must get Elea ready.”

  Philippe slipped on the garment and turned to Amelia with a mock flourish. “Better?”

  “Presentable.” Her voice lowered to a hush. “And what were you doing in here with Elea, anyway?”

  Philippe just kept on smiling. “Why are we whispering?”

  “Because I don’t want the servants—” Amelia rushed over to the door and pulled it open. “Just get out of here.”

  “I can’t,” said Philippe.

  Amelia set her fist on her hip. “Now, you’re just being contrary.”

  “No, he isn’t.” I pointed past Philippe’s shoulder. A servant stood in the hallway beyond. I’d seen that kind of multicolored livery before. It was what servants of the Vicomte wore. My hands curled into fists. The last thing we needed was interference from that man.

  Amelia swung around and took in the new figure. All the blood drained from her pretty face. “What are you doing here, Giles?”

  “What I always do when I reach your door.” Giles bowed, but the disdain in his eyes said that he thought Amelia unworthy of such a gesture. “The Vicomte would like to see you in the reception room. Now.”

  Amelia’s eyes widened. “Daddy Dearest is here?”

  Giles sniffed, a motion that showed off the thin nostrils of his overlong nose. “Obviously.”

  “Yes, I’ll be right down.” Amelia closed the door and began pacing the floor. My heart went out to her. “I haven’t seen the Vicomte in years. What could he want?” She kept her voice so quiet I could hardly hear her. “Do you think he knows what we’re looking for?”

  “I don’t think so, Amelia,” I whispered. “If he knew, then the Vicomte would have sent guards, not come himself. Most likely, he’s here for another purpose.”

  Amelia and I shared a glance.
I thought back to our conversation with the Marchioness.

  The Vicomte wants to sell Amelia off in marriage.

  Philippe’s charming face turned stony. “Whatever your Daddy Dearest has planned, it won’t be good. And I won’t let him get away with it.”

  “Don’t be rash, Philippe. You know how he hates you already.” Amelia turned to me. “Can you do anything to help?” Her gaze landed pointedly on my left hand. “Make him forget why he came here?”

  I shook my head. “He’s sure to have Fantomes nearby.” I stepped closer and spoke in a whisper. “And if I’m to reveal myself, it must be for a higher purpose. Don’t forget what we’re working toward.” It was on the tip of my tongue to describe my vision of Ada and Veronique. Amelia needed to understand how horrible things really were for our friends. I’d held off before because she had such a sensitive nature. But now?

  Amelia stared at the tapestry for a long minute before speaking again. “You’re right. I can’t forget Veronique.”

  “Veronique.” Philippe folded his arms over his chest. “What a waste to try to help that one.”

  Amelia raised her chin. “We’re not having this discussion again, Philippe.”

  I stepped closer to Philippe and spoke in a gentle voice. “It’s more than Veronique, you know.”

  Philippe rubbed his neck in a nervous rhythm. “I know.” His carefree face became lined with worry. “I don’t like the idea of you risking yourself, Amelia.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be fine. Elea will be with me.”

  I took a half step backward. “I’m not at all sure I should accompany you.”

  Amelia grasped my arm. “He won’t recognize you, I swear.” Her fingers trembled against my skin. “And you’re so powerful. I’d feel better with you at my side.”

  “He’ll recognize me. I sent the Tsar into exile.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You saw him for a day. I’ve known the man all my life. If we dress you as a Royal, he won’t look at you twice.”

  I shot Philippe a questioning look. Amelia had said this before, but I still wasn’t sure. “Is this true?”