Page 34 of Chaos Tempted

“She wanted to know what magic I might possess, if any.”

“And what is your…magic?” The weight of his scrutiny would bring me to my knees if I weren’t already there.

“I can communicate with animals and creatures.” I shrug slightly. “A minor power.”

“Did this Weaver tell you what King Magnus hoped to gain by positioning you in my court?”

I can’t tell him how, years ago, the mage ordered me to give Wyn the gift of my longevity or instruct her suitors how to use our changeling mark to bond. I don’t wish to keep this from him, but he might not trust me anymore if I do.

“No.” I shake my head violently. “If Magnus wants something from me, I do not know what it is.” Technically, this is true.

“Yet.” King Nathaniel visibly relaxes his shoulders and slumps back in his chair. “I sense you tell me the truth. Come here.” He holds out his arms.

I spring up from the floor, crashing into his embrace. “I’m sorry my presence has caused you so much pain.”

“Don’t be silly. Your presence has soothed me all this time.” Nathaniel pulls back to look me in the eye. “Perhaps just the thought that I had a saboteur in my ranks was enough damage for Magnus to inflict. The fae are known for their subtle maneuvers, using their enemies’ own paranoia against them.”

“From the stories, that is true.” I nod. “If I discover King Magnus’ plans for me, I will come to you immediately.”

16

LINES

WYNSTELLE

The four of us work in Oakes’ chambers so that we can have easy access to his library while we search for information on mirror and influencer magic.

“We will need to be careful with disclosing these recent developments,” Oakes reminds the group. “Even talking about them now with only us in the room concerns me. You especially need to be careful, Wyn.”

“How will I know if Twyla is spying on me?” I ask, snuggling into Jaden as we both sit on a comfortable, oversized reading chair.

Oakes closes his book and focuses on me. “Sometimes, the victim of a psychic invasion will feel pressure on or in their body.”

“Hmm.” I nod, remembering that sensation. “I will try to pay attention. And if I do feel that?”

“Visualize forcing her out of your thoughts or body. Think of it as a shove or how a river can flood with a fast rain.”

“Just thinking it can make it happen?”

“Didn’t youjustimagine calming us down, and then it came true?” Eldrin asks with a smirk on his handsome face.

“Oh.” I bite my lip. “I suppose it does work like that.”

“Never underestimate the power of intent,” Jaden adds, pulling me closer to his chest. “It can mean the difference between holding onto life or dying. All magic and life itself are created fromintention.”

“That makes sense from the stories of war I have read.” I say, “It must be the reason some victims with the same wound die instantly, and others recover.”

Eldrin snaps the book shut he has been reading. Through the bond, I sense he’s mentally preparing for an argument. “I’m going to announce Wyn’s new title next full moon.”

“My title?” I clutch my knees to my chest, pulling away from Jaden. “In three days?”

“It will be fine.” Eldrin waves off my concern.

Jaden tenses and leans forward to emphasize his point. “I still adviseagainstthis.”

“Noted.” Eldrin’s blue eyes storm with determination. “This isn’t a whim. This will give her equalizing status. It’s a smart move. Wyn should have a formal title and position here to protect her. More than just as our mate.”

“Or, as Magnus put it, a glorified courtesan.” I grimace, thinking about how some elves view our relationship.

---