What? The very thought made an uneasy laugh rise in her throat. If youve seen the two in discussion, the subject is very likely about the king.

Ever since Jonas had successfully" yet unsuccessfully" sunk his dagger into the kings chest two nights ago, the king had remained in his room, his mother constantly by his side, fearful her son was too close to death to survive long enough for the secret magic she promised to restore him.

Cleo did worry that if he died before the witch found Lucia, shed refuse to help them, but she didnt mind at all the thought of him suffering in a tiny room in Paelsia.

A fitting end for a monster.

What had Gaius Damora been like back when he had known her mother? What horrors had he subjected Elena Corso to? It was a question that had plagued her ever since hed spoke her name.

Do you trust him? Nics voice broke through her thoughts.

Who? Magnus?

He laughed. No, of course not him. Jonas.

Did she trust Jonas, the boy who had kidnapped and imprisoned her"not once, but twice"and at one point wanted her dead for being present when his brother was murdered?

But he was also the boy who rose up to become a leader. To fight for his people. The boy who had risked his own life to save hers.

I do trust him, she admitted.

So much could change in a single year.

So do I, Nic said.

She nodded. If hes speaking with Magnus, then it must be important.

I still dont like it if hes keeping secrets from us.

Neither did Cleo, especially if it was a secret Jonas and Magnus now shared. Cleo vowed to get some answers for herself. She didnt care for being left in the dark.

Later that day, she got her chance. After Magnus asked to see Enzo in the courtyard, Cleo began hunting through the inn for information of her own. She happened quickly upon something potentially interesting in the meeting hall: Magnuss sketchbook.

Shed seen him drawing in it, his fingers black from the charcoal he used. Limerians didnt appreciate art as Auranians did, seeing beauty as a gift the artist shared with the world through his or her unique vision. No, if a Limerian drew anything, it was meant to be an exact likeness of the subject to aid in reference and education.

To this end, Magnus had attended a summer of art lessons on the Isle of Lukas several years ago, a trip many young royals and nobles"including Cleos sister and mother"experienced in their youth. Shed seen Magnuss previous sketchbook, one that contained incredibly detailed pictures of flora and fauna . . . as well as multiple portraits of his sister, each drawn with unmistakable admiration and attention to every inch of Lucias perfect face.

This, however, was not that sketchbook. It was a new one, and it intrigued Cleo down to her very bones.

I really shouldnt look, she told herself. He hasnt given me permission.

However, such an argument had never stopped her before.

The first drawing was that of the garden outside, clearly a quick sketch, but the dimensions and accuracy were uncanny. Before hed abandoned this sketch, hed focused on the detail of one rose bush, and even with the roughness of the charcoal stick, he had captured its beauty in shades of black and gray.

The second, third, and fourth pages had been roughly torn out.

The fifth page didnt have a sketch on it. It had a message.

Snooping around for a portrait of yourself, princess? Apologies, but you wont find one today. Perhaps one day I shall draw you. Or perhaps not. Well have to see what the future holds.

"M Cleo slammed the book shut, equally embarrassed and annoyed.

The sound of shouting drew her next to the windows, draped in rough canvas to block the light, that looked out into the courtyard at the back of the inn.

The prince had his sword drawn and was facing both Milo and Enzo, who also held their weapons. When they attacked, Cleo let out a gasp of horror before she realized what was happening.

The trio was practicing swordplay. And judging by the force of Milo and Enzos attack, Magnus had requested that they attempt to best him.

Had she never watched him like this before, sword in hand, sweat on his brow, blocking the guards weapons with his own? She thought that it might bring back horrible memories of that day"the day shed lost Theon. But that version of Magnus had been a prince who had no skill compared to a palace guard, and hed known it.

Im so sorry, Theon, she thought, her heart twisting. I never planned to feel this way about Magnus. But I do. I cant hold on to your memory anymore. I cant hate him for what happened, what he did that day. Hes so different now.

Or maybe Cleo was the one who had irreversibly changed.

If you ask me, I dont think theyre fighting nearly as hard as they could.

Cleo started at the sound of Jonass voice. She looked at him standing next to her, unseen until now, with wide eyes.

Did I surprise you? he asked, amused.

That youd sneak up on someone in a darkened room certainly isnt a surprise, rebel.

Jonas grinned, but his attention was on the trio outside. I wonder if the prince would be willing to spar with me?

If so, one of you would surely end up dead.

Yes, but which one? His brow, raised in amusement, dropped at her pained look. Soon youll finally be free of this unsavory arrangement with him, I promise you that.

She bit back her reply to this, being careful not to defend the prince. She felt it was still best that no one knew the truth about her and Magnus.

He and his father"and Selia"are the means to the answers I need to unlock the earth Kindreds magic, she said instead.

I told you: Theres an elemental god inside that crystal, he replied sharply.

His tone made her flinch. After learning about the elemental gods two days ago, shed given the matter endless thought and had barely slept a wink because of the gravity of the situation. If theres a chance of harnessing that magic without allowing the god to escape, then I still think its a goal worth pursuing. Theres too much to lose if we dont have this power to help us in some way"even a small way.

When she met Jonass eyes directly, his expression was grim, but his gaze had softened. I dont entirely disagree.

She hesitated, but only for a moment. You should know, according to a rather annoyed Nic, youre keeping secrets from him about Taran and Felixs current whereabouts.

Ive come to believe Prince Ashur is every bit of a snake as his sister. Nic knows him but says nothing useful about what to expect. I value Nic, but I dont trust him with any secrets that he might inadvertently reveal to the prince.

