Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3)(113)

“Trust seems to be a common problem with you.”

Another smile played at Ashur’s lips, but faded in an instant. “I know I broke a bridge between us that we’d only started to build, and I regret that most of all.”

Nic stayed silent now, afraid to talk. Talking made him vulnerable. It made him stupid. Especially with the prince, for some reason.

“I’ll get you something to eat and drink. You need it.” The prince got up from his chair, pausing for a moment at the door. He looked over his shoulder. “You should know that I never planned to kiss you that night. I only meant to talk to you. That was all.”

Nic shook his head. “I don’t know what to say to that.”

“Something about you called to me—your sadness, your vulnerability—and I made a foolish decision. For days afterward, I was certain I’d disgusted you.”

Nic had been confused. Uncertain, absolutely.

But he hadn’t been disgusted.

Ashur met his eyes. “When this is over, I will ask your forgiveness. I won’t ask now; I know it’s too soon. But I promise I won’t let you down again.”

Words failed Nic, until finally he managed, “And what should I do in the meantime? Pretend I’m still asleep?”

“No. Amara’s no fool. She’ll know you’re awake. But stay quiet and don’t draw attention to yourself. I’ll visit you again to let you know my plan.”

“All right.”

Ashur paused. “I want to ask you something else when this is over, too.”

“What?”

Ashur’s smile returned. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Is it important?”

“Very.” He left the room and closed the door behind him.

An unexpected twist of hope took hold of Nic’s chest. “Then I guess I’ll wait and see.”





CHAPTER 34


CLEO

LIMEROS



Nic had the crystal. It was real. One component of the legendary Kindred was here, within Cleo’s reach, and it was every bit as beautiful as she’d always imagined it would be.

“What’s this, Ashur?” Amara’s tone was even, but her expression had turned as icy as the frozen shards scattered around the temple.

“I’ve never been interested in violence, sister,” he said. “Except when absolutely necessary. That’s where you’re more like our father than I’ll ever be. If he knew that even that single crystal existed, he’d crush this kingdom to dust to find it, and he’d kill everyone here who stood in his way. I didn’t realize how much you have in common with him until now.”

They were working together—Nic and Ashur. The thought was sweet relief itself to Cleo, just when she had thought all was lost. She spared a glance at Magnus to find him focused on the confrontation, his fists clenched at his sides.

Amara looked mad enough to spit. “I’ve killed no one who didn’t directly oppose or threaten us. But I don’t understand. How did Nic get here before us? He was tied up!”

“Tied up . . . with the dagger I gave him on the ship.”

She hissed out a breath. “And the guard?”

“I took the liberty of slipping some sleeping potion into the flask he always carries with him. And I also asked the driver to take us here the long way to ensure Nic arrived first.”

Amara stared at him with disbelief and disgust. “All for what, Ashur? So this servant boy could claim the crystal for you, like the loyal minion you’ve trained him to be?”

Loyal minion? Cleo glanced at Nic with alarm and he gave her a squeamish look and a slight shake of his head, an attempt to rebuke Amara’s claim.

Ashur stepped forward, closer to the heat of the fire, all around which the melted snow and ice had formed a moat. “That crystal isn’t for me or any other mortal to possess, and certainly not Father in particular. He’s already more than powerful enough.”

“But I want it,” she said.

“No. This magic must stay here and be kept under lock and key. It’s too dangerous to be taken elsewhere.”

Amara stared at him as if seeing him clearly for the first time in her life. “You’re insane, do you know that? I had no idea my brother was insane. I thought he was irresponsible and self-indulgent, but that he could be cunning and deceptive when the situation called for it. I appreciated that, but now you’ve been cunning and deceptive with me. I thought we were more alike.”

“We are in many ways, Amara. But not in this way.”

Cleo remained completely still. Was this true? Did he really oppose his sister in her lust for power?

The very thought of Amara having access to the Kindred, even one of them, sickened Cleo. The girl was unpredictable, but she’d tonight she’d also proven that she was ruthless.

“For what it’s worth,” Nic spoke up, clutching the crystal as he drew closer to Ashur, “and to address an earlier accusation, I’m nobody’s minion. But I am helping Prince Ashur—and in turn he will help us too, Cleo. I thought he was using me, betraying me, but he’s on our side. None of this would be possible without him.”

“Isn’t that sweet,” Amara hissed. “Brother, you do have real feelings for him after all. I had no idea. You deceived me completely. All for a lowly Auranian guard who isn’t worth wiping your boots on.”