Page 90 of Magic in the Moonlight

“She married them both?”

“Unbeknownst to the men, yes.”

“How would it benefit her to marry two people on the same day?” I ask, confused. “Wouldn’t it have damaged her soul to make the second promise, since it would cancel out the first?”

Yorenzo nods. “Exactly right. For whatever reason, Princess Vetta felt the trick was necessary enough to inflict self-harm. It’s written that she had affection for Mihkyle, and she wanted him to win, but he was the less powerful of the pair. That’s where the objects of commitment come into play. The ring she gave to Mihkyle held a simple ruby, while the necklace she fastened around Ackealenvyos’ neck was tainted with Valonite.”

He turns the book around so I can see the drawing of the necklace. It’s just like the one I’m wearing—exactly the same as the design Vaeront took credit for.

Vaeront stole the idea.

I should’ve known that unoriginal bastard wouldn’t have had the vision to come up with such a creation.

“The first Valonite necklace,” I murmur quietly. “Princess Vetta made it?”

“Yes. Quite cleverly, too. She completely disarmed Ackealenvyos.” Yorenzo’s tone has a whimsical note, as if he’s impressed by her cutthroat intentions. “And with the marriages, she secured her position as queen, no matter the outcome of the tournament. Whoever won, she’d be married to the victor and maintain her right to the crown. And if they both died? Well, she would be a widow, but still married in the eyes of the law, and she could rule alone.”

“How very ruthless.”

“Do you see now?” Envy asks, seething from hearing the tale again. “My legacy was stolen that day. Can you imagine the humiliation for my ancestor? Everyone in that arena expected him to use the magic he was known for, but as minutes passed, he was defenseless against Mihkyle’s brutality. Ackealenvyos was pummeled by lightning, paralyzing him and burning his skin over and over again. Mihkyle wasn’t merciful or quick. It was torture, what he did.”

Surprisingly, I find myself sympathizing with Ackealenvyos the First. The story of Princess Vetta’s deceit is a little too similar to my own experience with Eldyra’s betrayal, and I can see why Envy is angry over the unfairness of it all.

“We’ll succeed,” I tell him. “We’ll go back to that day, and once your relative is convinced not to agree to the bargain, all will be set right for you.”

“How will I know if I succeeded?” Envy asks me, his green eyes hard. “Will the new universe begin as soon as the deal is off? Or will you have to deliver me to it?”

“I don’t know,” I answer.

His face is appalled. “But you’ve done this before.”

“Another version of me did this,” I say, frustrated. “What he experienced, I have not. I’m the product of my original universe, therefore this is just as new for me as it is for you.”

Just then, Hannah trembles. Before she can collapse, I drop the luggage and catch her right before she slams to the floor. As I scoop her up, her head lolls to the side and she starts convulsing. The seizure only lasts for a few seconds, but then she goes completely limp.

“We must go,” I bark. “Now. Braham, can you grab my things?”

“Get ready, everyone,” Envy says as he stands. “Braham, you may carry Ellister’s belongings. Yorenzo, don’t forget your books. To the rest of you, don’t worry about extra possessions. You are all I require, and you’ll get the riches I’ve sworn to you.”

The false king sheds his robe, revealing inconspicuous every-day attire underneath. He balls up the material and sets his crown on top before handing the bundle to a man I don’t know by name.

“Hang on a second.” I stop Envy and scan the crowd of men inching closer to me. “What do you mean,everyone? I thought I was just taking you and a few others.”

I’d assumed he’d bring his most revered guys, the ones he relies on the most. Zetipher for sure. Yorenzo, most definitely. Braham seems to be a favorite, too.

I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that he’d want every single man along for the ride. I just figured he’d be so happy to have a position of leadership, he’d be okay with starting anew.

“I won’t leave my people behind,” Envy says, aghast. “If the universe is going to split and I’m staying in the world I created, I’ll need my loyal subjects more than ever.”

“It’s not easy to bring this many people through a vortex.”

“But you have this.” Envy produces the flask.

“It’s not that Ican’t,” I specify. “If there are too many bodies in the vortex, injuries will happen. It’s not safe.”

Envy shrugs, like a few broken bones or cracked skulls don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. And I suppose for him, it doesn’t.

Well, there’s no point in arguing with a man who thinks he’s a king.

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