Page 81 of Kingdom of Locks

She looked between her mother and Amell, noting that the prince looked no more surprised than Mama Gail at this information.

“You knew?” she whispered.

“I guessed.” His eyes were hard. “It was bound to occur to him sooner or later. But believe me, I would kill him myself before I let him take advantage of you like that.”

“But I would never have willingly agreed,” Aurelia said, aghast. “Never.” The truth suddenly dawned on her, and she stared in horror at her mother. “But he’s willing to coerce me, by threatening you.”

“How do you know that?” Mama Gail demanded.

“I eavesdropped on your argument last night,” said Aurelia impatiently. “Did you really think you could have a private conversation in this place?”

Her mother grunted. “Well, I don’t think he really expects it to come to that,” she said. “He’s clearly confident he can convince you.” She glanced at Amell. “Of course he never dreamed of a rival.”

“Wait.”

Aurelia turned to see Amell looking at her with an expression of dawning horror.

“If Cyfrin really did make Aurelia’s first kiss the key, then…”

“Then she’s just unlocked all the magic he’s stored in her core,” Mama Gail finished. “And, unless I’m mistaken, given it to you.”

Aurelia’s mouth fell open. That was what she’d felt draining from her when she kissed Amell. That must also be why he seemed to have double even his usual energy.

“But that could kill her!” Amell cried, his panic visibly rising. “Is that what’s happening?” He clutched at his chest, as if he could physically rip the power out of himself. “How do I give it back to her? What’s the key now?”

“There is no key,” said Mama Gail, sounding exasperated. “Aurelia couldn’t exactly build one in when she unconsciously gave you the power, could she?”

“So what do I do?”

His terror tugged at Aurelia’s heart, but she was too exhausted to reassure him.

“Get her out of here,” Mama Gail said grimly. “Before Cyfrin comes tonight. Because there’s no way he’ll fail to notice that half his magic is missing.”

“Bartholomew’s artifact to counteract the restraining magic,” gasped Amell. “He was working on a test version. Maybe it will be enough.”

“Go,” Mama Gail said. “It can’t be much past seven. If you ride straight to Fernford and straight back, you should be here well before sunset.”

Amell was halfway to the window before Aurelia’s thoughts caught up. “Wait!” she cried. “Don’t leave.”

He was back at her side in an instant. “I’ll be back as soon as humanly possible, my darling,” he whispered, and the endearment sent a thrill coursing through her.

“Promise?” she whispered, grabbing his arm.

“I promise.” He lifted her hand, just like the hero in her storybook, and pressed his lips to it with the intensity of all his suppressed energy.

Then he was gone.

Aurelia sank back against the chair, closing her eyes in exhaustion. It took her a full minute to realize what was missing. “How did he get down?” she demanded, opening her eyes.

“He climbed down the wall,” Mama Gail said, from where she stood at the window, peering down. “He sort of fell the last several feet, but he doesn’t seem to have been injured.”

“Goodness,” said Aurelia mildly. “He was in a hurry.”

Mama Gail crossed to her side, lifting Aurelia’s hand and pressing it between both of her own. “I think perhaps he cares about you,” she said softly.

A smile flitted across Aurelia’s face. “What gave you that impression?”

“The fact that he didn’t show even a moment of interest at the news that he might have just acquired an excessive amount of power,” said Mama Gail simply. “He just wanted to get it back into you so you would be safe.”

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