Page 120 of The Starlight Savior

“Under two conditions then.”

“Oh?” The king’s brows rose.

“My companions,” Saige said, biting on the word, “in Brevil. I want their safety guaranteed somehow. Dare they ever need to cross borders, I want their sanctuary to be welcomed.”

The king snorted. “As long as they are put to use. I can send scouts to the mortal lands. What else?”

Her chest warmed. “And I’ll be attending all council meetings.”

It was the first time she heard the king laugh. “That is completely unnecessary. You will get all the instructions from your trainers.”

“I don’t care for second hand instruction. My father and mother hid this world from me my whole life. I won’t allow it any longer. If you want me to be a witch, then expose me to all that has been denied.”

“Only the king’s court can attend council meetings,” the general said. “You are far from such an honor.”

“Fine,” the king said, waving his hands at the growing protests. “You are correct. You are uneducated, uncultured, and have been kept in the dark.” Saige fought the urge to roll her eyes at the brisk insults. With an empty smile, the king said, “Welcome to Etrane’s court,” and pulled out a knife.

Chapter 44

The court’s gaze hardened as King Vospella stepped away from the long table. Saige’s tongue was slack in her mouth, limbs frozen at her side. She had never heard of a blood bond. But she’d do anything to end the mist. To move forward from all the pain laced in every moment brought forth since Cecilia’s deceit.

The knife glinted in the moonlight. Blood welled to the surface as it cut swiftly across the meaty part of his palm. His pointer finger swiped at the dark liquid pooling in his hand, grabbing a hold of Saige’s wrist. King Vospella pushed up the sleeves of her dress. Inspecting her right arm, he landed his fingers on her bicep. Dripping in blood, his finger drew a flurry of lines and shapes across her skin. Saige remained still. Fighting the urge to flinch, she looked to Conor, but found no comfort in his gaze.

King Vospella pulled away. Her skin itched beneath his warm blood.

“Is that it?”

“No.” A glimmer of silver caught Saige’s eye. The king held a small dagger, discarding the original knife that swiped at his flesh.

“W-What are you doing?”

“Solidifying it.”

“You’re going to cut into me?” Her face paled.

“This bond will guarantee not just your safety, but the companions you left behind. I have to say, I do agree with my court. Letting such magic and questioning tongue mill about would be unwise. As king, I must uphold our standards and safety to the best of my ability.”

The king’s grip felt like a collar and leash tightening around her neck. Panicked, she whipped her eyes to the exit. There was no true escape. She couldn’t barrel past the king, his court, and soldiers. Even if she could, all her efforts would be for nothing.

She retreated into the corners of her mind. King Vospella’s voice became muffled.

“Part of a blood bond is consent. If I could, I would compel you to stay still and listen. But magic knows all. It will not work if you do not agree.”

Althea. Judith. Baron. Hadeon.

Their names echoed in her brain. She barely felt the dagger slice through her arm, echoing the lines King Vospella had drawn with his blood. A soft whimper escaped her lips. From her peripheral vision, Conor stepped forward, but no farther.

“Saige Nerestel,” the king said, his voice echoing across the walls, “this blood bond will bind you in oath to never cause harm to myself, King Raion Vospella, and my court. You will dedicate yourself to the land and fight against the mist, in exchange for freedom to learn and harness your power. You will act in the interest of Etrane, whatever may be asked of you. Acting against this magical bond will end in unimaginable pain and death. Do you agree to these terms?”

“Yes.” Saige gave herself no time to explore his words.

There was a soft glow on her right bicep, a light she had not seen before. Instead of the soft hues of purple or the brightness of her starlight, it was red.

Taking a step back, King Vospella handed the blade to a handmaid. Saige’s blood stained the white handkerchief as the girl wiped the knife clean.

“It is done,” King Vospella said with a low voice.

She felt no different from when it started besides a sweeping exhaustion. She had used a lot of magic this evening, and now there was new magic swimming through her. A blood bond. The handmaid bustled to Saige’s side, wrapping her bicep with cloth. Her palm pressed hard against it. She winced.