Page 33 of The Prince's Curse

“I see those forced lessons are bringing the two of you closer together.” The Grand Magus joined Benjin with a chuckle. “I thought they might. Prince Haldric is kind for a highborn—he takes after his father that way.”

Dexil’s words reminded Benjin of something Haldric had told him during their last shared lesson, and he turned to face the Grand Magus. “Haldric said that you’re lowborn like me. Is that true?”

Though Dexil’s grin remained in place, Benjin swore he sensed a shift in the Grand Magus’ demeanor—a new caution. “It is.”

A thrill of excitement buzzed Benjin’s spine. No wonder Dexil seemed to care about the commonfolk more than his peers. He understood what their lives were like better than King Roland or Prince Haldric ever could.

“How did you end up one of the king’s most trusted advisers?”

Dexil played with the gaudy rings on his left hand. A slight furrow appeared in his brow. “My story is much the same as yours, I suspect. I wished to better myself and secure a brighter future. Like you, I discovered a knack for runeflame when I was young, though my innate gift lay with Protection magic.”

Some emotion Benjin couldn’t read flashed behind Dexil’s violet eyes. “I was luckier than many and managed to secure a coveted spot at the Arcanum in Astralyn. Once I completed my education, I returned here, hoping to make a name for myself. I worked my way through the houses of various nobility until I secured a spot at then-Prince Roland’s side. And here I’ve remained ever since, in a position where I can make the most difference.”

Benjin frowned at that. His earlier doubts resurfaced. “How much does the king actually listen to you? Allow you to influence him?”

The Grand Magus pursed his lips. Only then did Benjin realize how impertinent he’d been. “S-sorry, master. I meant no offense, to you or to the king.”

Benjin puffed out a relieved breath when Dexil nodded. Tugging Benjin closer to the table, he lowered his voice. His words came out hesitantly, as though he was choosing them with care.

“King Roland is a benevolent ruler…so far as they go. Yet, in the end, he lacks the vision to be just.”

Benjin’s skin prickled. Though Dexil’s brazen words left him unsettled, Benjin couldn’t deny the truth in them. Hadn’t he recently thought the same?

“The nobility can’t understand what’s it’s like for people like you or me,” Benjin said.

The Grand Magus’ violet eyes gleamed. “Precisely, my boy. It’s not their fault—they don’t know any better. But sometimes, it’s necessary for others to step in and do what they cannot.Thatis why I intend to serve the king until his final breath—so that I can do all I can for the people of Ilthabard.”

Benjin mulled Dexil’s words over, considering them. “And what about Haldric?” The prince’s brilliant green eyes flashed before him. “Do you think he’ll make a better king than his father?”

Dexil smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’ve spent enough time around him by now. What doyouthink, Benjin?”

“I…I’m not sure.” Benjin thought of the prince’s raw honesty during their last lesson, the comforting press of Haldric’s grip on his shoulder moments earlier. Then, he thought of the prince’scool aloofness, his attitude toward Benjin the first time they’d met. “He seems all right. For a noble, anyway. But…”

“But he follows in his father’s footsteps,” Dexil said softly.

Benjin startled when a nearby servant called out for the Grand Magus. Dexil patted him on the shoulder. “Duty calls.” He started to walk away, then paused, glancing back at Benjin. “When was the last time you had a day off?”

“Um…” Benjin wasn’t sure how to respond. The truth was that hehadn’thad one since starting at the palace over a month ago, but he feared admitting it would make him sound ungrateful.

The Grand Magus nodded. “I thought as much. I need your help for the next couple days before the governors arrive, and you still have your last lesson with the prince. But after that, why don’t you take the end of the week off?”

Benjin frowned. “What about the Summit?”

Dexil waved a hand, his lavish robes fluttering. “Not to worry—I’ll have more than enough help with the other servants in attendance. You’ve earned a break after all your work these past weeks, and I’m sure your mother would love the chance to see you in person.”

A smile flitted over Benjin’s lips at the thought of leaving the palace to finally visit his mother in Revesole. Then, he pictured Prince Haldric and muffled a flash of guilt. It was stupid—it wasn’t as though the prince needed him or like they’d even have a chance to interact during the Summit. Yet, the prince expected him to be there. Not showing up felt almost like abandoning him.

He bit his lip. “If you’re sure…”

“Of course.” Dexil shooed Benjin toward the doors. “Now, off with you! I expect my workshop properly tidied up and the rest of your deliveries made before I return tonight.”

Benjin bowed, watching the Grand Magus meet the servant who’d called to him. The Grand Magus’ earlier question rattledaround in his head.WouldHaldric make a good ruler? He honestly didn’t know.

As Benjin turned to depart, his gaze caught on the table nearby, fastening on the runes the Grand Magus had etched into its surface. The faint hint of runeflame still lingered over one of them—the one used to dampen sound. The Grand Magus had ensured their conversation wouldn’t be overhead.

twelve

Haldric

---