“The truth is only dangerous if it can inflict injury.” He pretended to be more interested in a platter of apples and cheese on a nearby table than on every word his father uttered.
“Lies can make harsh truths less painful. But I believe pain is essential for growth.” The king’s gaze was unflinching. “Do you think you’re ready for such honesty?”
Magnus looked his father right in his eyes, which were the exact same color as his own. As he studied his father’s face, he couldn’t help but see the coldness there. The king had reminded him of a serpent for as long as he could remember—just like the cobra that adorned the family crest. A slippery one with venom and fangs.
“I want to know about Lucia,” Magnus said firmly. “And I want to know now.”
The king stood up from his throne and paced to the other side of the room so he could look out a window down the sheer, frost-covered cliff side to the sea far below. “Many years ago, Sabina and her sister studied the stars looking for a sign of a special birth. A child to become one of legend and magic.”
“Magic.” The word itself was dangerous.
The king nodded slowly. “Sabina is a witch.”
Magnus felt himself pale. He’d never cared for Sabina, but he’d never seen any indication that what his father claimed was true. “You took me to see a witch burn when I was twelve years old. It was a lesson on what happens to them should they try to work magic here in Limeros. And yet you say that your mistress is one? I didn’t even know you believed in such things other than making examples out of those who might spread evil and lies.”
The king spread his hands. “There are hard choices one must make as king. For a long time, I didn’t believe. But it’s true, Magnus. Magic is real.”
“You would condemn one woman to death for being accused of witchcraft yet consider Sabina your closest advisor? One you also take to your bed?”
“I don’t expect you to understand, only to accept that what I’ve done—what I’ve always done—has been for the benefit of my kingdom. Sabina is a rare exception for me.”
His mind reeled. “What does this have to do with Lucia?”
“There was a prophecy of a child born who would one day possess the power not of a witch, but of a sorceress.”
Magnus went very still. “And you believe it’s your own daughter.”
The king grabbed Magnus’s shoulders and pulled him closer. “I have waited a very long time to learn if it’s true. But there’s been no sign that Lucia is anything as extraordinary as this. Sixteen years, Magnus. I grow frustrated.”
His stomach clenched. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You’ve seen nothing. Nothing? Truly?”
Magnus chose his words wisely. “Truly. There is nothing for me to report. She is as any other sixteen-year-old girl might be. To think she could be a sorceress—” His throat tightened. “It’s ludicrous.”
Lies did soften the painful truth a great deal.
“I refuse to believe that,” the king said through clenched teeth. There was a sheen of perspiration now on his father’s brow. “She’s the key, Magnus. She’s essential to my plans. I need all the help I can get.”
“What? You mean with Auranos?”
“Of course. Nothing else matters right now.”
“Surely our army combined with Basilius’s, though . . . ”
“Basilius’s? Ha. Untrained, underfed youths who’ve never held a sword before. Auranos, for all their lazy lifestyle, has an impressive military. No, we need a guarantee.”
A chill went through Magnus. “What about Sabina? If she’s a witch as you say she is, can’t she use her magic to help you?”
The king’s expression soured. “Whatever power she might have possessed as a younger woman has faded. She’s useless to me in this regard. No, it must be Lucia. The prophecy said she’d have endless magic—drawn from all four elements.”
All four. Magnus had only seen evidence of two so far—air and fire. But this meant that the other two, earth and water, might manifest later.
“With magic like that I could crush King Corvin and burn his world down all around him.” The king’s fists were clenched at his sides. “I could end him in a single day and take Auranos.”
Magnus swallowed hard. “Maybe Sabina was wrong about Lucia.”
The king cast a glare so sharp at him that Magnus’s scar began to sting. “I refuse to believe that.”
“Then I guess you’ll have to be patient.”
The anger faded from his father’s gaze and he regarded his son again carefully. “You love your sister, don’t you?”
Magnus crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course I do.”
“She’s a true beauty. She’ll make some man an excellent wife one day.”
His core turned hot as lava with immediate jealousy. “I’m sure she will.”
The king’s mouth twisted into a sinister smile. “Do you really think I don’t notice how you look at her? I’m not blind, my son.”
Bile rose in his throat, bitter and unexpected. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Play innocent if it makes you feel better, but I see it. I’m a very smart man, Magnus. It doesn’t take only courage to be king, but intelligence as well. I observe because then I can use what I see to my best advantage.”