Page 100 of When Wishes Bleed

“Why do you care?” Brecan challenged.

“They are my people.” Tauren slid a look in Brecan’s direction that left no room for argument. The witches in The Gallows might separate themselves from the rest of the Kingdom, but it didn’t mean the monarchy felt they were any less citizens of Nautilus. And like a good prince, a good king, Tauren cared for his people.

“And how do you propose we set them free?” Brecan asked, part challenge and part curiosity.

He had no idea how to challenge my mother, but I did.

“The only way to fight her dark magic is with something darker,” I replied flatly.

“No,” he said immediately, standing from the bench he’d sprawled out on. “You can’t do it, Sable.”

Fate disagreed. He slithered warmly in my stomach. “Yes, I can.”

The King wasn’t well, but Annalina had hidden his exhaustion beneath a layer of fine, translucent powder. She’d washed his hair and helped him dress. The fact that he wasn’t in pain relieved him tremendously, but the cancer ravaging his body couldn’t be stopped. Its insidious effects were visible as the final five invitees joined the royal family in the King’s private study.

Brecan and Mira slid into the room while the other escorts waited outside. No doubt they’d try to eavesdrop. I discretely poured a silencing spell from my hand. What was said in this room would stay within it. The other ladies gasped as the shimmery silver magic formed a solid bubble that spread out until it hit the corners of the room. It was the same spell the Circle used to protect their conversations.

The King sat forward, resting his elbows on the top of his tidy desk, another reminder that he’d been unable to perform many of his duties over the past few days. “You’re probably wondering what the emergency is, and I’ll quell your worries soon enough, but what is discussed within this room will not be discussed with anyone outside it, under penalty of treason. Is that understood? Not even with your escorts.” The King’s burnt toffee eyes were hard as they met each invitee’s, but they softened when he found mine.

The ladies assured their full cooperation and understanding with nods and affirmations. Rose stood up straighter, giving the King her undivided attention. Leah stood tall beside her while Estelle and Tessa clutched hands, standing together to the right of them. The party from Thirteen settled against the wall. Even though I was lined up with the other women, I was separate.

The King explained how I came to be part of the invitation. Rose flicked a disgusted look my way, then turned it on Mira and Brecan. She quickly pressed her lips into an expectant smile and flashed it at the King. Annalina, who stood behind her husband, speared Rose with a look so severe, she should’ve cowered.

I wanted to claw the smug look off Rose’s face, but refrained. Barely.

He told them of the threat against his son.

Then he told them of Cyril, never mentioning that she was my mother, and informed them that she had caused a disturbance in our sector that might spread across the Kingdom if not extinguished.

Tauren, standing at his father’s right hand, spoke next. “If you want to return to your sectors, families, and lives, I completely understand. I would never keep you here against your will.”

Tessa straightened, glancing at Estelle.

“If you want to stay, we will film scenes to make the Kingdom believe all is well – including the traditional journey to the coast.”

“To distract them?” Leah asked. “Why would you do that? The Kingdom’s citizens can fight.”

“They can’t fight Cyril and win,” I interrupted.

Rose crossed her arms over her chest. “And I suppose you can defeat her?” she scoffed.

I remained silent.

“Arguing will get us nowhere,” Annalina told everyone. “You’ve been informed of the situation. Now, you must choose to stay or go.”

“What does this mean for you, Tauren? Will you choose one of us now?” Rose asked, her eagerness hidden beneath a curious expression.

Tauren opened his mouth to speak, but the King beat him to it. “Tauren has more important matters to think about than this silly contest. Personally, I think it’s time that we think of a more appropriate way for a prince to find the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with. This invitation system is the way it’s been done for five hundred years, and while I was able to find my true love through it, who’s to say Tauren can? I say, if the answer isn’t crystal clear by now, then he’s not ready to make the decision. I also say he can wear a crown and rule, if need be, without a wife by his side.”

Rose’s mouth gaped.

“I want to go home,” Tessa said in a quiet voice, looking at Tauren. “I really like you, but I don’t love you and I don’t want to be Queen. I love my family and I love working stone. I didn’t realize how much it meant to me until I came here.”

He inclined his head. “Completely understandable, and I respect your decision. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. I hope we can remain friends.”

Tessa curtsied, pulling her day dress’s skirt wide. “As do I.”

Tauren looked to Estelle. She tucked her colorfully streaked blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’d like to stay. If I can help, I will.”

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