Page 86 of The Prince's Curse

That seemed to alleviate much of the governors’ outrage. From the fresh wave of whispers that arose, Benjin thought they were beginning to bend to Haldric’s wishes. It was, after all, exactly the greater independence they’d craved…albeit with a catch. And no doubt Westley and the others were already plotting how they might circumvent it.

Benjin glanced over at Katalin when he heard her soft chuckle. She leaned across the table in front of Haldric and whispered, “The good king conveniently left out his intention to include certain measures that might be taken against the governors should their people’s voices go unheard for too long. Good thing none of them thought to ask.”

Benjin grinned at that, heartened to hear that the lowborns like him would be afforded at least some level of protection from the governors’ greed. Yet, this fresh reminder of what a good match Katalin and Haldric made also left him with a deep melancholy. She’d do more to help him rule than Benjin ever could have.

The meeting turned to discussion over the specifics of Haldric’s proposal, and Benjin found himself tuning out. Again, he wondered why Haldric had even bothered asking him to attend. Compared to everyone else here, he was nobody.

As the words and ideas washed over him, Benjin found himself watching Haldric. The longer the meeting went on, the more comfortable Haldric seemed to grow in his new role as ruler. Though he fumbled now and then, each time either Katalin or Janelle had his back.

Thanks to their support, he managed to convince Westley and the other four governors to seize the dangled promise of increased independence and fall in line with his reforms. Benjin had been right all along—now that he’d embraced the position, Haldric would make a great king.

The meeting concluded, the governors rising to depart. Benjin did the same, moving swiftly toward the door. He jerked to a surprised halt when he heard Haldric calling after him.

From beside Benjin, Katalin gave him a smile that seemed a touch wistful. She reached over and patted him on the shoulder. “Good luck.”

Then, she slipped away, leaving him staring after her in confusion. What the Void wasthatsupposed to mean?

When Haldric reached him, Benjin tried to decide how to address him before opting for an awkward bow. “Your, um, Majesty. How may I assist you?”

Frowning, Haldric waved a hand. “You can dispense with the formalities, Benjin. Such isn’t required—not between us, at any rate. Now, please, follow me.”

Benjin obeyed, his stomach a nervous wreck. At first, he wondered where Haldric was leading him. Then, he realized it was to the Grand Magus’ old tower.

Looking about the cluttered chamber, Benjin felt a deep sorrow he hadn’t expected. He’d avoided coming here since regaining his memories, relying on servants to retrieve what he needed to complete his work.

This had been where Dexil betrayed him and locked him away, where both he and Haldric had been cursed and stripped of their memories. Yet it had also been a refuge for him during his early days in the palace, and the site of many of his fondest memories here.

It’s also where I first met Haldric.

When Haldric didn’t immediately speak, Benjin approached the Grand Magus’ former workstation and rested his palm atop the surface. He thought he could still make out a few scorch marks from his failed lessons that the Grand Magus hadn’t been able to fully repair.

“I never expected to be chosen as the next apprentice,” he told Haldric quietly. “I was so happy when the Grand Magus saw something in me.” His fingers tightened into a fist, and he snorted, shaking his head. “Now, I know the only reason he picked me was because I refused to bow and scrape before you.”

Haldric stepped up beside him. Benjin’s heartbeat quickened at Haldric’s closeness after so many days apart. “Perhaps. But nodoubt he also saw your innate talent and potential. You’ll be a powerful mage someday, Benjin.”

Benjin fixed Haldric with a disbelieving look, but Haldric merely smiled. “I’m serious. In fact, that’s why we’re here. It turns out I have need of a powerful mage to fill the position Dexil vacated—one I can trust in these tumultuous times.”

Benjin’s breath caught, certain he must’ve misunderstood. “But…but I’m barely trained in the basics of runeflame! Even you know more than I do.”

Haldric shrugged. “True. But I intend to ensure you receive the very best education, and I have no doubt you’ll manage in the meantime. From what I hear, you’re already doing an admirable job carrying on the Grand Magus’ work.”

“That hardly counts!” Benjin stared at the alcoves in the walls that housed Dexil’s most prized contraptions. “Most of the potions I’ve been delivering are simple tonics the Grand Magus had already mostly prepared. I can’t—” He paused, focusing on something Haldric had said. “Hold on. What did you mean about my education?”

This time, Benjin thought he detected a flicker of sadness in Haldric’s smile. “If you accept my offer, I’m prepared to reach out to Astralyn on your behalf. With the king of Ilthabard as your patron, you should have little difficulty securing a spot at the Arcanum to study runeflame as Dexil did. It’s the best education a fledgling mage can hope for. And if you elect to return in several years once your training is complete, the post of Grand Magus will be waiting for you.”

Benjin’s couldn’t deny that the offer was tempting. How often had he dreamed of escaping his life here? He’d be able to take his mother away from Revesole and her ceaseless work to start anew with him in Astralyn. Once he was Arcanum-trained, he’d have no shortage of positions available to him all across Allaria, in Ilthabard or beyond. And yet…

Swallowing, Benjin met Haldric’s eyes. “Or?”

“Or,” Haldric said softly, taking a step closer to Benjin, “I can arrange for you to study here. It’s no substitute for the Arcanum, but with Dexil’s books and some good tutors, I suspect we can make fine mages out of you and me both.”

It was Benjin who stepped closer this time, his pulse quickening as heat zinged through his veins. The two of them were practically pressed together, Haldric’s proximity like the burning brush of magic upon Benjin’s soul.

He expected the king to react—to back up or shove him away or call him out for his lack of decorum. Instead, Haldric’s breath grew more ragged, his pupils dilating with desire as his eyes locked on Benjin’s lips.

“So,” Haldric whispered, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “What do you think?”

“Are you asking me to stay here? With you?”

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