Page 25 of Oath of Rebellion

In just a few short weeks, this would be her library. She held the book to her chest and fell back on the settee with a giggle, her mind shifting to the first time she'd come to the castle.

She'd known from the moment they met that her entire life was about to change. The king had stormed into the tavern and almost burned it down in his anger at Eirwyn sleeping around.

The next day, he'd sent workers to repair the tavern and had invited her to the castle for a private dinner. Nerves had kept her on edge all day. Even with a calming spell, she'd almost thrown up when the carriage had pulled up to the front door.

The king had set her mind at ease within just a few minutes though. He'd made her relax with a pleasant, intelligent conversation unlike anything she'd get at the tavern. There, talk was rough and coarse and unrefined.

With Gastone, she could discuss so much more. They'd admired the famous paintings in the parlor and his mounted hunting collection on the walls of the foyer and grand staircase. Over dinner, he'd been so kind, discussing magic and asking about her upbringing.

She squirmed under his attention, twisting her spoon nervously. "No, I didn't go to the mage school. We couldn't afford it, and there was always more work than hands available at the tavern."

The king had nodded, stroking his chin. "You're quite talented for a low magic user. If you didn't get formal training, where did you learn?"

Bella's back straightened and she tilted her head up even as her cheeks burned. "I studied with the priests, exchanging lessons for cleaning services. When I'd read all their books and they no longer had anything to offer, I moved on to the local healer."

"Ah, and are you still apprenticing with her?"

Bella shook her head. "No, sadly I've also exhausted her limited resources."

The king's glittering eyes made her feel nervous, like he was about to pounce. She'd had to be firm at the tavern, quickly learning how to defend herself and keep people in line.

But this was the king. She couldn't use the same tactics as with her customers.

He pushed back his chair and stood. "In that case, come with me. I have something you'll be interested in."

She followed him out the dining room and down the hall. A servant opened the library door, and she stepped in. Her jaw dropped. It was multiple stories of nothing but books. Rows and rows, stacks and stacks. If she read one a day, it would take years to read them all.

She walked into the center of the room, spinning a slow circle with her hands to her lips in awe.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

She nodded, clutching her hands to her stomach. "Oh gods yes, I've never seen so many books. Think of all the knowledge that can be learned just from this."

"Think of what you could do with both the books and magical lessons from the best minds in the kingdom."

She chuckled dryly, disappointment and anger flaring in her chest. "Indeed, your majesty. It's too bad that I haven't even been able to afford a wand much less lessons like those."

He'd stepped closer, invading her personal space. She froze, an intoxicating scent filling her nose. She tipped her head back and tilted it to the side. The logical side of her questioned his actions.

"What are you doing, your majesty?"

He'd looked down at her, his hands behind his back. "I'd think that was obvious. I'm getting close to you."

"But why?" Her heart raced, and her hands flattened on her stomach as it twisted and churned.

"I'd like to seduce you. You're fascinating, my girl."

Bella gasped, stepping away toward the fireplace. She stood straight and turned, matching his stance with her hands behind her back.

"I'm sorry, I don't think that's wise."

He arched a brow. "Why not?"

She tilted her head up. "I may be Eirwyn's friend, but I'm not like her, your majesty. I don't just follow every urge at the drop of a hat."

He scowled and tipped his head. "Give me a week," he said. "That's all I ask. I'd like to pry open your mind and see what all you know. You're much more than you seem."

She raised her brows, afraid of what the rejection would bring her. She'd heard he was so temperamental. Eirwyn was always talking about his mood swings. She started to shake her head, then he said, "You could have full access to the library, and all the tutors at my disposal."

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