Page 9 of Iron Hearts and Dragon Magic

“I didn’t. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Our bargain states that I can’t share plans—”

“Perhaps you’re lying about the bargain. Perhaps you broke it.”

“Why would I inform Umbraar? What would I gain from that?”

The king shrugged. “Allies, territory, food. What do I know? Do you want to tell me?”

“I did not inform them of Ironhold’s attack. I made a promise, and I can’t break it.”

“And yet, they were ready. They had wooden weapons and fire weapons, to counteract our… soldiers. They also had some strange animals, even a dragon. You know what that means?”

“Unusual magic?”

“Illusions, Mister Waters. Now, who here can create these illusions?”

River was so relieved at this bizarre theory that he almost showed his feelings by exhaling, but caught himself in time. “I can create illusions, but I was not in Umbraar during this battle.”

“And yet you were not in Frostlake, like you should have been.”

“I fulfilled my duty there. If there’s anything that you believe should be done better—”

The king waved a hand. “It’s a matter of trust, Waters. Perhaps we need to be sure that you won’t go anywhere, that’s all. As a way to solidify our pact.”

“A deal with a fae works both ways, your majesty. I’m bound to it.” This was a subtle reminder that the king was also bound by it. Perhaps he knew it to a certain extent, or he wouldn’t feel so comfortable being alone with him, with guards that were way too far to react in time if River decided to do anything. Or perhaps he didn’t know how fast an Ancient could move.

“True.” The king had a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “But you break it a little, I break it a little, and we still keep our alliance intact. I’ll have Aluria, and I’ll leave Umbraar for the remaining of your people. Meanwhile, I want to make sure I know where one of my dearest allies is. As a matter of trust. Follow me.”

The king moved to the end of the room, where he opened a door. There was a room inside, with a partition and a private area, as well as a jar with water, a glass, and some bread and fruit.

“We made it comfortable, and hope you appreciate our hospitality.”

“My new quarters?” River hadn’t been in his old ones for a long time, not since he’d left Isofel’s girl there, but she had already escaped without his help. Now, this was an iron cage, meant to weaken a fae’s magic and prevent them from using circles. Certainly not the worst punishment that could be inflicted on him, and quite predictable. “They look fine, but I hope your majesty understands it’s a breach of our deal.”

The king put his thumb and index finger together. “A small breach, Waters. Let’s agree I’m being lenient. And you’ll be comfortable here.”

“Very well.”

“Unless… Would you care to explain what happened in Umbraar?”

“I was not there during the battle.”

“Fair, then. You might want to rest.” The king gestured for him to walk in, which he did, then closed the door.

River was a prisoner, caught in Ironhold’s clutches. As much as had known this day would come, he wasn’t expecting it to be so early.

* * *

As angry asNaia was with River, it still hurt to see him leave, to watch him go somewhere so dangerous. The fear of losing him was overwhelming. Fear of losing him. It sent her a clear message on whether she wanted him or not. Ugh. Of course she wanted him, but she wanted to be sure she could trust him, she wanted to be sure he wouldn’t hide things from her again, and maybe she wanted him to know she wasn’t going to tolerate that crap again.

But with so much going on in Umbraar, this was not the time to spare any more thoughts for River—at least for now. Her kingdom was in crisis, and with no sign of her brother or father anywhere, it was up to her to think about the next steps.

What was Ironhold expecting? They must have had a goal in attacking Umbraar. Would they have wanted to kill King Azir? Maybe. But they would have known he could have escaped. Kings often had special places to hide or some kind of procedure in case things went wrong in battle. Umbraar didn’t do that, but Ironhold wouldn’t know it. They wouldn’t be sure that they would have killed the king. Had they wanted him dead, they would have sent assassins.

Assassins. They had sent them. For her brother! But why? Iron magic, of course. If they had ironbringers and wanted to count on the superiority of their magic, they couldn’t have more people wielding it.

Naia sat and tapped her nails on the desk. What had been the point of the attack? Perhaps she would never know that answer. What would her father do?

That was the answer! Not the right answer, but it was what Ironhold would be expecting—something King Azir would do. Would he ask for help? Would he tell other kingdoms? She didn’t think so. Umbraar was the only kingdom without an Ironhold delegation, the only kingdom who hadn’t accepted their help.

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