Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2)

by Caitlin Taylor

  Akoni turned to stare at Jeffrey. "You've asked once before, and I made the mistake to grant your wish then. I won't repeat that error. You will remain at the palace."

  "Your Majesty, please, don't do that." Jeffrey sank to his knees once more, bowing his head. "Your actions have already been making a difference. The people are calling you a kinder king than your father. You'll be a great king. Please--"

  "Silence!" Akoni thundered.

  Did Jeffrey not understand Akoni's struggle? His constant fight to remain in control? He would not remain a good king for long, not at the rate things were going. He went to the door and ripped it open.

  The marshal was there waiting with Ryan, one of his crownsguards.

  "Inside, now," Akoni said, forcing himself to sound calm.

  The marshal stepped into the room without hesitation, his confused gaze moving between Jeffrey's kneeling form and Akoni.

  "I want him kept under guard. He's not to leave the palace for any reason."

  "Certainly, Your Majesty. But--"

  Akoni shook his head, cutting the marshal off. He stared at his hand. It was happening again. Jeffrey infuriated him to an extent that his magic reacted. The excitement from earlier had evaporated. "I need to practise. Do you have someone who can keep an eye on him now?"

  "Ryan can--"

  "Good. We need to leave. Now. I'll meet you in the training yard." Akoni didn't wait. He left the room, long strides taking him to Ignacio's office.

  At his entry, the other man rose from his desk, his eyes wide.

  "I need you to organise for Jeffrey to meet Kendra. As quickly as possible. Today, now. I want to know if he's Corvin."

  "Right away, Your Majesty."

  "Good." Akoni let out a long breath. He felt ever so slightly calmer now.

  "Are you all right, Ako? I thought..."

  "As did I," he answered, giving Ignacio a sad smile.

  When Ignacio came around his desk and towards him, Akoni fell into his open arms gratefully.

  "He still infuriates me. It only took him seconds."

  "Oh, Ako... Maybe I really should lock you both in a room and throw away the key."

  Akoni choked on a breathless laugh. "I don't think I'd mind."

  "We'll work this out somehow."

  Akoni nodded against Ignacio's chest. "How did you find him? When?"

  "One of our scouts sent promising news. I figured that Jeffrey would not return because of a message with orders. Since he was supposed to be on a secret mission, we had to be somewhat discreet about this. So Paul went himself, with Ryan."

  "You didn't tell me."

  "I didn't want to get your hopes up in case it was a false alarm."

  "Thank you, Nace."

  Akoni headed to the training yard, where the marshal waited for him. They sparred for some time. It was neither a good session nor a bad one. There was no flaming sword, which Akoni considered a plus. On the other hand, he was defending more than attacking, and still too many of the marshal's strikes found their target. Since they had begun using shields, he was less battered than he used to be. But it wasn't nearly good enough.

  There was a pull on Akoni's magic. Subtle and faint but there all the same. Once they'd wrapped their practise up, he found he couldn't stay away from Jeffrey. He was told he could find him in the temple in the royal wing and headed straight to it.

  "I don't think I've ever seen this temple so crowded," Akoni joked as he entered and found his mother in conversation with Jeffrey, Ryan standing guard near the entrance, out of earshot.

  "I shall make it less crowded and leave," his mother replied with a smile and rose.

  "Mother, I didn't mean..." He broke off when her smile widened.

  She paused next to him, leaned in, placed a kiss on his cheek, and whispered, "I like him, he's a keeper."

  "I know. What did you tell him?"

  "Did you know he's been a soldier since he was sixteen?"

  "I..." Akoni remembered reading Jeffrey's file. But he hadn't been aware of his joining up so young.

  "Over a decade of soldiering and hiding his origins. He didn't know anything about his family in that time. Only found out about Trevino's death by overhearing a conversation here at the palace. Can you even imagine?"

  Akoni swallowed.

  "You two have a lot to talk about. Remember to explain." She gave his hand a squeeze and left.

  How could he explain what he didn't understand himself? Shaking his head, Akoni sat on the bench beside Jeffrey. Now that he was here, he didn't know what to say, but his magic swirled in excitement.

