Page 43 of Queen of Legends and Lies
I gawk like he’s grown a second head, struggling to piece together the puzzle he’s laying out. “What does all that mean?”
Eldor leans back, his gaze holding mine as if he’s peering into my very soul. “I believe something bigger’s happening, Lark. I think your powers merged with Knox’s.”
Merged?
“Have you ever felt something like that before? The lightning zap, I mean.” He waves a hand, indicating this experience could be from any time.
I frown, ready to deny it. Then I remember. “With Agnar. At Tír Ríoga.”
“Explain.” When he tilts his head, his dark hair cloaks the worry creasing his forehead.
I recount the tale, sharing everything I recall about the fight at the Pass of Chains.
No amount of hair could hide Eldor’s concern now. “I suspect it happened there, too, with Agnar. But I can’t be certain.”
“Merging our magic? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
Then again, this wouldn’t be my first encounter with inexplicable ancient magic.
Warded books that only certain people can touch. A city that cannot be found unless you follow a specific path. Locks that only open with the drop of a specific person’s blood.
Magic is clearly capable of more than we know.
Eldor waves his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’ve never found anything in the histories regarding this. Nothing in your visions to give you a hint about this?”
“Nothing.” I shake my cup and watch the last drops of tea dance. “However, if the gods want to be involved in this, I’ll be sure to ask them about it. And about why they sent me images in the middle of my coronation.”
And right before Celeste landed with Sterling on the back of her mount. And yet again, I failed to save him.
Tears prickle my eyes. I widen them so Eldor won’t notice.
Tears? Tears!
I spring to my feet. “The tea worked!”
Eldor’s body jerks at my sudden motion. “What?”
I rush forward and press a kiss to his cheek. “That tea worked. Thank you, Grandfather. After you drowned me in your tea, I’m no longer dehydrated.” I race for the door. “I’ll tell the guards to show you to the archives, so you can search for anything involving the merging of powers. You and I might be the only people in the palace who can find such books.”
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
Glass clatters behind me, but I’m too focused on leaving to glance back. “I’m going to heal Knox.”
Chapter Sixteen
My heart pumps a nervous rhythm, but I squeeze the reins on it, keeping everything tightly wound inside. The rhythmic clank of armor ricochets off the ornate walls. Guards on watch. I’m surrounded by my personal entourage, whether I like it or not.
We’re on our way to the infirmary.
I exhale, thankful we’re not heading for the dungeons.
If I walked in and found Sterling chained to a wall like some kind of animal, I’d shatter. But as we enter a smaller hallway, I see precautions are still being taken.
Two palace guards stand outside a heavy oak door. Two others are stationed at the end of the hall. I’m relieved they’re treating this seriously.
“Here we are, Your Highness.” The new captain of the guard gives a slight bow, radiating authority.
Though I’ve only met Captain Griffin Fitz briefly in the whirlwind of the last few days, I like him already. Even now, his cocoa brown eyes scan our surroundings, like he’s prepared for anything. A scar through his left eyebrow contrasts with the rich mahogany hue of his skin.
