She pulled her hands back as if they’d been burned and pushed against his chest.
His arms tightened around her and a wicked smile tugged at his mouth. “Now that was much better, my dear. Up until the end.”
She struggled to break free but couldn’t move. She tried to scream, but it was cut off as he pushed his lips against hers again, this time allowing the tendrils of magic to weave their way into her mind.
“No,” she begged, close to hysteria. “I’ll do anything. I’ll make Philip hate me. I’ll be cruel. But you’re hurting him, your own son. Can’t you see that? And your revenge on me is more than sufficient already.”
“Sacrifices have to made,” was his only answer. “And Philip is a mage, no matter how untrained or weak. I don’t have the same control over him I have over everyone else. And he cares for you. He sees what others don’t. I can’t have him getting in the way of his own destiny. Besides,” he ran a finger along her cheek, “I’ve started to enjoy our time together.”
His voice was seductive and without even thinking, she tried to take a step back. He only pulled her closer, his fingers digging into her back.
“You’re beautiful and I can make you into anything I want.” He stroked the side of her cheek. “I’m going to need a queen, and you are the perfect choice. The people respect you; they know you. And you won’t be around long. When you die, it might even earn me a little sympathy.”
She couldn’t breathe. The thought of being Kern’s wife, of having him touch her, of having him own her… “No.” She shook her head. “I can’t. I won’t. I—”
He ran a finger along the edge of her cheek. “Yes, you will. In exchange, I’ll allow you moments where the pain is gone and your mind is your own.” He paused. “If not, then everything will go back to how it was.”
Her eyes closed in defeat and surrender, hating herself. And when his lips met hers, she kissed him back, allowing him to take away the pain and almost wishing he’d take the memory of what she’d done along with it.
* * *
Maren heard the soft knock on her door. “Come in.”
Kira walked in carrying an armful of dresses. “Lord Teige wanted to know if you liked any of these.” She dropped them in a pile on the bed and then held up one of cream satin overlaid with intricate lace.
Maren shook her head. Cream reminded her too much of her presentation ball.
Kira searched through the pile and pulled out one that was dusty green. “How about this? It would bring out your eyes.”
Maren reached for it and held it up before facing the mirror. It did look pretty and brought a little color to her cheeks. She turned back to Kira and paused, unsure of how to ask what she wanted to know.
“I don’t understand why you’re here,” she finally said.
Kira’s brows wrinkled in confusion. “What do you mean? I’m here to help you.”
“I know, but why? Why you? We haven’t exactly been friends.” She struggled to organize her thoughts. “And yet you helped me when I was…unwell. I remember. Not very much, but enough to know you were there those weeks when I wasn’t myself. Why?”
Kira appeared to struggle for an answer. “That night, when I helped you to your bed, when I saw your injury, something changed for me. Suddenly you weren’t just the girl who’d stolen Philip from me.” She shook her head. “Not that you ever had. He was always yours. I was just too blind to realize it. Even then, I probably wouldn’t have done what I have. But when the queen came to me, asking if I’d be willing to help you, I said yes. It was as much a shock to the queen as it was to me. And when I asked her why she chose me, she said Lord Teige had suggested it. I don’t know why me, but I haven’t regretted my decision.” She looked down at her hands. “I’m glad I’ve been able to help.”
Of all the ladies Kern could have chosen, he’d requested Kira. He probably thought Kira was the one she was the most unlikely to confide in, the one she wouldn’t trust.
But there was a problem with his plan. Kira had changed. She’d seen Maren vulnerable and realized some things weren’t as important as she’d thought. And that small act, Kira’s willingness to put aside the past and help, gave Maren a semblance of hope. Kern, in all his hate and revenge, couldn’t have foreseen that a kind of friendship might develop between her and Kira. And no matter what else happened, no matter that her life was in chaos, that she couldn’t help Daric or prevent Kern from destroying the kingdom, at least she’d made a friend.
Twenty-one
Maren pulled the hood of her cloak closer around her face and glanced back over her shoulder before ducking down a small alley. She shouldn’t be here. But as soon as Kern was otherwise occupied she’d come anyway.
She could think again and had to find a way to stop Kern. He hadn’t let the pain get too overwhelming – as long as she stayed away from Philip, who hadn’t once tried to talk to her since Kern released her from the darkness – but every time Maren thought about what Kern planned, every time she looked at Daric or Adare, every time she saw their relief that she was more herself, her determination grew. And this was the one place she might find what she needed.
Inching down the alley, she emerged onto another street. It was very unlike the more populated parts of the city. The street was narrow with rickety buildings on either side that shut out most of the sun. It was dark. And not just literally. The entire atmosphere pressed in on her. She wrapped her arms around herself and continued down the street.
To her left, two old hags huddled over a large cauldron. Every minute or so, a wisp of grey smoke spiraled into the air. Shivering, she stepped away, only to run into a man so tall she barely came to his chest. His eyes were the color of coal with a mouth so thin it could have been painted on. She mumbled an apology before hurrying in the opposite direction. What had she been thinking?
