Page 13 of To Sway a Bard
“I thought you might ask that very question,” the queen said.
Zula lifted her head, studying the queen’s face, a niggle of familiarity poking at her.
No. It can’t be!
Realization dawned on her half a beat before the queen started to explain.
“My son, Neo, was born a hunter. He always finds his prey, and he will always find you, no matter where you go, no matter what you do. Also helps that he’s in love with you, although let’s keep that knowledge our secret.”
A loud humming began in Zula’s mind as though she’d been struck on the head. Her ears rang, and the queen’s voice was drowned out by her own thoughts.
Neo.
Prince Neo.
Thatwas why he looked so familiar, not because she’d seen him at a tavern or passed him on the street or knew him from a rival thief gang. No, because of course she’d seen the royal family from afar, when the crown prince was named. And it was tradition in the kingdom for the royal family to takeon roles of governance. They weren’t afraid to walk among the people, to get their hands dirty, because strange magic flowed through their blood.
Out of the three royal children, each one had a specialty. One would rule, one would hunt, and one would persuade.
Neo, the sheriff, was a prince.
Zula started to shake. “He’s not in love with me,” she whispered.
“He’s my son,” the queen said matter-of-factly. “I know him better than anyone else. That’s why I’m not demanding your execution immediately. I’d hoped to meet you, wondering if you might be a young woman who was led astray a long time ago. This is your opportunity to change your ways, to choose another path. I’m not suggesting that you’d ever be good enough for my son, but I’d rather prevent heartbreak, and it is in my nature to give second chances rather than calling for death, deserved or undeserved.”
Zula pressed her lips together, throat dry. “May I have some time to consider your proposal?”
“You have until the night of the masquerade in two days. In fact, I invite you to attend the masquerade dressed as yourself; it will be astonishing. However, know that you are not free to roam. You will be closely guarded, and if you attempt anything at all, I will revoke this proposal and consider locking you in a deep hole where you’ll never see the sunshine, even if you dig for five hundred years.”
Zula shuddered. “I will take your words under close consideration.”
“Dismissed. Guards, please escort her back.”
13
NEO
The keys of the piano moved under Neo’s long fingers, the melodic sounds ringing out, calming his jittery impatience. He’d taken a bath, eaten, and now he was attempting to keep his thoughts off the offer his mother was making Zula. Most importantly, he was trying to figure out why he wasn’t invited. Truth was, the queen had her reasons, and if she decided not to share with him, there was nothing he could do. His heart sank and his fingers slipped off the keys just as footsteps approached.
“Sire?”
Neo stood, pushing his hair off his forehead with a sigh. “Don’t call me that. It’s too formal.”
Thune shrugged good-naturedly. “It comes natural.”
“How did it go in there?”
“The Blue-Feathered Bard looked quite disturbed. I’d hate to be in her place.”
“And? What did my mother offer her?”
Thune’s face reddened. “She did that trick of hers. We could see their mouths moving, but couldn’t hear any of the discussion.”
“Ah. The bard is locked up, then?”
“In the adjoining room.”
“I’ll go to her. Thank you, Thune.”
