Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)(62)

He absently brushed his fingertips against his scar. “I appreciate the compliment,” he lied.

“Aren’t you going to compliment me in return?”

“I grow weary of games, Sabina. Either get to the point or leave.” He gave her a piercing look. “Unless you want to demonstrate your magic. My father said you’re a witch, but I’ve never met a real witch before and I must say I’m curious.”

“A real witch would never blatantly use her powers in the open for anyone to see. That would be risking exposure to those who might mean her harm.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“You’d best tell Lucia the same thing.”

His chest tightened. “My father believes she’s a sorceress, but I’ve seen no evidence of anything unusual.”

“Are you sure?” Sabina eyed him with open amusement. “I think you’re lying.”

“I’m not. What I am sure about is that I’d like you to leave my chambers.” He forced a smile. “If you please.”

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“Not at all. But I’m tired and I wish to sleep.”

That annoyingly amused look remained on her face. It was as if nothing he said had any effect on her. “I like you, Magnus.”

“I’m deeply honored,” he said drily.

She moved closer to him, sweeping her gaze over his tall frame from head to toe and then slowly back up again. “Your father has become obsessed with this drive to conquer Auranos. He hasn’t had much time for me lately, except to seek guidance on certain decisions. He’s spent today organizing a meeting in Auranos with Chief Basilius and King Corvin himself to discuss matters before they escalate.”

“He’s a busy man.”

“I grow lonely.” Again she walked slowly around him. Her gaze felt weighted and uncomfortable. “And I know that you’re also lonely. You haven’t yet chosen a future bride, even though you’re only weeks from turning eighteen. And you spend so very much time all by yourself. Whatever do you do with your days and nights, Magnus?”

“Nothing that would interest you.”

“I know you enjoy the attentions of a pretty kitchen maid, don’t you? But she’s the only one I’m aware of. I don’t believe for one moment that you’re interested in such a girl as anything more than a short and meaningless distraction.”

He hated that she knew so much about him. “It might be meaningless, but it’s not always short.”

He tensed when he felt her hand brush over his back, trailing across to his shoulders as she circled him. “You are very nearly a man. And a very fine man at that. A bit soft around the edges still, but I think the right handling would help sharpen your edge. You could become a fine weapon in many ways.”

Magnus stared at her, unclear about her meaning. But not all that unclear. “What are you suggesting?”

“The same thing that I suggested to your father when he was not much older than you. I’m offering myself to you as a lover.”

“Is that so?” His words were measured, quiet.

“Yes.”

“You’re old enough to be my mother.”

This finally helped her smile to slip at the edges. “Age can be an asset, Magnus. With age comes experience. You are young and, apart from that maid and perhaps a handful of other meaningless girls, you have no experience.”

“You have no idea how much experience I have.”

“Not nearly enough. It’s clear in every move you make. You want to feel wanted. Needed. Desired.” She trailed her fingertips over his chest. “I can make you feel those things.”

Magnus couldn’t believe this was actually happening.

“And what does my father have to say about this offer of yours?”

“Gaius doesn’t know, of course. Nor does he need to know.”

“Sharing a mistress with my father doesn’t sound like a very good way to help strengthen our father-son bond.”

“As if you’ve ever cared about any father-son bond.”

He shrugged noncommittally. “Maybe I do now.”

“This is why I came to see you tonight. To offer you this. To offer you myself. I can stay with you tonight if you’d like. Gaius won’t know where I’ve gone. And I promise I can make you forget any problem that you might think you have.” She went up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his.

She kissed him until she realized that he wasn’t kissing her in return. She stepped back and looked up at him with confusion. “Is there a problem?”

The taste of her lips was more poisonous than pleasurable. The thought that the same mouth had kissed his father filled him with disgust. “I think you should leave.”

Her amber eyes widened a fraction. “Are you denying me?”

“I’d say that’s a good guess. Apologies, Sabina, but this is not something I want. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding someone else to warm your bed while my father’s otherwise occupied. But it won’t be me.”

Something unpleasant flashed across her beautiful face. “Don’t make a hasty decision before you’ve given yourself time to think about it.”

“Fair enough.” He cocked his head. “There. I’ve thought about it. I’m still not interested.”