Page 107 of Knightfall
Connor bit his lip. “Their official response was that two were ill and the other two susceptible to catching the illness. Magic fever. Quite dangerous to half-djinn. Their magical and their human sides war against one another. And it’s contagious. The recovery is slow, I’ve heard.”
“Why was Abbas able to make it?” I asked.
“He typically stays at their military outpost instead of in the palace.”
I stopped walking. “Shite.”
“Do you think the illness is a lie? You think one of the brothers has been the dragon prowling around?” Connor asked.
“What did your ambassadors in Cheryn say?”
Connor shook his head. “No one’s seen the princes. They’ve been in quarantine for over a month. But you really think … a dragon?”
I bit my lip. “I don’t sarding know. But now I really want to do a mage spell with Abbas so hehasto tell me the truth.”
I ran my hand along the seam that opened the spelled passageway and pushed open the door. We came out at the stairs at the base of Wyle's tower.
I nearly ran into Abbas, who was walking toward a nearby door that opened to the winter garden and poinsettas outside. His shirt was half-buttoned, per his usual half-dressed state, and his hair was slicked back. He seemed slightly out of breath. And slightly startled to see me at first. Of course, his surprise quickly transformed into something else.
"Your Majesty," Abbas crooned. “How wonderful to see you.”
He smelled of smoke. Probably from attending the funeral. There had been bonfires lit on the cliff to keep attendees warm.
Abbas’ eyes twinkled down at me.
I stiffened and straightened my mourning gown.
He can’t read thoughts, can he?I asked as dragons and Abbas collided in my mind’s eye.
Not according to my sources.
"Prince Abbas. Thank you for your attendance this morning."
"Yes, of course. Your mother was one of the few monarchs my father held any esteem for, so I was more than happy to attend and represent Cheryn.”
I studied his face. “It is sad. But she was ill. And I believe she made her peace with it.”
“I’m glad you were able to make it home to say goodbye. I’m certain that you also gave her a great deal of peace,” Abbas stroked my forearm.
I glanced up at him, trying to read his expression. Was he sincere? “I heard your own brothers are ill. I’m so sorry. It’s hard to see a loved one—”
Abbas’s eyes flashed and his smile widened. “Yes, quite hard.”
He’s lying. I can’t tell about what, but Connor says he can feel the lie.
I reached out and rubbed Abbas’ hand with my own. “If there’s anything I can do …”
“Well, you can marry me,” Abbas winked.
My cheeks flushed. “I don’t think that will help your brothers.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. He leaned forward and whispered, “Perhaps it would.”
I shivered. His breath had raised the hairs on my neck. My body wanted to lean toward him. But my mind was torn.
Is this a lie? Are his brothers really ill? Is that related to his desire to marry me? Or is it all a trick, a ploy? My brain rambled.
Sultan Raj loved mind games. I felt certain his son did, too. I stepped back. “Enjoy the gardens, Your Highness.”
