Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,94

we can make it look deliberate, as there is no way I am getting any closer to that prince. Rhydian’s once blue eyes are now completely black, the pupils so large, I can only just see the whites of his eyes. His lips curl up in a smile, and the feeling of menace emanating from him makes me aware that whatever I do, I need to make sure I’m never left alone with him. My wrist glows as my goddess mark comes to life, the presence of the Mother settling over me. I’m vaguely aware of people around me gasping and staring at my wrist, but I keep my eyes on Rhydian. He’s the biggest threat right now.

There is much evil here, my beloved, the goddess whispers into my head, but her voice isn’t as strong as usual, her presence coming and going in waves. I am being blocked. My powers are not as strong as they should be, but you are not alone, she reassures me, easing my worries. I sense her anger as I continue to watch Rhydian. But be warned, that one is dangerous. Agreeing with her wholeheartedly, I force myself not to shudder under his stare.

Eldrin begins growling quietly beside me, the sound vibrating through my body and helping to ground me. I don’t bother to reprimand him as he snarls at the prince, since he makes no move to attack. Glancing at Vaeril on my right arm, I see he’s also snarling at the prince, obviously sensing the same threat I do.

I don’t think we’re under any immediate danger, so I pull my gaze from Rhydian and sweep the group once more. Jacob’s absence is obvious and sends a bolt of fear through me. Where is he? Is he okay? Has he been harmed?

“Clarissa,” the king calls out in greeting, elongating my name as he speaks, putting more emphasis on the final letter. I meet his piercing gaze. Once, I shied away from those cruel eyes.

Now, with a confidence I didn’t know I possessed, I tilt my head to one side as if examining him. He looks callous, and no one knows better than I how merciless he can be, but as I survey him, I realise something—he’s just one man. A sadistic human. He has no power, and without the magicians behind him, no magic either. I have the might of the goddess at my back. The realisation makes me smile, only the slightest twitch of my lips, but the king sees it, and it’s enough to wipe the smirk from his face.

Making a small noise in the back of my throat, I straighten. “Your Majesty,” I greet simply, refusing to bow. My eyes flick over to the two princes, and I dip my head ever so slightly in greeting before immediately turning back to the king. “Where’s Jacob?”

The smirk is back as the king watches me closely. “Cutting to the chase, I see.” There’s a hint of admiration in his voice that makes me want to shudder, and the hunger in his gaze makes me feel like I need to bathe. Except, I don’t get the feeling he wants me for my body. “Good.” His gaze darts to the elves on my arms, and although his expression doesn’t change, he can’t hide the hatred in his eyes. “You shall see him later after we have discussed business,” the king tells me, his voice leaving no room for argument. “For now, retire to your room and rest before the ball. I’m sure you’re tired from your journey.” The patronising tone of his voice matches the smile he gives me as he opens his arms and gestures for us to enter the castle. I refuse to answer him, not rising to his jibes.

A steward appears in the doorway, dropping into a low, elaborate bow before standing and indicating for us to follow him. We turn to do just that, my face serene, but internally, I’m confused. This has not gone how I expected at all, although I’m not quite sure what I expected—the king to attack me on sight?

I’m just climbing the four stone steps that lead up to the large castle doors when I pass the king. “I see you’ve brought my magicians back to me,” he says in a low voice.

Pulling Eldrin and Vaeril to a stop, I turn slowly to look at the king. We’re much closer now, far closer than I would like, especially seeing as that puts me near his