Last Stand (The Black Mage #4)(105)

I stared, disbelieving and numb. Does she honestly think this is what I want? Now? After everything that had passed?

“You are the best. And you fought for the rebels to the end.”

She was really asking me to take Darren’s place.

“You wouldn’t make a good queen.” Priscilla had the decency to avert her gaze. “The people need someone who understands the intrigues of court, Ryiah, especially in the delicate state we are in… but I would be willing to grant you a dukedom, the highest rank in nobility save my own.”

I waited for her to finish. She was trying, but she wasn’t offering the one thing I wanted. And she knew it.

“I don’t accept.”

The room went silent.

Priscilla’s tone was clipped. “I’m giving you everything I can.”

“You can’t buy me off with fancy titles.” My teeth gnashed together as I spoke. “You want my allegiance? Call off Darren’s execution instead.”

Everyone’s eyes were on me. I had just disrespected our future queen and the robe I had always claimed to want.

Funny, it took losing everything to understand what truly mattered in the end.

“You know I can’t.”

I snarled. “The only reason you are holding Darren accountable is because he’s a martyr!”

“He was a king and the Black Mage.” Priscilla’s voice had taken on a discernable edge. “Whether you like it or not, his actions have consequences. That’s what being a sovereign means.”

“And yours?” I slammed my fist on the table. Might as well make this a show. Priscilla would never expect me to take to Darren’s execution easily. “You’re willing to persecute a man you once meant to marry? A man you admired enough to call your friend?”

“I do what I have to for the people, Ryiah.” She glared at me. “You’ve always been too reckless. You couldn’t possibly understand.”

“I understand perfectly.” I rose and shoved my chair to the side.

“I’m not finished—”

“You want my advice?” I turned from the door. “End the Candidacy and take away the factions. Let people train for whatever magic they want. Is it any wonder Darren chose war when our legacy had us preparing for it our entire lives?”

When I finally reached the hall, I half expected a guard to come after me. But no one did. For a second time, I had disrespected the queen-to-be and she had let me walk away.

She’s not Lucius or Blayne. She’ll make a better queen.

I just wanted her to save him.

Not every story has a happy ending.

No, but I would make sure Darren’s did.



*

After dinner, I found my way up the winding stairs and looming walls to the dungeon just beyond. The two guards on duty heaved a heavy sigh, and then I was in.

Darren was leaning against the furthest wall of his cell, the back of his head slumped against the wall. There was a wooden barrel of water for washing and a pile of discarded blankets at his feet.

Darren’s bruises still hadn’t faded. His eyes were open when I arrived.

“You shouldn’t have come.”

“I told you I would.”

“I wish you’d reconsider.” His voice was empty of all emotion and remorse.

Darren didn’t want me here. I’d discovered this the day the fever had finally passed.

Now there was only a cold stranger in his place.

“You can hope.” I waited as the nearest guard unlocked the bars to Darren’s cell. “But that won’t keep me away.”

Darren didn’t reply; he just shut his eyes and exhaled.

I took the moment to study him. I knew every cut and bruise along his arms. I could see the dent of his ribs and the gaunt lines of his face. Even the sharp curve of his jaw—a determined slant since I’d arrived.

My brother could only heal so much. He’d seen to Darren’s chest, and then Priscilla had sent him away.

It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t even close.

“I know why you came.”

Darren’s rasp tugged at my heart.

“You don’t know anything.”

The prisoner opened his eyes and smiled; it was cloaked with regret. “You want to save me… but you can’t.”

“I will.”

“Love.” His words were bleak. “I don’t want to be saved.”

I knew what he believed. I could read it in his eyes. But it wasn’t his choice.

Darren didn’t get to give up after everything.

I wouldn’t let the darkness win.

He had fought for me those weeks after Derrick’s death, and it was my turn to fight for him.

“Priscilla will listen.”

Darren shook his head. “She won’t. And neither would I.” His tone wasn’t bitter; if anything, it was calm. “A queen has… more pressing concerns than the life of a traitor. And in case you’ve forgotten—” His laugh was hoarse. “—she hates us.”

“Darren.” It was killing me to hold everything inside. Why couldn’t the guards just disappear? I needed to tell him. I was afraid of what would happen while I was away.

“Ryiah.” The fallen king lifted his chin to meet my gaze head on. His jaw worked as he spoke. “Let me go.”