Page 86 of Ruled By Magic

“Stand what?”

“Him controlling so much of what happens to you. Having so little say in your own life.” She ran a finger over the pattern on the bedcover. “It feels so wrong. Not like you.”

I took a breath to argue, then let it out again. It was true, wasn’t it? I couldn’t claim otherwise.

“It won’t always be like this. Once we’re home, I can have a life again. And freedom. We both can.”

Hex grunted. “You really think he’ll be okay with that? You, out and about, doing things without his permission?”

I forced myself to pause and consider the question. I had no idea what I wanted. I’d be too scandalous a figure to go back to teaching. How would I fill my days? Leo would be busy, as always. I’d need to find something worthwhile to do. I met Hex’s gaze. “He’ll have to be. Come on, let’s get some food.”

Leo arrived close to four, tired but pleased. “It went well. We’ve agreed to end hostilities. Atar will supply me with magical tech, privately until I can get the restrictions lifted. I’m going to sign documents to say I’ll never challenge for the throne. Also,” his voice dropped lower, “I persuaded Adante to drop the punishment down to a caning.”

Caning?

I swallowed. Leo had never used a cane on me. It sounded harsh. He noticed my expression. “I tried for a belt, but Adante insisted.”

Beside me, Hex sat rigid. Leo pulled a chair over and joined us. “It took as much negotiation as the damn treaty. Adante is very particular. He decided on bare skin or underwear, so you’ll both need to wear dresses with skirts you can lift. Sorry.” He gripped my hand. Hex stared at the floor as a red blush stained her cheeks.

Atalie clapped her hands. “Right. I’ve got some dresses packed we can try, Hex. We’re about the same height. You’re more muscly, but I can think of one that might work. It’s stretchy. Come to my room and we’ll get you organized.”

Hex left with Atalie without a word. Damien and Peter waved and went to prepare for the evening.

Leo glared at the closed door. “What’s her problem? I’ve tried to make this easy on her. It was her fault.”

I examined his face. He really didn’t get it. And how could he? He had all the power and influence in the world. How could he understand the helplessness of being stripped of all choices? How much it hurt to be forced into something despite finding it abhorrent.

“Think about it, Leo. She doesn’t like you. She doesn’t want you to have anything over her. And now she’s got to bend over, lift her skirt up, and let you beat her with a cane. Can you imagine how humiliating that is for her?”

He stayed silent for a few moments. “That makes sense, I suppose.” His eyes met mine, and his lips curved into the feral smile that meant trouble. “And the next time she aggravates me, I’ll remind her of it.”

I gaped. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would. It’ll do her good to learn some respect.”

He raised one brow at me, an unmistakable look of challenge. Testing me to see what I’d do. A smile touched my own lips as I realized I didn’t have to stay quiet, put on an obedient face, and swallow my objections. I had a voice again and I could use it. “You’d better not.”

“Oh really? And do you have a plan in mind to stop me? I should—”

His words cut off as I launched a pillow at his head.

Hex and I stood at the entrance to a vast room. The serving girl who collected us called it ‘the Great Hall’, and the name fit. Thousands of tiny bulbs on hanging strings stretched in every direction, giving off soft light. Real fires burned, offsetting the chill of the desert night. Tables laden with food and drink lined the walls and chattering Atarans filled the space, pressed together.

I stopped with a gasp and stared at the ceiling until Damien prodded me in the back. The sky. Though the roof was solid, a projection showed the constellations, brighter and more beautiful than I’d ever seen them. An eye-dazzling effect made it seem like the stars moved, showering down the walls. Was it magic? The scene was so stunning it distracted me from what was about to happen. Until I glanced at Hex, and reality crashed in.

She’d crammed herself into a dress of Atalie’s that came nowhere close to fitting. The purple sheath stretched taut across her shoulders, one flex away from destruction. A poor option, but the best available. At least Atalie was tall. Not that it mattered. Short skirt or long, she’d have to bend over and lift it up.

Nausea assailed me at the image. I should have fought to take the entire punishment. Seeing Hex shamed and hurt would be a million times harder than going through it myself. It’d be so much worse for her. I trusted Leo, loved him. How would I feel, taking discipline from someone I despised?

Adante met us at the door. The prince’s outfit was even more spectacular than usual. Red and gold stitching covered his tunic and trousers, and a golden cloak shimmered behind him. In the flickering light of the fires, he shone with unearthly beauty, cold and dangerous.

I pictured Leo in one of the Ataran outfits. That would be something.

The prince’s gaze traveled over Hex and me. His lip curled. “Are your girls prepared, Lord Commander?”

I winced. Hex must be dying inside, being referred to as one of Leo’sgirls.

“Yes. They’ll be glad to get it over with.”

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