Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3)(76)

“What’s this?” Magnus asked. “Where are they going?”

“Princess Lucia requested that we stop here, then asked us to stay behind and wait as they go for a—a stroll.”

“A stroll.”

“Yes, your highness. She was adamant that we give them privacy and said they’d return when they were done—”

“Strolling,” Magnus finished. “Yes, of course.”

“If you want us to go after them . . .”

“No, don’t bother. I’ll go. Stay right where you are.”

He left his horse with the guards and strode into the forest, following a trail of trampled grass and broken twigs. With every step he took he became more suspicious of the nature of his sister’s day trip. Especially when accompanied by the likes of Alexius and Cleo, both of whom had dubious motives for spending time with the young sorceress.

He hastened his pursuit. He needed to learn the truth.

It didn’t take long for him to draw in on Lucia’s party. They were conversing, but the words were indistinct, so he decided to get closer. Then, suddenly, all fell silent.

Curiously silent.

What exactly is going on here?

He stopped and listened carefully.

“You! Come out!” It was Lucia. “Whoever you are, you’re fearless enough to follow us, so show your face and prove you’re no coward.”

His adopted sister sounded particularly fierce today. Perhaps this was the influence of the company she’d begun to keep.

Magnus was no coward. He was ready to confront them about where they were strolling off to in the middle of nowhere, so far away from their supposed destination.

Magnus emerged from the trees and stood on the pathway. They all regarded him with varying expressions of surprise.

“I was never told about a day trip,” he said, sliding his gaze from Cleo to Lucia, whose clenched fist blazed with fire magic. Her new and irritatingly attractive tutor stood tall next to her. “You can douse the fire, sister. Don’t worry your pretty little head. I mean you no harm.”

It took a moment, but she finally tamped out the flame. She watched him with both caution and suspicion.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

“Following you. Obviously.” Steadily, he regarded each of them in turn. “I hear you’re going to a festival. I hate to break it to you, but it’s a bit of a walk to any village from here.”

Lucia exchanged a glance with Alexius. “We’re not going to a festival.”

“I’m shocked. Perhaps the three of you have journeyed out here to commune with nature. Is that it?”

He felt Cleo glaring at him, but didn’t spare her a glance.

Their silence spoke volumes. What were they trying to hide?

“And you.” He turned to Alexius. “What are your intentions today, luring two young girls out into the middle of nowhere, away from their assigned protection? Should I guess? Or should I go ahead and kill you where you stand?”

“Magnus!” Lucia cried.

“Am I being rude? So sorry, sister. But I’m sure you’ll forgive me for showing the caution you seem to lack. What exactly do you know about this boy other than that he claims to come from the Sanctuary as Melenia’s representative?”

She raised her chin. “I know enough.”

“But I don’t.” Magnus regarded Alexius, who stood passively, his expression relaxed. “You’re not easily intimidated, are you?”

“No,” Alexius replied, having the audacity to look bored by Magnus’s barely restrained ire. “Why? Is that what you’re attempting to do? Intimidate me?”

He smirked. “I’ve been able to coax at least a trickle of perspiration from Lucia’s previous suitors. That’s what you are, isn’t it? In addition to being her so-called tutor? I see how you look at her and I don’t like it. I don’t trust you like she does.”

“You don’t know me.”

“I know enough.” Magnus walked a circle around Alexius. He could see no reason to mince words. “Why have you come here today? There’s nothing around for miles besides the Temple of Cleiona.”

The three exchanged a look, confirming to Magnus all the more that they were up to something.

Finally, Lucia broke the silence. “We need to tell him.”

“Lucia,” Cleo protested.

“He may be a bit brash and rude, but I trust him—I trust him every bit as much as I trust the two of you.” Lucia turned to Magnus. She searched his face and took a deep breath. “We’re here today to claim a part of the Kindred.”

Every ounce of his bravado and composure Magnus walked into this situation with washed away in an instant. All he could do was stare at her, wondering if he’d heard her wrong.

“Are you certain of what you’re saying?” he said with a rasp in his voice.

“It’s true.” She nodded. “Father wants it for himself, but he can’t have it, Magnus. That’s why I had to lie today. He doesn’t know the truth.”

His throat was tight, his mouth dry. He suddenly realized how warm it was today and felt as if his heavy black coat was trying to choke him.

“What truth?” he asked.

“That the Kindred must be found and immediately returned to the Sanctuary. If they’re not, the world will . . . it will . . .”