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And it did—sort of.

This law was made for family, and so it has been bound by such. Instead of a team of mages, only my wife, daughter, and youngest son stood within my Circle. To repeat our exact methods would be impossible, but shields and incantations mattered far less than intent. At least one to guard and one to focus my power, those were the only things required. All else was a boon to lessen the burden.

There it ended. So…what? Toren was the High King, and he obviously held a great deal of power. Mehl could guard. But the one to focus? Technically, it could be her. But directing energy took many forms. Ria could turn an influx of energy to alteration, but other mages might focus it into a countless variety of spells. What if this needed some other type besides hers?

Her shoulders slumped. “Do you understand this any better, Toren?”

His warmth offered comfort as he leaned over her shoulder, but his annoyed huff brought rather the opposite feeling. “Oh, I understand this perfectly. My ancestor didn’t want this changed. Ever. That’s why he only involved family and didn’t provide more detail.”

“What did he mean by the magic of your blood?” Ria asked.

Toren wrapped his arm around her waist, his hand cupping her belly tenderly. “Only those of close descent can wield many of the spells integral to the kingdom. That’s why our first child had to be mine. I don’t think we’ve had anyone both strong and skilled enough to change or add to the magically bound laws in several generations, though. Mostly, we maintain the connection and enforce the existing laws. Even the royal seal I use is linked.”

Ria wanted to growl with frustration. Toren was strong enough, but he couldn’t wield his vast power. She and Mehl could channel and disperse it, but neither of them was a skilled mage. How could they hope to make the first change to the kingdom’s laws in generations?

Andshouldthey?

For if the Eyamiri line was the vital underpinning, perhaps the requirement wasn’t quite so unreasonable, after all.

Chapter55

A Pointed Message

Toren stared at Ria as she paced circles around their private sitting room. After changing out of their formal wear, they’d retreated here, even allowing Ryssa entry so she wouldn’t be alone. It was a rare event that outsiders were allowed into such a personal space—the last time was when Ria and her father had come to fit them for new clothes.

Now, Ria threatened to wear a track in their floor.

On the sofa beside Toren, Mehl shifted restlessly. “What is it?”

Ria might not have told him why she wanted to go to the library, but Toren had a good idea after reading the passage she’d sought. “I’d wondered if the laws could be altered with my magic,” Ria said, confirming his suspicions. “But at this point, I have more questions than answers. I’m not sure the lawshouldbe changed or even if I’m capable of doing it if so.”

Toren frowned. “You think the Right of Challenge is just?”

“Not exactly.” Ria halted in the center of the room, her hands on her hips. “But it’s clearly important not to let the Eyamiri bloodline die out. I…I’m surprised you were so casual about producing an heir.”

A spark of anger had his spine snapping tight. “I was not. However, I took the throne young since my mother was murdered well before she would have died naturally, and I do have a couple of cousins who would suffice. I saw no reason to rush a breeding alliance, hoping instead that Mehl and I might naturally find someone suitable without pressure.”

Ria flinched, her expression turning pained. He didn’t need Mehl’s fingers pinching his thigh to realize the mistake in his words. They’d foundherbecause of that pressure. Blast it. Before she could say a word, Toren leapt to his feet and strode to her side.

“Ria. That might have been my intention, but I amnotsorry for how things turned out,” Toren insisted. “In this, my brother has done Mehl and I a favor, for our lives would not be so complete without you.”

Her eyes softened, though the hurt lingered. “I feel the same. But the way you said that…”

“I know.” He tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry.”

Ria shook her head. “There’s no need to apologize, really. You’ve shown me time and again how you really feel. But between pregnancy and stress, my emotions are askew, and I’d built up so much hope about changing the law, too.”

“I’m sorry,” he said gently.

“It’s not your fault.” Despite the softness of her words, a scowl darkened her face. “If only the first king had given the stipulations more thought.Whynot allow you to appoint a suitable heir, if nothing else? An actual challenge is so silly when there are other choices.”

“Yes, it is,” Toren agreed.

But he was as bound to obey as any other ruler before him.

Abruptly, Macoe’s mind brushed against his.“Your Majesty, the Centoi contingent has reached the palace and requested an audience.”

“Any sign of Ber?”