Page 43 of When Wishes Bleed

“That will depend on my schedule,” I told him honestly. Someone had taken the time to fill the Prince’s every waking hour with each of the invitees.

“What about checking my food at each meal? Is that still necessary?”

No bitter flavor slid over my tongue. “I’m not sure, but it would be wise. Brecan or Mira can also detect poisons, if my schedule is full.”

He laughed. “Brecan wouldn’t warn me if someone did attempt to poison me.”

“He would,” I defended. “He might feel threatened by you, but he wouldn’t allow anyone to harm you.”

Tauren sobered. “I’m sorry. He’s not the only one who feels threatened, I suppose.”

I didn’t answer him, just turned on my heel and walked out of the room. His guards didn’t budge when I walked past them, and that gave me some measure of peace. This wasn’t a game. Someone wanted Tauren dead. Someone wanted to plant a dagger in his belly, to watch him bleed out, writhing in pain.

The person had entered the bedroom of the crown Prince of Nautilus.

And I didn’t tell him, but I knew how they got away.

PART Two

When Wishes are Buried

13

Whomever was in Tauren’s room used magic to leave it. There was no other exit but his door, and I’d been on the other side of it. They made themselves invisible, and when I came to his aid, spirited themselves away entirely. Both abilities required a level of skill that only Elevated witches possessed.

Elevated witches were given the title when they showed mastery over their affinity. Only the priest or priestess of a House could Elevate someone and those who were honored with the title were permitted to practice more complicated and strenuous magic. It was a position that required a certain amount of trust – that the witch was ready to handle stronger magic and that they would not misuse it.

The only other witches in the palace were Brecan and Mira. Now, it seemed I couldn’t trust them.

Was this why Fate wanted me here? To show me that I had no real friends, that everyone was an enemy, and that no one could be trusted?

In the morning, I didn’t mention the night’s excitement. Mira greeted me with a smile, carrying the nude and black gown she’d made me the night before. “My helpers made something special for today, since you don’t want to wear the t-shirt provided.” She hung up the gown and ran back across the hall.

I sat by the open window and sipped herbal tea while my hair dried in the breeze. “You shouldn’t sit so close. There are no screens,” she warned with a giggle.

“Why? Do you plan to shove me out?” I smiled, wondering if she might...

“Of course not! I want to see you in this,” she said with a flourish, pulling out from behind her back a black sundress she had hidden. “Besides, you could simply spirit yourself someplace safe.”

The dress gathered at the waist and flared at the hips, and would emphasize my figure without showing every inch of my skin. “It’s lovely.”

“It’s perfect for your schedule.”

“You’ve seen it?” I asked.

“They didn’t leave one under your door? I found a stack downstairs on a table.”

“I didn’t receive one, but thank you for bringing one back.”

“Are you feeling okay?” she asked carefully, sensing a change in my mood.

“I didn’t sleep very well,” I admitted.

She gave me an understanding nod. “It’s an unfamiliar space.”

I pretended to agree and looked around the room. “That must be it.” She worried her hands. “What’s the matter?” I asked.

“Your hair,” she answered. “You can’t just let it air dry and not style it.”

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