Page 17 of Taken By the Shadow Prince

We are very real.

I expect some big reaction, a gasp or a few staggered steps back, perhaps a quick spell break and to be sent back to Atheya.

But Mavey simply says, “I see.” She doesn’t bow, like some of her kind have done when they’ve learned of my title. She doesn’t seem impressed at all, really.

Interesting.

“You seek these demon witches for a reason? You’re willing to make a bargain because you are desperate, yes?” She doesn’t have to confirm—I already know. I keep tabs on this country, though only occasional ones. To be fair, I keep tabs oneverycountry, though I do have some... personal ties to Aligris. It’s good to know everything you can about the people who summon you because they want things. Good to judge their desperation, because it’ll help, in the end, to make sure I end up with the better hand.

“I wouldn’t say desperate. Perhaps... out of time.”

“Out of time, are you?” My lips curl into a grin, and I just watch her and wait for her to make her request again.

She takes one more breath and then says quietly, “We need demon witches to help us fight.”

“Fine, then. The bargain is this: I will gather you two dozen demon witches at minimum, and you will come with me to Atheya and stay with me, for...” I pause, trying to figure out what might be a long time to humans, and what might be long enough forme, as well. Something to make all of this worth it. “Five years. How does that sound?”

“Five years, for two dozen?” She hesitates.

Clearly, this is unacceptable to her. Normally, I’m not willing to barter. But this time, I suppose...

“Fine, then. Five dozen. One year for each twelve—one half-breed per month you are with me,” I propose while wondering what the hell am I doing bargaining with myself.

She debates. But it’s a good deal—a great deal after I sweetened the pot—and she knows it. It might just be enough to win this war that threatens.

And she sees that, too.

What she doesn’t see is that this little bargain is my best bet, just as it is hers. Mavey says, “I need them by the end of the month.”

“Easily done. I will supply you with sixty demon witches, and in return, you will spend five years of your life with me in Atheya. I’m feeling generous, so I suppose your time there will start after this little war of yours is over. Do we have a deal?”

Mavey stares at me for a long moment. Thinking it through, as she should. Deciding if the obvious upper-hand I have is worth it, and if she can afford to risk any more compromises with me.

After a long moment, she says, “Deal.”

I feel the bargain settle into my bones, wondering if she can feel it, too. I wonder if it’ll be enough—for her, or for me.

I suppose only time will tell.

Chapter 11

Mavey

the demon

If I were smart, I would regret it. I would ask if it was too late to break the bargain.

But we need those demon witches.

I can’t make sense of why he mightwantme around for five years, though I suppose he doesn’t have to want it. He just has to know thatIdon’t want it, know that I think of it as a terrible consequence, a cruelty, and know that it is a price so steep that I almost am not willing to pay it.Almost.

“Are you going to let me out of this little circle yet? Most people draw them bigger, you know, and they don’t trap me in them. I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.”

I don’t know if it’s a joke or not, but I also don’t really care. I rub at the circle with my foot, breaking the shape so that the spell is no longer in effect.

Prince Armin steps out from the circle with a sharp exhale. “Much better.” He glances around behind me. “What a... quaint little town. Where is everyone?”

“Gone. Off to fight.”

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