Page 56 of To Kill a King
Aliya raised an eyebrow. “I suppose.”
“It’s the duty of those of us who are strong to safeguard those who can’t protect themselves, yes?” As he had with her.
She dropped her eyes and her shoulders drooped.
“You possess the magical strength to remove Malkov from power and save his subjects. By virtue of marriage, you also have the right to sit on his throne.” He frowned. “And don’t forget your vow to the Mage Underground.”
Aliya’s face went white.
The lump of lead in his gut turned to ice. She didn’t have it in her to deliberately murder someone, even a serial killer like the king. There was nothing to keep him from doing it, though… assuming he could get close enough. What he wouldn’t give for access to her shapeshifting ability, just to get him into the castle and the royal suite. He shook his head and forced his thoughts back to the conversation at hand. “You need to learn how to control your magic if you want to do your duty to the people and not be a fugitive for the rest of your life. Training with Cressida Brightleaf is the best possible first step.”
Aliya sighed as she turned and laid out her sleeping bag. Sitting on the cloth, she tucked her knees to her chin as she gazed into the fire.
“Hey.” He reached out to comfort her, but halfway through the gesture dropped his hand. There were so many things he could say, but none of them were appropriate or useful.
Zadé took a healthy swig from her waterskin and attached it to her belt. “What he meant ta say, Prinzess, was yeh look hot.”
Elessan stammered. “Zadé!”
“What? I figure’n I can say it, as it won’t be thought I’m courtin’ her.” She pulled the flask back out and took another drink. “After all, young ‘n impression’ble ain’t my type.”
A wave of embarrassment flooded over Elessan, making his face and chest flush with heat. He snapped back, “Is drunk and drunker a type?”
With a quick glare at Aliya, Zadé flashed her canines at him and shrugged. “Hopefully, for my sake, I suppose.”
Aliya’s quiet voice drifted across the campfire. “Do you really think your aunt would teach me?”
Zadé lay back and stared up at the stars. “I dunno. Maybe. If she didn’t realize yeh weren’t fae.” She rolled on her side and studied Aliya. “Are yeh sure yeh can pass yerself off as an elf? Yeh seem pretty human ta me.”
Aliya ignored the question, though it set a flock of butterflies loose in her stomach. “Elessan, messengers of the realm can go anywhere, right?”
“Yes, as long as there’s something to deliver.” But spies and assassins didn’t really qualify.
“Does the same apply to the elven lands?”
He smiled, a kernel of warmth settled in his chest. Hope sprang eternal, it seemed, even for someone like him. “It does, but not many diplomatic communiques get sent back and forth between humans and elves, the political climate being what it is.”
Aliya studied the two of them. “Do either of you know if they would be likely to receive something Elessan could transport, so he’ll be able to come with us?”
He glanced at Zadé. “I’ve never been to Filathas before. Any idea?”
“Sure. Sometimes, but I doubt we’d be so lucky. Best t’ have a backup plan.”
He lay back and stared up at the stars until the fire burned low and his eyelids grew heavy. He’d need Tsara’s help if he hoped to accompany them.
Less than an hour later, as the sun dropped beneath the horizon, Elessan stepped behind Aliya and nudged her elbow into place. “The hardest thing about archery is correct arm position. Close your left eye, and sight down the shaft at the target.”
She shifted her feet and braced herself. “The dark knot in the middle of the tree?”
“Yes. Exhale when you let go.”
Her breath tickled the small hairs on his forearm, sending shivers up his spine. She loosed her arrow, which flew in a graceful arc across the clearing, burying itself in the bush several paces to the side.
He bit his lips to keep from chuckling. “Good. Hold your arm straight as you release, and the arrow will fly straight. Reduce the vertical curve by pulling the string further back.”
Aliya massaged her forearm with her free hand. “Any tricks so the line doesn’t snap into me?”
“Sure.” He put his hands on her hips. “Shift your stance like so. Excellent. Now, point your front toe at the target. Bend your wrist a little.” He placed his head next to hers, checking her aim. Her hair brushed his cheek.