Still, I have to try.
Holding the necklace tighter, I imagine the power flowing down my arms, much like the magic I saw flowing through the trees the first night I tried to escape. Davien’s face is illuminated. I dare not break our eye contact. But I can only assume that it’s working.
“Now say the words,” Vena commands softly.
“I give this magic to you. Take the—” I don’t get to finish.
Magic explodes out from me with a sharp snap. I’m sent backward, landing awkwardly on Vena. Davien is staggered, brought to his knees. Even Allor is on the ground. The necklace is sent flying, skittering across the floor to land far away from all of us, miraculously unbroken.
Davien curses. “Why didn’t it work?” He looks between Vena and Allor with an accusatory stare. Somehow I’ve avoided his blame and ire.
“It was a first attempt.” Vena helps me off of her with a kind smile. At least she’s not cross for how we landed. “Rituals rarely go smoothly the first time, especially ones that are adjusted and adapted as they’re being performed.”
“I need that power,” Davien growls.
“You will have it. And we have time to get it.” Vena stands and brushes unseen dust and dirt from her flowing clothing. “She is safe here as long as the magic is within her. Our borders are secure.” Vena looks to Allor. “Does King Boltov have any inclination of what’s happening here?”
“He has no idea what’s happening in Dreamsong right now,” Allor says a little too easily and smiles a little too widely for my liking.
“Then we have time.” Vena extends a hand to me. “How do you feel?”
“I’m fine.” I take her hand and stand, swaying slightly. “A little tired, I suppose.”
“I imagine that would take it out of you,” Vena says thoughtfully. “We should adjourn for the day.”
“But—”
“Exhausting her will do nothing.” Vena interrupts Davien’s objection. “We’ll try again tomorrow. And Allor, if you hear anything or find anything that might help, let us know.”
“Of course. Now, I should return before any of my fellow Butchers wonder where I’ve gone off to.” She gives a little wave and steps over into the shade of Vena’s throne. With a puff of smoke, she’s gone. I look around the room, searching for where she could come up next.
“Don’t try looking for her; she’s likely already out of the city. She has a unique talent for shadow stepping over long distances, which makes her very useful to us,” Vena says.
“Butchers,” Davien mutters.
“Are you sure we can trust her?” I dare to ask. Vena arches her eyebrows. “What is she giving them?”
“Nothing. They’ve no idea she’s working for us.” Vena seems to bristle at the fact that I would accuse her of any ill design when it comes to this arrangement. I suppose I can’t blame her. I am an outsider. But I can’t shake this feeling…
“She’s gone from the High Court for a very long time. Plus, her answers…didn’t you hear how she avoided anything direct?” I say.
“You should leave the management of Dreamsong and the Acolytes to me. You focus on regaining your strength so we can try again tomorrow.”
“You mean the management to me, don’t you?” Davien says, locking eyes with Vena.
“Of course, Your Majesty. A slip of the tongue. I’m not accustomed to you being here.”
“See it doesn’t happen again.”
“Would you like us to stop working with Allor?” Vena asks Davien and folds her hands before her, clearly confident she already knows the answer.
“No, she’s proved her use. And if she ever steps out of line or becomes not useful…then we’ll kill her.” Davien starts for the door. He pauses, glancing at me. “You, come with me.”
“What?”
“I want to speak to you.”
I glance to Vena, who just shrugs. Thoroughly confused, I follow Davien out of the audience chamber. We emerge back into the meeting hall, now empty of all except the various attendants and a few unfamiliar faces in a corner.
Davien’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me toward him. His wings unfurl with a shower of sparks.
“Wh—” I don’t get to finish.
“I’m going to fly unless you tell me not to.” He locks eyes with me once more and our sides melt together.
“Take me away,” I whisper. He wraps me in his arms and leaps for an open archway along the top of the gathering hall. In a breath we’re out of that oppressive building that reeks of our failure to separate the magic from me and stepping into the open air.
