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“I know it is.”

“When King Tenebris came back, we were all so surprised,” Reina started. “It happened the day the Ravens returned home from Doonafell. He came through the front doors wearing his crown, Sir Aldrich at his side. We were excited our High King was alive. Until he announced that Prince Thane tried to kill him. He started arresting those loyal to Prince Thane to question them. Then it went from questioning to executing them in the streets. Then we heard he was holding you in the tower. We’re all scared to death we’re next to lose our heads.” Reina sighed, lowering her voice. “But worst of all, I almost believed King Tenebris, too.”

Layala jumped out of her chair and whipped around to face Reina. “You don’t?”

Reina fidgeted with her fingers. “I saw something I think I wasn’t supposed to see.”

“What?” Both Layala and Pearl demanded.

“There is a…” She gulped. “A stranger here. I caught a glimpse of his hand, white as snow and black-tipped fingers.” Her voice wavered. “I think he might have seen me, too. He was covered in a cloak from head to toe, but he’d removed his glove. I fear he might be,” she broke off and shook her head.

“A pale one,” Layala finished.

Pearl gasped. “No, it can’t be.”

Reina looked around with wide worried eyes. “I don’t understand why King Tenebris would allow a cursed one inside the castle. What is happening?”

Goosebumps trailed over Layala’s skin. Her eyes flicked to the doorway leading to her bedroom. Mathekis, the leader of the pale ones… it must be. Thane said Tenebris made a deal with Mathekis long ago. Layala gripped Reina’s arm. “Listen to me. Tenebris wants to give me to General Mathekis for my magic. You remember when I told you that my parents died to get me away from the High King? They knew Tenebris would use me for evil. You see it now, don’t you? He wants the Black Mage to come back. I must get out of here.”

Pearl choked on a sob, covering her mouth. Terror flashed in Reina’s eyes, and she stumbled back a step as if even hearing his very name weakened her. “T-they’ve blocked the servants’ door. There is no other way out of this room other than the front and there are sure to be guards.”

Those were the only ways out usingdoors. As if she could just waltz right out of here. Layala dashed to the window and shoved it open. The green vines draping around the window frame could be long enough to at least get close to the ground. From there she might be able to scale the brick or jump. It wasn’t that far down. The most difficult part would be going unnoticed by the guards. They passed by at regular intervals.

Three heavy knocks sounded on the door. Shit. Layala whirled around and shoved a finger at the maids. “Don’t answer it.” She gulped, staring through the archway into her bedroom where someone waited on the other side. If Mathekis was here…

Pearl’s cries echoed off the marble-floored bathroom. Reina wrapped her arms around herself, backing into the corner. “We must,” Reina said. “King Tenebris will execute us if you leave. He’ll think we’ve helped. He’s already killed several personal servants of Prince Thane’s.”

Layala’s mouth dropped. “Why would he kill Thane’s servants?” The Ravens she could see but servants?

With the back of her hand, Pearl swiped at her red cheeks. “We don’t know, but we’re sure to be next.”

“Because he questioned their loyalty as he will ours,” Reina said.

A fist slammed on the door four times now, each with increased intensity. “Layala, are you ready? The High King is waiting and I’m afraid he’s not as patient as Thane was.”

Layala looked at her maids, at how afraid they were. Clenching her teeth together, she said, “Get me a dress. Quickly.”

Chapter2

Layala’s silver-heeled shoes tapped lightly as she stepped into the corridor and closed the door gently behind her, leaving her frightened maids inside to compose themselves. Allowing Aldrich to see them in their panicked state would set off warning bells in his head. He’d wonder why they were so worried.

The traitor’s eyes traveled down her form, more in an inspection than desire but that heat was there, too. She wanted to gag at what thoughts he might have about her. The high-necked gold gown hugged her waist and several layers of fabric created a round volume from her hips to her toes. She didn’t want to show any more skin or curve than absolutely necessary.

“You truly are beautiful. Fennan and I had a bet; he said you’d probably be of average looks, and I, that you’d outshine the stars. He gladly gave over the wager.”

Layala glared, disgusted. After what he did, he was going to talk about her looks? And how could he even speak of Fennan now? “Save your compliments, snake. They won’t do you any good.”

He frowned and reached for her. With a disgusted grunt, she stepped away, tucking her arms behind her back. She may have accepted his aid before, but now that she’d eaten, and bathed, she would use every ounce of her strength to manage the walk on her own.

“Stubborn as ever. What’s giving you this newfound burst of energy?” He arched a sleek brow. “You could barely walk before.”

Layala swallowed hard, thinking of Reina and how she’d been told not to give Layala food. “A hot bath can do wonders.” Though when she started forward again, she faked a stumble, and he grabbed hold of her arm to steady her.She reluctantly grabbed hold of his elbow so he wouldn’t suspect her maids aided her more than they should have.

“Stubbornness can only get you so far. I only want to help you,” Aldrich said. “It’s not a trick.”

“Help?” Layala scoffed. “You want to help me now? Where were you when I was starving? Where were you when I wanted out of that room? Where—” She broke off as her surroundings began to spin and her head felt too light and leaned on him more heavily. Maybe he was right about her stubbornness.

“There was nothing I could do, but despite what you may think, I care about you. I don’t want to see you suffer.”