  "So, here we are again," Jeffrey said into the silence. He had his elbows on his thighs, his hands linked, gaze fixed in the distance.

  "Yes." Where to being? There were too many things Akoni wanted to say. How he'd missed Jeffrey. How he needed him.

  "Nothing to say?"

  "Too much too say and too few words to say it."

  Jeffrey sneered.

  "I'm glad you're back."

  "I'm reserving judgement on that."

  Akoni suppressed a groan but raked a hand through his hair in agitation. How did Jeffrey always manage to get him so angry? "Can we please not argue?"

  Jeffrey sighed and sat up, eyeing Akoni. "How is your curse?"

  "Worse than I feared. I'm struggling."

  "They say you're doing good."

  Akoni let out a humourless laugh. "Your kind king is losing what little control there ever was on his magic. It's a matter of time now, and I won't have as much as my father did."

  "I'm sorry," Jeffrey said. "I really don't know how I could help you, though. It's not like I know anything of magic."

  "You don't need to. You just..." What could he say? Be there? Be mine? Let me love you? "Just don't run from me. I think that would be a start."

  "I've never run from anyone." It was less a statement then a murmured acknowledgement.

  "Hmm, I'm fairly sure that's a lie," Akoni said without sting to his words.

  Jeffrey looked up, wide-eyed.

  "Why did you leave your family?"

  "Because my father didn't want me. Not after what I did."

  "I couldn't get the full story out of your sister. But she does not seem to think you at fault or hold you in anyway accountable."

  Jeffrey shrugged. "My father saw it. That was enough."

  "Did he send you away?"

  "Not directly. He made me unwelcome to the point I didn't want to stay."

  "It must have been a terrible time, Jeffrey. I'm sorry. But it was so long ago. Surely, it's bygones now."

  "Not to me."

  "You feel you have something to make up for, don't you?"

  Jeffrey remained silent.

  "Once I asked you how you got your punishments. You said I should read the reports. I did. Not all, mind you, there are too many. But some. They paint quite the picture. You're known for disobedience, but all I see is someone trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. You disobeyed to help, to save people, in many cases even to avoid bloodshed. I see a man who will risk himself to help others."

  "I couldn't save the men who mattered."

  "Your brother, Gaius."

  "He was the first."

  "There was another?"

  Jeffrey shrugged.

  "You have risked yourself to save me. Twice, in fact. Do I not matter?" Akoni asked, wanting to reach out and touch Jeffrey yet not daring to do so.

  "That's hardly fair."

  "I think the goddess would agree with me when I say any debt you may once have owed is fairly paid now. You need not keep tormenting yourself."

  "Don't you see? The men I love die! I cannot let that happen to you," Jeffrey hissed in anger.

  "Don't you see? I'm dying anyway, Jeffrey. My magic is becoming increasingly unstable. Unless I find a way to learn to control it, it will either consume me, or worse. I won't hurt others like my father has. I cannot rule if..." He was unable to give voice to his thoughts. "I will
not follow in my father's steps. Whatever I must do, I will not become like him. Even if that means leaving the ruling to others."

  "You'd give up the throne?"

  "Rather that, than hurt my people, yes, absolutely. They've been through enough."

  "You're different," Jeffrey said, looking at Akoni sideways.

  "The ascension curse is not a myth."

  "You still aren't nice to the servants and staff," Jeffrey said evenly, a glint in his eyes.

  "What did I do now?" Akoni sighed.

  "Ryan's been on duty for hours. He's hardly slept on the train and been travelling for days."

  Akoni groaned. He didn't have the time to change guard shifts, too. Heat exploded inside him, his magic straining. "Am I responsible for everything now?" he snapped. "Why didn't you go to the marshal and get him to assign you someone else? For the sake of the goddess." It was happening again. He could hear himself but couldn't stop the words. He rose, unwilling. "In fact, I've a better idea. Come." He left the temple, ordering Ryan to follow with Jeffrey.

  Chapter 10

  Standing in the hallway, Akoni felt like he'd woken from a dream. What had he been doing? He shook his head, trying to clear it. It was as though a fog surrounded him. Never had he felt anything like it. It was disconcerting.

  "Your Majesty, are you all right?" Faruk asked.

