Page 108 of Ascendant King

“She doesn’t have the magic,” Cade said.

I blinked, staring at her throat but unable to see even a hint of magic with her high collar and long sleeves. I worked out the next bit for myself. “And without the ties to the House Bartlett ley lines, it will take even longer for you to gain the magic you need.”

“I should recover the magic I have soon,” she said fiercely. “That’s still mine.”

“But how much did you give to Tyson when he was falling ill from Thorn? That magic is gone forever.” Cade stepped forward, and Sonja jerked back, but he grabbed at her wrist, unbuttoning her cuff swiftly and pulling it back to reveal an empty forearm. “How bad is it?”

She raised her chin, glaring at him. He met her with a frigidity born from all his experience as the hated crown prince. At his chilly look, she crumbled. “I should recover enough that we can become consorts again. But that alone will wipe me out.”

“Rhys is back,” I said. “Maybe they can take a look at Tyson. We also have doctors. Real ones that work with wolves.”

She nodded. “I would appreciate any help you can offer.”

“We need you to contact the king of House Morrison on our behalf.” Cade pulled down her sleeve, buttoning it.

“You want me to call Howard Morrison?” Sonja looked between us. “Why?”

“Howard Morrison is dead. We want you to call Phelan Morrison.” I watched her face to see if the name was familiar.

Her face scrunched, but mostly in confusion. “Who?”

“He was the spymaster for House Morrison,” I said. “We believe he’s involved with a scheme similar to Thorn, but rather than pulling magic from wolves, he takes magic directly from mages.”

“More importantly, he might be offering Leon sanctuary. Phelan came to House Bartlett for a time when we were children to study the poison in the ley lines.” Cade dropped Sonja’s hand, stepping back so that he was shoulder to shoulder with me.

“I don’t have his number,” Sonja said, looking between us. “Do you want me to find it?”

“No need.” I handed over the paper from Elizabeth.

Sonja looked down at it, the neat digits. “Now?”

“We need to set up a meeting with him. It needs to be safe for everyone involved, so we wanted neutral territory. There’s a park near the House Morrison building in the city. We want to meet there.” I thought about the requirements we would need. “He can bring one other person because Cade and I will be going together.”

“Why would he meet you when it could be a trap?” Sonja asked.

“I have a feeling that Phelan isn’t concerned about any danger we might present.” After all, he had a rainbow of magic at his disposal. We were just one mage and one wolf, not even fully bonded.

Sonja looked even more conflicted. “What if you get hurt or die?”

For a second, I was suspicious of her concern. Then she glanced behind her to the open door, where I could see arumpled bed, the sound of a cough muffled in a pillow. If we died, she and Tyson would be left without any security at all.

“We need to know if he’s protecting Leon. Don’t worry about us.” I shook the paper slightly.

Finally, she took it, digging her cell phone out of her pocket. “Why me?”

“You’re a recognizable envoy for House Bartlett. Everyone knows that you represent the crown.” Cade’s cool gaze was beyond accusation, simply stating a fact.

Sonja began to dial.

With my sharp hearing, I could hear both sides of the conversation.

“This is Sonja Harvey, member of House Bartlett council, calling on behalf of the king of House Bartlett. I request to speak with Phelan Morrison.” Sonja’s voice was sharp, formal. She put on her position as council member like a suit she would never forget how to wear.

“This is King Morrison,” the voice that answered said. I recognized him instantly, even over the phone line, even through the small electronic speakers.

“King Bartlett requests parlay,” she said.

The pause stretched, and even with my sharp hearing, I couldn’t hear anything on the other end of the call.