Page 25 of Crown of Slumber

“I did not say that.” Samiria’s eyes sharpened as they fixed on Aurelia. “All I know is it is not normal witch magic. This particular spell bears resemblance to the magic of the Dream Mage.”

“The Dream Mage,” Aurelia repeated.

My stomach coiled tightly in recognition.Oh gods…

Samiria looked at me as if she knew I’d recognize the name.

Before I could speak, Aurelia said, “Did this magic not affect you?”

Samiria shook her head. “It seems the witches are immune. But the entire palace grounds have been claimed by this spell.”

Aurelia’s hands curled into fists at her sides. “And the rest of the kingdom?”

“Unaffected.”

Aurelia’s breath rushed out of her, and her hands relaxed. “Well, that’s good, I suppose.”

“I know you are clever enough to understand the purpose behind such an attack, Lady Aurelia.” Samiria’s expression hardened.

Aurelia nodded. “To incapacitate the royal family.”

“Yes. But they aren’t the only ones who reside at the palace, are they?”

Aurelia’s face paled. “The barracks.”

Samiria nodded slowly.

Shit.I ran a hand through my hair. The barracks were likely located on the palace grounds. Which meant the entire army of the Summer Court was under the sleeping spell.

Anyone could invade and face no opposition.

Aurelia’s wide eyes fixed on me, as if she were thinking the same thing. Anger and horror warred in her gaze, and she glared at me in accusation. I shook my head slowly, prepared to deny it. How could shestillthink I was the one behind this?

But could I blame her? Our kingdoms had been at odds for centuries. The Star Court was the most likely suspect.

“How are we unaffected?” I asked, hoping to distract Aurelia before she ripped out my throat.

Samiria lifted her chin, then strode toward me. With a swift movement, she tugged down the collar of my shirt. I jerked away from her, but not before she exposed the witch rune etched below my collarbone.

“What is that?” Aurelia asked.

“Yes, young prince,” Samiria said slyly. “Do tell us what that mark is.” Her smirk indicated she knewexactlywhat it was.

I fumbled with my tunic, shifting the collar back into place as I tried to find my voice. “It’s a protection rune.”

Silence followed my words. After a moment, Aurelia demanded, “What does that mean?”

I closed my eyes with a sigh. “It’s a mark of the witches, meant to protect me from harmful magic.”

“Harmful magic like a sleeping curse, I’d wager,” Samiria said, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Aurelia whirled to face me, her eyes blazing. “Tell me again you had nothing to do with this,” she snarled. “Perhaps you have another witch rune somewhere that allows you to lie to me. Or to even falsify a blood oath.”

“Nothing can negate the power of a blood oath,” Samiria said sharply. “If this prince truly did spill his blood and swear something to you, it is binding. Even witch magic cannot counteract that.”

“Aurelia, I’ve had that mark for years,” I quickly explained. “I was curious about runic magic and wanted to try it for myself. A witch in my lands made it for me.”

Aurelia’s nostrils flared, her gaze full of venom. “Whatever explanations you give me, it is still oddly convenient that the instant you show up, this curse takes my family,andyou have a rune that protects you from it.” She frowned, turning to Samiria. “But what about me? How was I not affected?”

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