Knowing she was watched, she walked faster, stealing glances to either side, searching for the building she needed. Unfortunately, she’d only been here twice. The first time had been with her father when she was very young, before Daric was king. The second time she’d been ten, and the other boys had dared her to walk down the street alone. They’d all waited in the alley, watching as she stepped out onto the cobblestones. She’d stood there for two full seconds before the heavy atmosphere tugged at her fears and she ran away crying. They’d teased her for weeks. All except Philip. Her father had found out, and she’d never seen him more angry. He made her promise she’d never come again.
And yet here she was.
“Can I help ya dearie?”
A bony hand clamped around her arm, and she forced herself not to run. It was only an old woman.
“No.” She tried to step away, but the woman’s grip was surprisingly strong. “I’m fine. I’m just a little lost.”
The woman leaned closer, and Maren felt rather than saw something move behind her. She wrenched her body around and found herself facing the tall man again. He smiled in a way that made her blood run cold.
“I’m sure we can help you find what you need.”
She backed away, only to run into the old woman. “Really, I can find my way. I just got a little turned around.”
“Been here before, have ya?” A younger woman stepped forward and eyed her up and down. “What ya lookin’ for? Love potion? Weapon? Revenge?”
She shivered. There’d been enough revenge to last a lifetime. She scanned the street, searching for an escape but couldn’t see one. More people had gathered, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
The old woman laughed. “No need ta be scared. We’re willing ta help for the right price.”
Which didn’t ease her mind any. “I’m really not here for any help.” She tried not to let her fear show. “I’m looking for a friend.”
Now the entire crowd laughed. “A friend?” someone laughed. “No lady has any friends here.”
“What do you really want?” It was the tall man again and she didn’t like the steely look in his eye. “Who are you
?”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, and she could tell they were getting suspicious. They naturally stayed away from the rest of society. Outcasts. Spurned for their magical abilities in a kingdom where Kern’s deeds had created distrust of anyone magical. And now she, a lady, had invaded their private realm.
She again searched for any escape, but there wasn’t one. The street had become a mass of bodies surrounding her, angry that she wasn’t here for a silly spell, angry that she might be a threat.
“I’m not here to buy anything, but neither am I here to harm anyone.” This time she couldn’t keep her voice as calm.
“We’ve heard that before,” a woman shouted. “Right before one of us got carted off to the dungeon.”
“No,” she insisted. “I promise. I’m just looking for someone I knew a long time ago. I’m not going to hurt anyone. No one even knows I’m here.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” a man growled. “Then no one will know where to look for you when you go missing.”
Her arms were suddenly pinned behind her back, and she was dragged towards a nearby building. The more she struggled, the more their arms restrained her. She yelled, but there wasn’t anyone here who would care.
If she suddenly disappeared there would be a search. Daric and Adare wouldn’t stop until they found her. And Kern— Her stomach turned. No doubt Kern would have other ways of finding her. If he discovered where she’d gone, he’d never give her another ounce of freedom. She’d be trapped inside her world of lost memories until she died. Or until he killed her.
She had to get away.
Her shoulder flared even as she thought it, and then that same warmth she’d felt twice before spread down her arms. When it reached her fingertips it didn’t stop, instead spreading to the two men who were holding her arms. Their screams cut through the general mumblings of the crowd, and they went flying backwards.
They struggled back to their feet, staring in horror at their blackened hands. Her stomach turned again. What had she done?
“I’m sorry…I don’t know…”
“Stay away!” The two men, along with the rest of the crowd, shrank back.
She stared down at her hands as if she didn’t recognize them. She hadn’t meant to hurt anyone. She’d come here to find…
“Wait!” she finally yelled, so desperate for help she was willing to play on their fears. Every single one of the retreating crowd stopped dead in their tracks. “I’m looking for Halef.”
No one moved, but she didn’t miss their furtive glances. Neither could she mistake the new level of fear in the air. She looked from one face to the next, unsure of what had just happened.
“Do any of you know where I can find him?” No one moved and a possibility she hadn’t wanted to consider crept into her mind. “Is he dead? Please,” she begged, “he was a friend of my father. I need to speak with him. It’s important.”
No one answered. Instead they ran, retreating into buildings or down side streets until she was left standing in the middle of the street alone. She scanned for any sign of life, for anyone who might still help her, but the street was empty.
“I understand you wanted to see me.”
He appeared out of nowhere a few feet in front of her, wrinkled and bent and looking like he should already be dead. She froze, too terrified to even think, and then something clicked.
“Halef?”
“Yes, but who might you be? And why would you want me?”
She reached up and pulled back her hood.
For a minute he just stared, as if he didn’t believe his own eyes. “Maren?” The tight set to his jaw softened, as did his eyes, and he reached out a hand that dropped back to his side a second later. “You shouldn’t be here. Every wielder of dark magic inhabits these streets, preying on those who come for help. Go home.” He gave her a sad smile and closed his eyes.
