Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3)(15)

The man put his arm around the woman and regarded Magnus warily. “I am Lord Landus. Apologies, Prince Magnus. We know we should have already departed, but we were delayed. My wife is with child and her mornings are currently wracked with illness. I assure you, we’re leaving now to make way for your”—his gaze moved to the Kraeshians and his jaw grew tense—“honored guests. Just as your father requested.”

“This is your home?” Magnus was taken aback; he had thought this was an abandoned property. Now he realized that his father had simply cast out its residents, surely with threats of imprisonment or worse. Why did this surprise him? The king had never ruled his people with the weight of a feather when a stone would suffice.

The man smiled, but it gave off anything but warmth. “It belongs to King Gaius now. And to you.”

“Then be on your way and don’t waste anymore of the prince’s time,” Cronus said, approaching like a hulking shadow at Magnus’s side.

“Of course.” Fear flickered in the lord’s eyes. “Farewell, your highness.”

Magnus watched the three go on foot down the forest road. The little boy looked back at him over his mother’s shoulder with confusion. He didn’t understand why he had to leave his home, with no idea when, or if, he might be able to return.

They’re Auranian, Magnus reminded himself when he found he couldn’t turn away. What do you care of their fate?

“Hopefully they’ve remembered all their personal belongings and won’t have to disturb us again,” Princess Amara said as she stepped inside the foyer. She looked up at the stained-glass ceiling and chiseled, winding staircase with a growing smile. “Yes, this is quite acceptable. The king knows how to treat his valued guests. I’m going to explore.”

Prince Ashur stopped and stood in the doorway. “You do that, sister.”

Amara disappeared up the stairway, followed by her handmaiden.

“Apologies for my sister’s rudeness,” Prince Ashur said. “I’m not sure she understands what just happened.”

“What’s to understand?” Magnus asked, feigning friendliness. “You needed a place to stay, and this is that place.”

“We would have been just fine at the palace. We don’t want to be any trouble.”

No, of course you don’t want that.

Magnus turned to Cronus, who still stood at his side. “You’ll wait outside with the others until I’m ready to leave. I won’t be long.”

Cronus bowed his head. “Yes, your highness.”

Magnus and Ashur stepped into the foyer and closed the door behind them. Ashur barely spared a glance for the fine architecture, rich tapestries draped on the walls, and colorful mosaic tiled floor.

“Not to your liking?” Magnus asked.

“It’s fine, of course,” Ashur said, his attention obviously elsewhere. “I must say, I’m pleased we’re finally getting a chance to speak privately.”

“Are you?”

Ashur nodded. “I’m curious to learn more about Mytica. Given your recent travels, I knew you were the one I should speak with.”

Small talk about geography? How incredibly dull. “What do you want to know?”

“I want you to tell me about the Kindred,” he replied without hesitation.

The word landed like a blow. Magnus fought to appear impassive and give no sign that his heart had begun to beat rapidly. “My, that is a rather large subject to cover. But, unfortunately, it’s also not a worthwhile one. Why would you be interested in the stuff of legends and storybooks?”

“Because I don’t believe it’s just a legend. I believe the Kindred do exist.” Ashur looked at Magnus like a book he was trying to read.

This was what the king feared—outsiders going after his treasure.

Magnus’s treasure.

“Is that why you’re here?” Magnus asked. “To seek more information about the Kindred?”

“Yes,” Ashur replied simply.

Kraeshians had no history of magic in their kingdom, nor did they typically have any cultural interest in such subjects. They were famous for preferring hard facts and common truths, and that the prince defied this trend proved he was either a bored royal with too much time on his hands . . . or a legitimate threat, just as the king suspected.

Magnus forced a smile. “Most . . . intelligent people think the story of the Watchers and their eternal search for the Kindred is one that’s simply told to keep children well behaved and fearful that magical hawks are witnessing and judging their every naughty act.”

“There’s also the prophecy of a sorceress reborn whose magic will light the path to this source of ultimate power.”

So, Lucia’s prophecy was known beyond Mytican shores. Magnus’s stomach sank at the thought, but he ignored the unpleasant sensation as best he could and held the prince’s gaze without flinching. “I’ve also heard this rumor. In fact, there are a handful of accused witches in the dungeon as we speak. Perhaps you’d like to ask them if they’re sorceresses?” He forced another smile. “Don’t waste your time on such silly ideas, Prince Ashur. There are plenty of other attractions for you to explore before you set sail back to your home. I’d be happy to suggest several you might wish to see.”