  Akoni saw his guard as if from a distance. He brought his hand up to his head and gave it another quick shake. "I'm fine, just...never mind." He checked the hallway. Where was he? The council hall was nearby, he remembered dealing with the other lords earlier. Was that where he had come from? There was only himself and his guards now. Ignacio. He could always help.

  He found his advisor in the library, a common occurrence. Lounging in a chair, a book open in his lap, another in his hand, he was utterly engrossed. The lamp beside him cast his dark skin in a luminous glow.

  The guards stayed well back as Akoni sank into the chair beside Ignacio's.

  "Thought you'd be with Jeffrey," Ignacio said, looking up from his book.

  Akoni shrugged. Was that what he had wanted to do? He remembered speaking with Cassius and Ursinus. There'd been more reports of rebel activity. He'd got angry at them, why? Had his magic done something? "Did you talk to Kendra?" he asked to centre himself.

  "Not yet. She's spending the day in the city. I'll speak with her as soon as she returns, and we'll organise their meeting for tomorrow morning. It'll be too late tonight."

  Akoni nodded, rubbing his fingers through his hair absently.

  "Are you all right, Ako?"

  "I don't know," Akoni said, his gaze locking on Ignacio's. "I can't remember what I was doing. Something feels wrong."

  "What do you mean?"

  "My magic..." Akoni paused, frowning. He burst out laughing as realisation sank in. It was a miserable, choking laugh. "It won't let me..."

  "Won't let you what?" Ignacio asked. He put the book away, leaning forward to reach for Akoni's hand.

  "Nace, help me," he whispered.

  "How? What do you need?"

  Akoni covered his face with his hands. The reality of it was too stark. How was he going to manage now? His magic would never let him leave. Before it would allow him to let his bloodline die, it would consume him. He'd always felt the threat but thought it would mean his death. That would have been all right, if at least no one else had to suffer. But it would never allow that.

  "Should I get Toby? Please, Ako, tell me."

  "Let's go see him," Akoni said and rose. He swayed for a moment, his senses confused.

  Ignacio was there, an innocent hand steadying him. A few deep breaths, and Akoni could walk again.

  "Toby?" Ignacio called as they entered the cavernous lair of the physicians.

  "My lord? Oh! Your Majesty. You don't look well." Toby hurried over to them.

  "Tell me," Akoni demanded, "did you read anything about memory loss? Foggy senses, blurred vision. Waking up somewhere without knowing how they got there?"

  Ignacio's hold on him tightened.

  "Your Majesty, I... I don't think I have. Did you..." Toby said, his voice shaking a little as if he was afraid.

  "I feel like I've done something but I cannot remember what."

  "It's been a long day, a string of them really. Maybe you're exhausted," Ignacio offered.

  "Maybe." Akoni nodded. He wasn't convinced.

  "You've not been sleeping well?" Toby asked.

  "Just a few rough nights," Akoni said.

  "I could give you something to help, Your Majesty."

  Akoni nodded. It would ease both their minds. They needn't know he wouldn't take it, especially not now when he'd nearly burned the palace down. The risk he might not wake next time would be too great. Toby disappeared for the briefest moment, returning with a brown vial, its contents not visible in the half darkness of the room. He took it with a "thank you" then left.

  Maybe he could go to Extraneo. There weren't many servants, and he could send those few away, too. If he burned down the place, at least it wouldn't affect so many people. Would his magic let him do that? Would he always have to ask that now?

  They didn't speak as they walked to his chambers, but Akoni sensed his friend's worry. What could he say to reassure him, when there was no reassurance?

  On entering his room, Akoni froze. Blond hair, tanned skin. Sitting in a chair, his head bent down. Thick ropes around his arms and legs, securing his limbs to the chair.

  "By Tempesta! Jeffrey," Ignacio exclaimed and hurried to him, untying his bindings.

  His soldier's training had Jeffrey wake up with a start, his mind fully alert. "My lord." His head moved to the side, catching Akoni's gaze. "Come to finish what you started? Your Majesty."

  "What?" Ignacio said, looking between Akoni and Jeffrey. "Akoni tied you up?"

