Page 79 of To Kill a King

“Speaking of trade routes,” Elessan continued, “the human king deeded Taldea Pass into Baron Larimar’s estate. Part of the bride price for his marriage.”

Her expression turned hungry as she leaned forward. “We heard rumors of some upset with Malkov’s wedding. What happened?”

He opened his mouth and closed it. How much could he share without betraying Aliya’s confidence? He blinked and shifted his attention to the grass. This newfound loyalty to her complicated things.

“Elessan?” Tsara’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Shaking his head, he swallowed. “Sorry, yes. The king’s intended was…magically inclined.”

Her eyes widened as she sat back. “Ohh…”

He nodded. “She objected to losing her life, so she fled.”

The princess crossed her arms. “Well, good for her, though it’s a pity you didn’t inform us about this before. We may have been able to use it somehow. I’ll never understand why the humans don’t do something about the monster sitting on their throne.”

A spike of indignation flared in his chest. “The Mage Undergound has been spreading false rumors in a misguided attempt to sew chaos in the realm. I had to sort through that mess, and it’s taken time. Besides, I don’t think their king’s proclivities are as well-known among their people as they appear to be with our kind.”

“Really?”

“Aliya was surprised.”

Tsara’s gaze turned predatory. “What?”

He backpedaled, “I mean, I’m sure his bride was. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have run, right?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Spill it, Svialto.”

Valek. That was well done. Sleep with the girl one day, betray her the next. He sighed, dropping his shoulders. “She’s here.”

“Here?”

He winced as the exclamation cut through the quiet atmosphere of the gardens.

Tsara flinched and lowered her voice. Leaning forward, she whispered, “The human queen is here? Why?” Her expression relaxed as she jerked her head back. “Cressida’s new apprentice.”

Elessan nodded. As Lady Brightleaf’s student, Aliya at least had a degree of protection from Tsara’s ambitions. He hoped. The sun elves wouldn’t want to risk a fight with the moon elves on the eve of their victory over the humans. “For what it’s worth, I think if she had any control over her magic at the time, she would’ve killed the king.”

But Tsara wasn’t paying attention. “If she’s here, we can use that. Their queen will make an excellent hostage.”

No! He grabbed her shoulder, forcing her gaze back to him. “Or a valuable ally. Lady Cressida agrees.”

Tsara shrugged and leaned back, out of his reach. “Perhaps. But Cress isn’t royalty. The final decision isn’t hers to make.” She stood.

He scrambled to his feet. “Wait. Where are you going?”

“I need to scry with my father. My mirror’s in my room, you can escort me there. And on the way, we can pick up that supply map you mentioned.” She caught his hand, trapping his fingers in hers and swinging it back and forth like they were kids again as they left the garden.

Chapter 16

Aliya

Aliya held the round disc of her magic in front of her as Cressida pummeled her with arrow after magical arrow. Sweat dripped from her brow into her eyes, blurring her vision. Her concentration slipped and one of Cressida’s bolts got through, hitting her in the arm.

“Ouch!”

“Defend! How are you going to protect yourself if you can’t maintain a basic cover?”

Aliya grunted, pulling more power and throwing it into her shield.