Page 110 of Degradation

With a thought, I created a cup of healing tea and handed it to her. More gasps echoed.

“A few sips and you’ll feel better,” I said.

“By the bells, Kellen, just how powerful are you?” Eloise asked.

I smirked at my twin. “I figured out how to create a potion that can change a man into a woman. With the exception of the circumstance dictating its need, the results were quite amusing.”

“Only for you, Princess,” Darian said. “I still have nightmares.”

A snort escaped me since I’d witnessed his dreams.

“I didn’t mind it,” Eadric said. “Wearing a skirt is quite freeing.”

Someone laughed, easing the growing tension in the grand room.

“Your sister’s power is immeasurable,” Elspeth said after draining the cup. “If not for her warning, I doubt I would have…”

Taking the hand of the woman who had been like a mother to my mother, I shook my head. “Never. I would have never allowed anything to happen to you. Thank you for allowing me to see our past. It helped me understand why I am the way I am.”

I looked at the king. “While protecting your pregnant queen from Maeve’s attack so many years ago, I was deeply touched by that energy while my sister was only slightly touched. She has a sixth sense but nothing more.”

“It’s a fair trade,” Eloise said. “You got all the magic, and I got all the height, what little of it there was for us.”

Smiling, I returned my twin’s wink. She laughed.

“Kellen, the cold,” she scoffed. “If the boys from the market would see you now—” her gaze flicked to my kings. My father nudged her and shook his head.

“It seems we have much to discuss,” the king said. He looked out at the nobles. “Out. This session is done.”

Many of the nobles hurried for the door. A few lingered near the back. Families with daughters hoping to speak to the Kings of Turre. Including one who I recognized by their thoughts.

“Lord and Lady Thoning,” I called. “You wished to speak?”

Lady Thoning's fear of me almost drowned her determination to gain the king’s favor. Not her husband, though. He was all determination. And it wasn’t solely centered on the king. Prince Greydon or my kings would do as well.

He strode forward with his wife and daughter, who was close to the age of Kellen and me.

My father didn’t look at them, but I could feel his anger climbing.

“Your majesties,” Lord Thoning said with a bow as his wife and daughter curtsied. “Pardon my forwardness. When I heard the name Cartwright, I knew I must speak.”

“I agree, Lord Thoning,” I said. “Speak, but know every word you utter will only be the truth…grandfather.”

His disdain for me grew.

“Do not speak,” he said. “You are beneath me, a wretched offspring from a disgraced daughter. You have no right to try to rise above your place.”

“And where is my place?” I asked as his wife paled and tugged at his arm.

“In the gutter or swinging from a noose if what the guard said is true. All casters should die.”

Edmund’s ire exploded, and he punched Lord Thoning right in the mouth. The old man fell back like a toppled tree. I did not cushion him.

“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that over the years,” my father said, clapping Edmund on the back. “Thank you, Son.”

Edmund’s proud grin faded when he caught my stoic stare.

“Words, Edmund,” I said.

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