  Jeffrey sneered. "Ordered Ryan to do it, but same effect."

  "Akoni, what happened?"

  He couldn't answer. There was no doubt in his mind Jeffrey spoke the truth, and yet he had no memory of it happening. He thought his whole body trembled, but he stood frozen to the spot.

  "How long have you been here, Jeffrey?" Ignacio asked and brought him a glass of water.

  "Going by the sky, a few hours." He took the water with a thanks and drank it greedily.

  "I'm sorry," Akoni whispered.

  They didn't seem to hear him.

  "What happened?"

  "His Majesty found me in the temple," Jeffrey answered Ignacio's question calmly. "We talked. He got angry and brought me here, where he had Ryan tie me to the chair."

  "You're much stronger than Ryan, though."

  "He's only a child following orders from his hero. I wasn't going to hurt him. Or make him do something he'd regret later."

  "You're rather blasé about this. Are you all right really?"

  Jeffrey sneered. "I've endured worse in fighting practises." Despite his words, he was massaging his wrists, where red marks were showing. He was also eyeing Akoni, who'd remained silent, still frozen.

  "Can you somehow explain this, Akoni?" Ignacio fixed Akoni with a stony look.

  It was so intense Akoni would have flinched if he hadn't grown used to it over the years. Yet, Ignacio was also using his hard and commanding voice. The kind Akoni found hard to ignore, even after all the years they'd known each other. Ignacio rarely used it, but when he did, Akoni knew himself to be in trouble.

  What explanation could he possibly give? He didn't even remember anything. It was his magic, but what exactly had it done? What else could he not remember?

  Akoni closed his eyes and pressed two fingers against them. A rustling sound. Hands on him. His back hit the floor, and he puffed out a winded breath. Eyes wide, he stared at Jeffrey, who had pinned him down.

  "Do not move, my lord," Jeffrey said, his gaze never leaving Akoni. "Or you'll end up hurt."

  Out of the corner of his eyes, Akoni saw Ignacio frozen mid-step. He was no match for Jeffrey. Only
Akoni could be, but his arms were held in a vice-like grip, strong thighs keeping his legs in place.

  "You and me, we need a little chat. Your Majesty."

  Akoni nodded and licked his lips unconsciously. Jeffrey smelled like danger, like a furious animal unleashed, but also like...something more carnal. Akoni wanted to lean in and kiss him, to lick his skin and devour him.

  "You've had me dragged back here like a prisoner, then you tie me up like one, too. I'm certain I made myself clear. I do not want to be here. Yet you force me to stay. We both know I could leave anytime if I chose to do so. Your ropes would not keep me." Jeffrey's voice was a sharp sword, scraping against its scabbard. But was he sheathing or unsheathing the blade?

  "Jeff--"

  "Be silent until I tell you to speak," Jeffrey hissed.

  Akoni started at the tone but shut his mouth.

  "If I leave again now, you'll only search for me again. We'll both get ever more inventive in our ways of hide and seek, making us both more miserable as you keep dragging me back and I keep leaving. Why can you not just let me go and live in peace?"

  "Because I need you," Akoni whispered. "Because without you, I fear I will hurt people in ways I dare not even think of, and in the end, I fear I will destroy the realm itself."

  "When people talk of you, they claim you're kinder than your father. Benefactor of hospitals and orphanages, supporting schools, aiding the needy, making improvements. Yet one day at the palace, and it's become clear you're already growing as deranged as your father."

  Jeffrey paused, and Akoni contemplated speaking but chose not to, considering the telling off a moment earlier.

  "What happened to you?"

  "It could be a long story," Akoni said, grimacing.

  "Summarise."

  Akoni shifted, and the hold on him tightened a fraction. "Since that day at the temple, my father's magic has been transferring to me. Piece by deranged piece. I can feel it. It's not mixing with the magic I've always had. It's like a separate entity and it's so angry all the time. It's strong, too. I've always had a tenuous hold over my own magic, but this...try keeping a three-headed lion the size of a house on a silken leash and think of it as a walk in the park by comparison. I don't know how to explain the way it fights me, affects me. My own magic has made me do things I wouldn't normally do, but this new thing...it has a mind of its own entirely."