“Yes,” she said after a moment. “I suppose you have a point.”
Ashur reached into the pocket of his surcoat and pulled out a small glass vial. “I happen to have this on hand, just in case.”
Amara laughed lightly. “My brother, prepared for anything.”
The prince righted Nic’s toppled goblet and refilled it with cider, then flicked the stopper off the vial and poured in the contents. “This is a sleeping potion. It’s very powerful, but completely tasteless. Drink it now, please.”
Nic stared at him, his disbelief at this betrayal rendering him numb. Of course, Prince Ashur had been manipulating him all along. He’d started his game that night in the tavern, planning to slowly plant more seeds over time. Ashur had given him just enough, the smallest taste, proving himself to be an expert at this particular sport.
“Drink, Nic,” Ashur said, his tone even. “Or my sister will cut your throat.”
Trembling with anger and the ache of disappointment, Nic picked up the goblet, tipped it back, and drained it in three gulps.
I’m so sorry, Cleo.
“Good.” Ashur nodded as Nic’s world began to dim. “Now, let’s proceed, shall we?”
CHAPTER 29
CLEO
LIMEROS
Cleo didn’t have enough time to find Nic and tell him what was happening before she fled the palace.
The thought that he’d have no idea whether she was alive or dead pained her. She prayed that he’d stay safe. She had to hold on to her knowledge that Nic was as smart as he was loyal, that he’d find a way to survive until they saw each other again.
Unaccompanied by guards who might notify the king of their unscheduled plans, the prince and princess quickly journeyed to the docks at King’s Harbor. After pressing some gold into a dockworker’s hand, Magnus learned that Lucia and Alexius had been there hours earlier, and that they’d boarded a ship bound for Limeros.
It was the confirmation they needed.
More gold secured another ship for them, set to sail along the eastern shore toward the northern kingdom of Mytica in pursuit.
The captain of the ship had recognized Magnus immediately. The prince confided in him that he and Cleo were chasing after Lucia to stop her from eloping with her tutor, and that it had to be kept secret.
Again and again throughout the trip Cleo tried to corner Magnus for a private conversation about what happened in the dungeon, but despite their small ship, he managed to avoid her at every turn.
Days after their departure, the ship finally reached its destination. The captain took the Niveus Seaway, which cut east into Limeros, and finally docked in Ravencrest, the largest city in the kingdom.
Finally. Another day on this cramped ship with only her thoughts to keep her company, and she’d go absolutely mad.
Cleo disembarked and gathered her dark gray cloak closer, pulling its fur-lined hood up to shield her identity. Her breath froze in clouds in front of her.
Everywhere else it was midsummer, but in Limeros, winter seemed to stretch out eternally. While at a glance it was beautiful, so pristine and white, it would be horrible to have to live in a place that stayed so cold all of the time.
It had just started to snow and the ground was slippery beneath the smooth soles of Cleo’s shoes, which were meant for walking in much warmer places.
“Let’s go,” Magnus said. He, too, had his hood up over most of his face. While they did have legitimate cause for being in Limeros, it would be best to avoid recognition as much as possible.
Just as they were about to get on their way, a voice called out, stopping them. “Prince Magnus? Oh my! Could it really be you? Here? How wonderful to see you and your lovely wife again!”
So much for staying incognito.
Magnus groaned, his steps slowing as an older woman covered head to toe in furs approached them. Cleo recognized her from the wedding tour. They’d met briefly at the Limerian palace before Magnus’s speech, but she couldn’t recall the woman’s name. Remembering the names of nobles had always been her older sister’s forte, not hers.
“Lady Sophia,” Magnus said, baring his teeth in a reasonable facsimile of a smile. “A pleasure, as always.”
Lady Sophia’s cheeks were bright from the cold and her smile was stretched, coaxing wrinkles to the corners of her eyes. “I had no idea you were in town.”
“We just arrived.”
“To stay, I hope? Or have you become so used to Auranos’s warmer climes that you’ve abandoned your true home?” she said with levity, without even an edge of accusation.
“I could never abandon Limeros forever.”
He sounded so composed, but he couldn’t be. They’d been recognized, which Cleo knew was the last thing he’d wanted.
“Where are you staying tonight? Nightfall is upon us and the snow is thickening. Many believe it will be a very bad storm, I’m afraid.”
The darkening skies above looked very grim indeed. If a storm gathered, it would make traveling on foot next to impossible.
Cleo started as Lady Sophia grasped and squeezed her hands in greeting.
“Princess!” she gasped before Cleo could respond. “Your hands are so cold! Your highness, your beautiful wife is freezing to death out here! We must get her somewhere warmer immediately. I’m staying at my city villa tonight after a day of visiting with my sisters. Please, allow me to offer you the hospitality of my home for the night. Unless you have somewhere else in mind?”
Cleo couldn’t help but be charmed by Lady Sophia’s exuberant and generous offer. And with the oncoming storm, where did Magnus propose they sleep? Outside, where they’d turn into blocks of ice?