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“Oh,” I say, mock surprised, “did you think I was through with you? Oh, Typhus, no, no, no.” I’m shaking my head, my voice pitying.

Through my connection I can feel a whisper of Des. The sensation is so faint that it’s hard to place what emotion of his slipped across our bond, but if I had to guess, I’d say it was awe. And I realize, this is the first time he’s truly seen me use my magic. Stopping the sleeping soldiers was one thing, but playing with a man’s free will? Toying with him and drawing it out as I savor the kill?

This is new territory for him. And judging by his reaction, my twisted king approves.

“No one in this room is leaving without their powers,” I say.

In response, Typhus’s face goes red, and another wave of his power fills the air. He’s still bound by my glamour, however, to only answer my questions.

I watch him for several seconds, letting his mighty magic fight mine. It’s useless. I have absolute control over him right now.

But I will indulge him.

“Go ahead,” I say, “tell me what’s on your mind.”

“What you’re asking for is impossible!” he gasps out. “I would have to break every single oath; some fairies aren’t even conscious enough to agree to that.”

My voice goes ice cold. “Or they could just simply kill you. Dead men, after all, can’t uphold oaths.” I stare down Typhus, every bit the heartless creature our lore has made me out to be. “I’m sure the lot of you will figure something out.”

I back up from him, a nefarious smile spreading across my face. “Typhus Henbane,” I say, my skin lit, my glamour thickening the air, “I command you to return every single bit of magic you’ve stolen within two days’ time.” Much longer than that, and my glamour might wear off.

Typhus gives me a look like I’ve brought the axe down upon his neck.

I’m not even done.

“You will never again exchange power for your betterment.” My eyes flick around us. “May your people have mercy upon you.”

I walk away from him towards Des, my footsteps echoing throughout the throne room. I touch the crown that still perches on my head and pause. I swivel one last time to face Typhus.

“Oh, and I’m keeping this.”

Chapter 13

Water—check,darkroom—check, forehead massage—check.

I’ve done everything within my (limited) power to kick this migraine in the nuts. Nothing’s working.

I rub my temples yet again, my head pounding. “Why does everything hurt so much?” I whine. My tongue feels swollen and my lips, parched. Even my teeth seem to ache.

Desmond comes over to where I stand in his chambers. Around us, the soft lamplight has been dimmed to the point of near darkness. It’s still not enough. “It’s one of the unwelcome side effects of visiting the Banished Lands.”

He holds out his closed hand. His fingers unfurl, revealing what looks like a piece of candy, if candy were iridescent. “This might help more than the massage.”

“What is it?” I take the strange lozenge from his palm.

“Believe it or not, fairies have medicine, just like humans do.”

I let out a crazy laugh. “This is fae aspirin?”

“Close enough,” he says.

“What do you want in return?” I ask, placing the pill on my tongue. I mean, this migraine is bad enough that I’d happily sell the Bargainer one of my appendages for it … but I do still want to know what it’ll cost me.

For a moment, the avarice in his expression falls away and he looks a little sad. “Callie, you don’t owe me. Not for something like this. I’m … sorry I gave you that impression.”

My features soften. “Thank you—for the magical aspirin.” I say it with a lisp as the pill sits between my tongue and my teeth.

It’s not bitter like human medicine, nor is it sweet like the hard candy it looks like. Instead it tastes like honeysuckle melting on my tongue.