Page 136 of Crown of Slumber

“You’re certain of this?”I asked Gorrick, whose eyes had glazed over from the pressure of my magic.

“Yes.” The captain’s voice was slow and measured, his expression slack.

I rubbed my jaw. “Very well.You will forget this encounter the second you leave my room.” My voice was layered with fae magic, which was getting easier and easier to do. I had been so afraid of it before, but now, none of that mattered. I would use whatever weapons I had at my disposal, and with my reluctance no longer hindering my powers, they rushed forward with unstoppable fervor.

“Yes,” Gorrick repeated, then turned and left my chambers. When the door shut behind him, I braced my arms against the window, glaring in the distance. The information Gorrick had given me hadn’t necessarily changed anything; but it was unsettling nonetheless.

And it only made me more aware of the many ways I had failed my people. I’d failed to keep them safe from the dangers of the unseelie… and the dangers of my mother.

I still had much to do. After my interrogation with Gorrick, I went to the stables, where the witch Priscilla awaited me. I found her standing next to the stall of a white stallion, dressed in her signature crimson cloak. She turned at my approach, her dark brows pulled together in concern.

“I told you never to summon me,” she hissed, glancing around the stable. But we were completelyalone.

“I know.” I lifted my palms placatingly. Priscilla and I had a strict agreement. She was willing to teach me runic magic, but only on her own terms, and only when she was available. This was the first time I had ever reached out to her on my own. “I’m sorry. But it’s urgent. Do you know how to contact the witches Ruby, Sapphire, and Jade?”

Priscilla’s face paled. “How do you know them?”

“It’s a long story. Can you reach them?”

She shook her head. “Those three operate under their own rules. They always have. They are separate from the rest of us.”

I swore under my breath. “Can you gather as many witches as you can? The kingdom is in danger.”

Priscilla’s dark eyes flared wide as I filled her in on the situation as best I could, leaving out particular details about Aurelia’s identity.

“If we don’t do something, my mother will allow the Dream Mage to take over the entire realm,” I finished. “Will you help me?”

Priscilla’s expression turned wary. “What is it you need from us?”

“I’ll need your support when I challenge my mother.”

Priscilla stilled, her lips growing thin. “The royal family has never been civil toward witches. It will be difficult to persuade them to support you.”

“I’m prepared to swear right now that I will change that once I take the throne,” I said in a firm voice. “It’s something I should have done long ago.”

Priscilla took a step back, her mouth falling open. “My lord, that is quite a bold promise.”

“I know. But I need the witches’ allegiance, and time is of the essence. Please deliver this message to them.”

Priscilla scrutinized my solemn expression before nodding once. “Very well. I agree. And, at the very least, I swear that you will havemyallegiance, my lord.” She pressed her fist to her heart and inclined her head.

I offered her a small smile. It was all I could manage, given the circumstances. Without preamble, I murmured, “I, Prince Fennick Mardion of the Midnight Court, swear to you, Priscilla of the witch clans, that I will grant all witches in my kingdom freedom, respect,and a voice in my court as soon as I take the throne.” I closed my fingers into tight fists, biting back a groan as the heat of my vow seared through me.

I looked at Priscilla expectantly. Her eyes were shining. “You have no idea how long we have waited for this, my lord.”

“I’m just sorry it’s taken so long.” My voice was heavy, and the words didn’t seem nearly enough.

“I suspect many of the witches will come to your aid, if not all,” Priscilla said. “I cannot say for sure, but I will do my best to convince them.”

“Thank you, Priscilla.”

She nodded and gave me an encouraging smile before I turned and left the stable.

I hadn’t tried to visit Aurelia yet. I knew Mother was waiting for me to do it, to try to sneak into that prison cell and free the woman I loved.

My chest ached, cinching tighter and tighter with every passing minute. My mind was constantly on Aurelia and how she fared. I knew she must despise me. But that didn’t matter. If, after this was all over, she wanted to part from me forever, I would let her.

But I had to free her first. I owed her that much. Then, she could live her life as she pleased.

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