Page 21 of When Wishes Bleed

Occasionally, the words of Prince Tauren’s letter would resurface in my mind. I couldn’t help but wonder what his first reason was… and when he might have the opportunity to reveal it to me. Or why it had to be explained face-to-face.

The fact that someone wanted him dead needled me. I wondered who could hate him so much that they’d risk their own lives to take his, and what he’d done to garner such hatred. Was it because of his title alone, or had he provoked someone?

Heavy was the head that wore the crown, though many coveted the weighty circlet.

Courier Stewart knocked on my door that afternoon, just as he’d vowed.

I’d packed gowns I thought might be remotely appropriate to wear at the palace, but still wasn’t sure I should go. I approached the door to tell him so when Fate began to shove. By the time I reached the bottom floor, I was shaking violently. I had to twist the handle three times before I managed to grip it firmly enough to pull it open.

The courier wasn’t alone. Beside him stood Brecan and a female witch from the House of Water. Her dark blue cloak complemented his sky blue robes. Was he here to introduce me to the girl he would hand-fast to?

I swayed on my feet.

“Whoa,” Brecan said, rushing in to steady me. “Are you ill?”

“Fate wants me to go to the palace.”

“That’s why we’re here,” he said. “The Circle was split on their decision. Ela and Wayra were opposed to you going, Ethne and Bay were in favor. In the end, they agreed to compromise and allow you to choose your path. If you accept the invitation, Mira and I will serve as your escorts. The rules of invitation provide that two escorts can accompany each invitee.”

“How do you know that?”

“The House of Water has a telecaster,” Mira admitted. “We aren’t allowed to watch it most of the time, but Bay does make exceptions. Most of the girls enjoy watching stories about the royals. We knew the invitations were about to be issued, but had no idea Thirteen would be included. It’s the first time!”

Mira’s blue-gray hair was braided, and she’d added a shell to the ends of each one. They clinked together when she spoke, making tinkling noises like a chime in the wind. Her ebony skin shone like silk and her clothing was structured, pressed to perfection. She was beautiful. Truthfully, she looked like she belonged in the palace. No wonder she’d been chosen to escort me.

“And I won’t be exiled if I go?”

Brecan stiffened. “Ela pushed for it, but again, they were at an impasse. You will be welcomed back into Thirteen.”

Welcomed was too kind a word. I would be let back in, but welcome? I would never be welcome here.

“What about my House?” I asked.

“It will remain yours and yours alone. The Circle will instruct all witches to keep away from it.”

Fate squeezed. My ribs became so tight, I thought they might splinter.

I could do this. I could accept the invitation, go to the palace with Brecan and Mira, and try to figure out who was conspiring to kill Prince Tauren. Then I could come home. My House wouldn’t be stripped from me. All would be well.

“There are two stipulations that all Circle members agreed to,” Brecan said, straightening his back as he folded his hands behind him.

“What stipulations?”

“The first is that you will not marry or accept any proposals that Prince Tauren might offer.”

That would be simple enough. Prince Tauren, as enchanted as he might be with my abilities, would never – could never – take a witch to be his wife.

“And the second?” I asked.

“You will hand-fast to a male witch promptly upon your return to Thirteen.”

“Unless my stay extends beyond the Solstice, you mean.” Which was exactly what I would attempt to ensure happened.

“No,” he said. “The Circle has agreed to make an exception for you. You are to hand-fast upon your return to Thirteen, though you are free to approach whatever male you’d like for the honor of being your chosen mate for the duration of your time together. Your union would end at the subsequent Solstice, though.”

I had enough to worry about with the Prince, the invitation, and my new House. Grandmother Ela knew this would make me dread returning here, and she was right. But I was seventeen. Perhaps this would not only be my first, but my only opportunity to hand-fast.

Courier Stewart shifted his weight on his feet as he pretended to watch the birds that plucked worms from the yard and flew to the tree limbs above to gobble them down.

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