Page 44 of The Sins of Silas

Silas’s jaw hardened, and I shot him a tight-lipped smile. He probably thought my nerves had to do with this meeting.

“Don’t be sorry, Lena.” Merrick squeezed my arm before releasing it. “It’s not good to hold everything in…I’m a hypocrite for that, I know.” He chuckled as we made our way up the steps. “But please, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here.”

I smiled up at him gently. “I know, Mare. Thank you.”

His eyes remained dark so as not to alert anyone that it wasn’t his normal eye color, and we were all led into the throne room.

I noticed him right away. Their leader stood with crossed arms, his long, golden hair flowing over one of his shoulders. To his right was a male soldier with cobalt blue hair and eyes to match. His arms were also crossed over his broad chest, his narrowed eyes trailing over our group. To Leroy’s left was another male, older, wearing a deep frown.

“I’d wish for some privacy, Paul,” he said calmly to the man who led us in. “Close the door on your way out.”

He must not have known Mages were in his presence, or he wouldn't have been so eager to be alone in a room with us. Well, alone, minus the two men at his side. The door clicked shut behind us.

“Crown Prince of Otacia, to what do we owe the honor?” Leroy gave a crooked smile that didn’t meet his eyes. “Or would the term ‘Banished Prince’ be more fitting?”

I guess word had spread.

Silas tensed at my side, but his face gave away nothing. He tilted his head up slightly. “Is it considered banishment if I chose to leave?”

Leroy’s smile remained, his blue eyes trailing over us all before halting on me. His voice was smooth as he said, “Word travelsquickly, Prince. It has been said you not only betrayed your kingdom but freed nearly a hundred Mages in captivity.”

Shit, shit!

My heartbeat quickened as his gaze slid back to Silas. “I assume there are a few in our company as we speak.”

Forsmont had remained separated from Otacia’s reign thus far and had never enforced a kill order. That didn’t mean that no murders took place. To my left, Merrick’s fists clenched, and beside him, Viola eyed the two guards at Leroy’s side. The man with blue hair gave Vi a wicked grin, and I could see her refraining from snarling.

“I don’t believe I betrayed Otacia at all.” Silas’s voice was strong and steady. How he was able to keep his nerves at bay, I didn’t know. “The King has made his plans for the continent clear. He wishes to be High King.”

“So it seems, with how adamant he has been in trying to claim our territory.” Leroy plucked a loose string on his red tunic. For a King, he was dressed rather modestly. He didn’t even wear a crown. “And, let me guess, you wish to rally our support of your reign, and in exchange, Forsmont keeps our freedom?” He lowered his brows at the Prince of Otacia. There was no kindness in his voice as he said, “Well, keep our freedom untilyouare King. Who knows what you will do with your power?”

“I am a man of my word.”

Leroy nodded slowly, his gaze once again going over our group. After a moment, the King exhaled sharply. “Tell you what, Prince.” He clapped once, the sound causing me to flinch. He gave an easy smile, crossing his arms. “Slay one of your witches here.”

My blood went cold.

“Kill one of them, and Forsmont will join your cause.”

Silas blinked, the only sign he was taken aback.

Or…or was he considering?

Elowen’s nervous eyes went to Edmund, who pulled her closer to his side. Even Roland tensed beside me.

“I will do no such thing,” Silas said cooly. “The Mages are my allies.”

Leroy let out a dry laugh, his eyes widening, an incredulous look on his face. “TheWitch Slayerhas made allies with the Mages?” His sky-blue eyes shifted to mine. “What made you agree to such a thing? He promised freedom, and you believed it?”

I was taken by surprise that the leader knew I was one of the Mages. We were all glamoured. Though perhaps word had spread of the red-headed witch leader of Ames.

“Otacia will lift the kill order. Provide us with a home, should we wish it,” I answered simply. The blue-haired man scoffed before I continued, “King Matel, there is a dark power spreading across the continent. A necromancer has risen.”

To that, Leroy’s eyes flared, his arms falling back to his sides.

“We will need to come together if there is any chance of eliminating this threat.”

Leroy’s frown went to Silas. “How long?”

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