Page 36 of Brutal Fae King
“I need a spell,” I say. “As soon as you can perform it.”
She cocks a slender eyebrow.
“Well, as always, it depends on what the spell is intended to do,” she says in her lilting tones. “And, of course, what you would pay for it.”
“I need a spell to bind me to the lost queen,” I say. “A psychic link, something that ties us together. She has agreed to marry me for the sake of the kingdom’s wellbeing—”
“I’m aware,” she replies.
“—and I want to ensure she won’t go back on our deal.”
“Think carefully before you demand another spell, My King,” the witch purrs. “She is aware of the dire straits. If she is wise, she won’t leave.”
“I know,” I say. “But I don’t trust her. I don’t trust she won’t leave as soon as she thinks the kingdom is safe, even if it’s not. I need to keep the kingdom safe.”
The witch cocks her head slowly.
“Is that truly the reason?” she asks slowly.
I glower at her.
“Yes,” I growl. “Do the spell.”
“As you wish, My King,” she says. “The cost is three years.”
Three?! Oh, damn…
But I suck a breath in.
“Fine. Do it.”
The witch glides over to me and extends her hand. I take it, and we shake once. A bolt of pain crashes through me. I cry out as I feel three years shaved off my lifespan. Once she releases my hand, I’m tingling from head to toe.
I stagger forward a step and brace myself on the wall. The witch smiles.
“In but a few moments, this room will have a spell within to bind the people psychically together at the utterance of the words:I do,” she says. “As soon as both parties have spoken those words, they shall be forever bound.”
I nod. There’s a bead of sweat running down my brow. I summon the strength to stand straight again and mop it up with my hand.
“Very good. I’ll leave you to it.”
I leave the room as the witch begins to chant. Outside is Bruamin, scowling lightly at me.
“What?” I grunt.
“I do wish you wouldn’t buy spells so frivolously, Sire,” he pleads. “You know you have cost yourself several decades of life by now.”
“I know. Can you officiate for me, Bruamin? I know we always agreed you would.”
“Sire, listen!” he begs. “The girl was always going to stay! She knows what’s at stake!”
“I can’t take that risk, Bruamin. Now, will you officiate my wedding or not?!”
Bruamin sighs lightly. He nods.
“Thank you,” I sigh. “Now, can you fetch a guard to bring her back?”
He nods again. He starts to walk off, hesitates, and then looks over his shoulder:
