Page 16 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

A welcome ball?

My magic stirs as the heartbeats pick up, mental shields barely withstanding the onslaught. The throne room is full of moving bodies and it’s putting pressure on my willpower to contain my power. Add in my exhaustion from the battle and very little sleep, and I won’t be able to hold out for long.

We step forward as the trio gives us a wide berth.

The heir catches my eye, winks and continues off, a dark shadow surrounded by so much light.

My thighs press together and I fight the blush on my cheeks. What is that? What did he do?

Whatever it is, my body is respondingoddlyto the heir. He’s a flame and I am a moth, drawn to him; or repelled.

Either way, he’s dangerous.Everyoneis dangerous at this court.

Glancing back, I take in the king. His sky-blue eyes are lit with wonder, as he shakes Tay’s hand. He’s much smaller thanmy friend, with a royal’s body, meant to look nice but not to be powerful.

“Taylay, my.” Griffin shakes his head, clappingTayon his shoulder. “We just received word this morning that you would join us and I was especially surprised to see you would be the dignitary. It’s not normal for a male Witch to take this position.”

“My sister entrusted me with this important task,” Taylay explains. “She is needed with our Coven. We were just attacked yesterday by the Crimson Army. We don’t fair well.”

Griffin nods, face sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear of so much trouble. That is why I called this summit. The Crimson Army has had too much power and must be stopped.”

“We agree. We also want to see the continent come together. The Great War devastated us centuries ago and we never came back.”

He sips from his chalice, his lips stained red from the wine as he sighs. “No, we have not. I hope that will change.” He places the cup down, turning to scan us both. “I am pleased you came. I had the pleasure of working with Nessa years ago when tradewas first opened. She was very strategic in her views. I often found myself seeking her council.”

Tay smiles, memories of his mother improving his mood. “She was a good woman. My sister is very similar to her. I hope both sides come together again.”

“I don’t doubt it,” he nods, glancing to me. “And who is this?”

Tay shifts, hand on my shoulder. “An advisor—my advisor.” I don’t bother to curtsey, I’ll just fall over.

“Does she have a name?” Those blue eyes sharpen with curiosity, and I sink into my cloak as if to hide. I hate being spoken about as if I’m not here, but it’s safer.

“Max.”

When I don’t move, Griffin looks to Tay, shrugging. “Is she mute?”

My friend exhales loudly. “In a way. But her counsel is invaluable. She has been a part of my Coven for almost two decades.”

King Griffin’s eyes narrow but the smile doesn’t slip. In fact, it turns almost reptilian.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise and I press my lips shut. I have the strongest urge to never be left alone with him.

“Interesting,” he surmises, tapping his chin. “Well, if she is invaluable, I cannot wait to see what she brings to the table when we discuss our future. I shall see you both at the ball. A servant will take you to your chambers.”

As we leave, Griffin’s eyes never leave my back and I fight the urge to stare back. A ball of dread drops like stone into my belly, a warning, of something bad to come.

Chapter 6

Max

The servants deposit us into our rooms. With a wide bed, dark wood and thick blue fabric, the room is luxurious and extravagant. There’s more wealth in this one room than the entire Blackwoods Coven.

Shooing the servants away, I don’t allow them to unpack my items or help me bathe. As someone who grew up in a Coven that distrusted me, I’m not used to anyone wanting to assist me. I’m not starting now.

Bathing quickly, knowing Tay expects me to meet him soon, I forgo makeup and jewelry. Pinning my long strands up into a simple updo, I dress in a deep purple satin gown that trails on the ground, representing the Blackwoods Coven.

When Nafre took over as Matriarch, she had a large coronation, attended by the other Covens and had gowns made for me so I could be present. Only three, but they were tailored by the best coin could buy, in various purples, well above my station. The elders hated it.