Page 75 of The Prince's Curse

The section of the palace near the royal chambers was eerily deserted. He remained on edge for another ambush, but they encountered no signs of anyone, friend or foe. It wasn’t until they neared the palace’s center that they began to catch sounds of distant battle.

He paused at an intersection, glancing uncertainly toward the echoed clash of swords. “Should we try to help?”

The skin around Janelle’s face tightened as she shook her head. “What we’re doing is dangerous enough. We’ll have to trust the guards to fight on their own.”

Nodding, Haldric reluctantly continued on. Though he’d managed to heal the worst of his wound, his shoulder still ached. The sounds of battle faded, the pervasive silence even more unsettling.

If the palace were truly under attack by invading rebels, he’d expect to see far more signs of activity: panicked servants and rallying guards. Yet other than the occasional sounds of distant skirmish, there was nothing. It was as if the entire palace had been abandoned.

Which made it all the more startling when they rounded a corner near the dungeons and almost collided with a hurrying figure moving the opposite way.

Haldric had his sword up, an instant away from striking before he caught himself. “Grand Magus!”

Dexil appeared unusually flustered, his fancy robes disheveled and most of his jewelry askew. His eyes widened when he took them in.

“Prince Haldric! And Duchess Janelle!”

“That’sKingHaldric now,” Janelle said. The title twisted at Haldric’s gut. She peered past the Grand Magus down the emptycorridor, seeming satisfied when she saw no one else. “What are you doing out here, Dexil? The halls aren’t safe. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re under attack.”

“Attack?” Dexil gasped. “By the Goddess! I’d noticed something was amiss and was on my way to check it out, but I didn’t realize the situation was so dire. Who would dare do such a thing? And how?”

“Rebels, by the look of it,” Haldric replied grimly. “As for how, we don’t know yet. Regardless, it’s not safe for you to wander alone. You’re welcome to accompany us.”

The Grand Magus blinked, hesitating a moment before jerking a nod. “Of course. If you’re moving to escape, then I’ll guide you. I’m well-versed in the palace’s hidden passages.”

“Not escape.” Haldric stepped past Dexil and continued down the hall. “At least, not yet. We’re heading for the dungeon.” Glancing over, he met the Grand Magus’ startled violet eyes. “To rescue Benjin.”

Dexil held his gaze, and Haldric willed him not to argue. After all, if anyone should be sympathetic to Benjin’s plight, it was the Grand Magus. Benjin’s current predicament was at least partially his fault. While Haldric might’ve accepted the curse, it had been the Grand Magus who offered it.

Dexil eventually bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. Lead the way.”

Haldric obliged. As they walked, Janelle on edge for any signs of danger and Dexil seemingly lost in his own thoughts, Haldric considered the Grand Magus from the corner of his eye.

He hadn’t really had time to ponder Dexil’s role in all this, but it occurred to him now that the Grand Magus had known the truth of Benjin’s innocence all along. Yet, he’d still perpetuated the lie that Benjin had kidnapped him. Why? Had it been some misplaced attempt to shield Haldric from blame?

Sneaking a glance at his aunt, Haldric decided to hold his questions until they had a chance to discuss the matter in private. He didn’t want to get Dexil in trouble if the man had simply been looking out for him.

When they reached the stairs to the dungeons, Janelle insisted on taking the lead in case any rebels lurked below. Thankfully, the area appeared to be deserted, even the usual guards not at their posts.

Benjin’s cell stood all the way at the end of the musty corridor. Designed specifically to hold casters, it had been reinforced with wards to block any attempts at channeling magic from within.

Anticipation squirming in his stomach, Haldric reached for the door.

Dexil held up a hand. “Wait, Your Majesty.”

Haldric paused. “What is it?”

Dexil gestured to Haldric’s sword. “The antimagic wards might damage your weapon. Leave it here with us while you grab Benjin.”

Haldric frowned. It seemed unlikely the wards would damage anything, but he supposed the Grand Magus knew best. After all, he was the one who’d built the cell in the first place.

Nodding absently, his mind focused on his impending reunion with Benjin, Haldric did as Dexil requested, relinquishing his weapon. All the while, his aunt muttered under her breath about what a waste of time this was.

Perhaps she was right. Perhaps hewasbeing foolish. He was king now, after all, which made the defense of Ilthabard his prime responsibility.

But he’d misguidedly attempted to leave Benjin behind once. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he made the same mistake again.

With a deep breath to calm his nerves, he opened the door and stepped into the cell. A shiver racked his flesh as the antimagicwards washed over him, even more powerful and constraining than the blood hex that enemy mage had used on him.

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