Page 36 of The Prince's Curse

Needing to look away, Haldric strode over to the pile of wood and selected two logs of about the same size and shape. He set one in front of each of them.

“Right, then. We’ll start whenever you’re ready.”

His piercing gray eyes still fixed on Haldric, Benjin nodded.

Haldric cleared his throat. “On the count of three. One. Two. Th—”

“Well well, what is this? I’d heard there was a spectacle in the courtyard, but I didn’t expect to find my pupils at the heart of it.”

Haldric spun to see the crowd part around Grand Magus Dexil. His face wasn’t harsh, and his words bore only the faintest ring of admonishment. Nevertheless, Haldric’s face heated with shame.

“S-sorry, Grand Magus,” he said, bowing his head. “It was my idea. We wanted to practice some of the cantrips we’ve been learning”

“So I see.” Dexil’s violet gaze lingered on the remnants of the other challenges they’d left scattered about the courtyard. “Whatever you think is best, Your Highness. Just remember to take care—magic is a tool, not a toy.”

Guilt cinched Haldric’s stomach as he watched the Grand Magus depart. Dexil was right—Haldric had no idea what he’d been thinking when he’d agreed to this idiocy.

Unaware of Haldric’s inner turmoil, Benjin flashed him a grin. “Right, where were we?”

Haldric straightened his back, letting his usual mask fall back into place. “This contest is over.”

Benjin’s grin faded, the sight tugging at Haldric’s gut. “The Grand Magus said it was fine. You can’t leave right before the final challenge.”

“I can and I will.” Haldric glanced at the crowd and felt a fresh wave of shame. By the Goddess, had he really thought to impress them with this embarrassing stunt? “The Grand Magus also saidwe shouldn’t abuse magic for our own personal amusement. It’s time we return to our other duties. I’m sure we both have far more important things to do.”

Hurt rippled over Benjin’s features, quickly muffled by a scowl. He made a show of bowing deeply. “Of course, Your Highness. My humblest apologies for forcing you to debase yourself with such idle pursuits. I beg your royal forgiveness.”

Benjin stalked away, shoving through the dispersing crowd. Haldric watched him go with a hint of regret.So much for enjoying our last lesson together.Still, he stood by what he’d said. He didn’t have time to waste on pointless amusement with anyone…the obstinate apprentice included.

thirteen

Benjin

It had barely beena month since Benjin’s last time in Revesole, but already, the streets seemed a distant dream. How had he forgotten how the once-proud buildings had begun to crumble? How dark and narrow the winding lanes were, crammed too tightly about the base of the hill as the city had haphazardly expanded around the palace? The perpetual odor of horses and garbage and sweat that hung over its cramped confines?

Instincts he hadn’t needed since he entered the palace slowly returned to him, warning him which idle travelers to give a wide berth or which shadowed alleyways to avoid. Though he didn’t dare openly channel his runeflame for fear of attracting the wrong sort of attention, he kept his magic close at hand, ready to unleash a blast of force at a moment’s notice.

It was dangerous, forgetting himself as much as he had. He might be safe in the palace for now, spending time with thehighborn in relative comfort and luxury. But that didn’t mean he’d ever be one of them.

How had Dexil so completely set his past aside? With his lavish silks and jewels, the Grand Magus fit right in among the nobility. Benjin doubted he’d ever feel like he wasn’t playing pretend, as if sooner or later everyone else would figure out he was a fraud and look upon him with the same sneering contempt that noblewoman had upon his first visit to the palace.

The same way the prince did…

Thinking of Haldric only brought on more confusion. Every time Benjin thought he’d finally convinced the prince to open up and let down his guard, Haldric found some way of reminding him that he was still every bit the aloof noble, so far removed from the average Ilthabardian’s experience it was laughable.

Yet Benjin also couldn’t deny that, beneath all his masks, Haldric had a surprisingly gentle heart. He’d seen the way the prince cared for his father. The tight grief Haldric felt over his sister and the king’s deteriorating health. Glimpses of the anxiety Haldric harbored over one day assuming his father’s place.

Then there’d been how Haldric had looked at Benjin their last few encounters. Annoyed and imperious, sure, but also as if he genuinely cared what Benjin thought. The consistent encouragement he’d given Benjin for his spellwork, and his reassuring words about the Summit. The phantom touch of his fingers still lingered upon Benjin’s shoulder.

Benjin tightened his cloak about him despite the afternoon sun. Today was the day of the Provincial Council’s long-awaited Summit, and he still felt some lingering guilt over not attending when he’d told the prince that he would. What if Haldric needed him?

Why would the prince ever need someone like me? He couldn’t even stand to finish our last magic lesson together.

Softly chiding himself for his ridiculousness, Benjin picked up his pace, fingering the bag of coins hidden beneath his cloak.Thatwas what actually mattered—providing a better life for his family. Everything else was a distraction.

Relief eased his tensed shoulders when he turned down the familiar alleyway leading to the ramshackle building where his mom rented a room.

A grizzled woman with a perpetual stoop and long, wispy gray hair answered his tentative knock, peering out suspiciously through the cracked door.

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