“Wait.” She rushed forward and grabbed his cloak before he could disappear. “I need your help.”
His eyes bored into hers and then he let out a long breath. “Come.”
They wound through the narrow streets until he stopped in front of a small building and opened the door.
“No one will bother us here.”
“Based on everyone’s reaction when I mentioned your name, no one bothers you anywhere.”
He chuckled. “Well then no one will overhear.”
He indicated an old, and rather dirty, chair and she sat. He pulled forward another chair that looked like it couldn’t hold his weight, and faced her.
“Well?”
Apparently, there weren’t going to be any pleasantries. “I need to know how Kern was trapped in that tomb.”
His brows shot up. “And why would you need to know that?”
She hesitated. No one had believed her before. Why would he? Especially if he was under the same spell as everyone else. And then she had an idea. What if she didn’t mention Teige? He was the one no one could believe anything bad about. What if she told Halef the truth, just not all the details? She took a deep breath. “Kern’s alive. I’ve seen him. And if we can’t stop him, he’s going to kill Daric and take his throne.”
Halef’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second, and then he folded his arms across his chest and leaned back. “And who do you mean by ‘we’?”
His unquestioned acceptance of the truth left her a little shocked, but right now that didn’t matter. She needed his help. “Other mages. Anyone I can find.”
“Well, there are none. At least none here.” His brows drew together in anger. “Why would you think I could help?”
“Because,” she stammered. “Because you’re powerful. You know things. You’ve fought Kern before. You helped seal him in that tomb. I know you did. That’s why my father came to visit you before Daric’s father was murdered. He wanted a way to stop Kern.”
He barked out a laugh. “Yes, that’s exactly what he was looking for, and he incorrectly assumed the same thing you are: that I have the power to do anything.”
“I don’t understand.” She wrung her hands. “Your magic is legendary.”
“Was legendary,” he corrected. “Don’t you know what happened?”
She shook her head and waited.
“I did fight Kern, but not when you think, not when he was sealed in the tomb. It was five years before that. I fought him alone and without a full understanding of the power he’d acquired. I lost. Everything.”
Then why would her father come to him for help? And how could they have defeated Kern? “You must still have magic. You just appeared out of nowhere.”
“A silly trick.” He waved his hand and flowers appeared in her lap. “A novice has more power than I do.”
She stared down at the flowers and struggled to keep her hope from melting away. “But I need you. Anyone else with any credible magic has left the kingdom. Daric will die.”
Halef leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. “I’m old, Maren. I don’t have magic strong enough to help. I’ve lost so much contact with the world that I couldn’t even tell you where to go, who’s still alive, or what new mages have emerged.”
“You could find out. Or you know people who could. Please,” she begged. “You’re the only one who knows which mages helped the first time and where they might be now. I only know a few names, and those were healers, not warriors.”
He was silent for a long time and then he looked at her. “I’ll see what I can find. But I don’t want you to come back here. It’s dangerous. I’ll let you know what I find.”
“Just don’t let anyone else know. There isn’t anyone I can trust.”
He only nodded, his face etched in fear. “Now go. Before anyone comes looking for you.”
* * *
She was desperate. The warmth in her chest she’d somehow conjured this afternoon was gone. And even though it had only been a few hours since she’d seen Kern, her shoulder was on fire.
She should be focusing on what to d
o next. She should be thinking about the magic she’d used. She should be wondering what she’d do once she heard from Halef. Instead, she paced the hallway outside the Council room, waiting for the meeting to be over. She couldn’t risk missing Kern, having him disappear and have to go searching for him. She wanted him to help her. Now. Before her mind began to slip and she couldn’t concentrate anymore.
The voices behind the door got louder and she hoped the Council was finished. Ten minutes later her hope had vanished. She straightened a flower arrangement that had fallen to the side. She stared out the window at the end of the hall. But nothing could distract her from the pain that was growing faster than she’d ever experienced. It wasn’t just her shoulder any longer. Every part of her ached, and in a way that was different from Kern’s torture. She felt like a crippled old woman, and the thought momentarily crossed her mind that she might be dying. She shoved the idea aside. She couldn’t die now that she had the clarity and the will to fight. She couldn’t let Kern win.
She made her way over to a chair where she had a good view of the door. After a few deep, relaxing breaths, she felt a little better but still leaned her head back and closed her eyes, willing the pain to go away.
Trapped in the pain, it seemed like forever before she finally heard the unmistakable sound of voices and forced her eyes open.
Philip, Kern, Adare, and Daric were laughing at something, and she felt as if she were looking through a tunnel. Everything was fuzzy and faded and muffled. She tried to stand, but her legs wouldn’t move. Tried to speak but nothing came out. She just sat huddled in the chair, waiting for someone to notice her.
Of course, it was Philip who saw her first. For a moment, he looked as if he expected her to join the group.
Then his brows pulled together, and he took a few steps closer. “Maren?”
Borrowed Magic Page 15