Another person entering the meeting hall had caught Cleos eye. It was Ashur, only a dozen feet behind Jonas.

Jonas . . . she began.

Ashur says hes this legendary hero raised from the dead to bring peace to the world. What a load of horse crap. Hes just another spoiled royal raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, with any beautiful girl he desires only a snap of his fingers away. Jonas frowned. I will admit, that would be quite a perk.

Cleo cleared her throat as Ashur crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head. I think that you should" she began.

What? Speak kindly about someone who speaks only in riddles because hes confused about his evil, power-hungry sister, who will likely destroy the world in her lust for magic and power? He could take the power from her easily. Show up, claim the title of emperor, tell everyone that Amara murdered their family. Finished and done.

Her stomach sank with every true but cutting word Jonas spoke.

If theres one thing Im not when it comes to Amara, Ashur said, his voice low, its confused.

Jonas grimaced. You could have told me he was right behind me, princess.

You were far too busy enjoying the sound of your own voice. And, frankly, Jonass ramblings about Ashur had refreshed her annoyance with the Kraeshian prince.

No, not annoyance. Anger, bordering on fury.

I would hope youre not confused about your sister, Cleo addressed Ashur directly. She sank a dagger into your chest for crossing her.

Amaras choices of late have been unfortunate, but I already knew she was set on this path. To be honest, I blame my grandmother for putting her own plans of revolution into action. Ironic that my madhosha would cut down those who equally want change in the empire. She has far more in common with rebels than she might believe.

Cleo stared at him, disgusted. Unfortunate. You call Amaras choices unfortunate? She murdered you, she murdered her family, and now shes murdering any Mytican who gets in her way.

Shes lost her way. The sister I know"that I knew"is not one who solves her problems with mindless violence.

Yes, of course. Kraeshians are known to be such a peaceful people.

Ashur regarded her carefully. Youre unhappy with me.

She glanced at Jonas before she laughed lightly. Prince Ashur, why ever would I be unhappy with you?

Youre just like Jonas. You dont trust me.

Should we? Jonas said. Youve told me nothing of your plans. You disappear for days on end. You keep to yourself. What is that supposed to tell me of your trustworthiness?

You could take the throne from Amara, Cleo said. If youre so keen on helping the world, you could end a great deal of suffering simply by becoming emperor. Youre older than Amara. Its your throne to take. Are you that afraid of her?

Ashur laughed coldly at that. Im not afraid of Amara.

You were afraid enough that you allegedly took a potion to save your life, Jonas pointed out. Did you know she planned to kill you?

Any amusement fell from Ashurs handsome face. I didnt know. Not for sure. And the potion I took . . . it was well before my journey and primarily to protect myself from King Gaius, should he attempt to use my presence in his kingdom against my father. I had no idea that the potion would even work.

But it did, Jonas said. We need to find this apothecary, or witch, or whomever you used. Resurrection potions for everyone. Magic like that could save a lot of people.

Death magic is nothing to be tampered with, Ashur snapped. Not for any reason.

Yet you did tamper with such dark magic to save your own life. Cleo was sure that the prince flinched at her accusation, which seemed very unlike him. Do you feel guilty about that?

Of course not. Still, he wouldnt meet her gaze directly.

No, no more lies, Ashur. If youre trying to give us the impression that were all on the same side here, then you need to be forthright with us. Theres more to this potion than you want to say. Its dangerous, isnt it?

Many potions are. Poison is simply a potion meant to kill.

Cleo took a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling she was on the verge of uncovering a secret. Ive found that all magic comes with a price. What price did you pay for the chance to live again?

Ive found that magics price is often the opposite of the magic itself. For great power, you will experience moments of great weakness. For pleasure, there will be pain. And for life . . . there will be death.

So you killed someone, Jonas said, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. Or many people. So much for your claims of altruism.

Ashur moved to the window to look outside, his arms crossed over his chest. You know nothing about me, Jonas. I have killed when Ive had to. I havent always been a pacifist. The apothecary warned me of the price Id have to pay, but I didnt believe it. Amara unwittingly paid the same price when she was resurrected.

Cleo frowned deeply. Amara was resurrected?

She was, Ashur said solemnly, then proceeded to tell Cleo and Jonas about what happened when Amara was only a baby, saved from drowning by dark magic and her mothers ultimate sacrifice.

Cleo found that she needed to take a seat, unexpectedly moved by this story. In Auranos"in Mytica"while women were valued for their ability to be mothers and cooks and nursemaids, they werent prevented from doing other things, should they choose to. And a princess was able to be the heir to her fathers or mothers throne without worrying about being murdered simply for the alleged crime of being a girl. Cleo wasnt sure whether she admired Amaras mother for valuing the life of her daughter"a girl"enough to sacrifice her own life or whether she blamed the woman for the fact that her daughter grew up to become a monster.

Who died for you? Cleo asked softly.

Shadows slid behind Ashurs faraway gaze, and he glanced at Jonas briefly before continuing. I didnt know for sure, but I knew someone did. Thats what Ive been doing the last month. Traveling, visiting friends and past lovers. It was someone I spent a single summer with. I had no idea he still cared for me . . . that hed never stopped caring. He swallowed hard. Of everyone Ive ever known in my life, someone who knew me for only a season loved me so much that he had to die for that love. I cant . . . rationalize it. I knew this price, but I selfishly ignored it. Im told he suffered for days. He described it as a blade slowly being pushed into his chest. They tell me that in his last moments he cried out my name. Ashurs gray-blue eyes glistened. He took a deep breath. The guilt I feel over his suffering, his death, and the fact that I erased any chance he had to live out a full and happy life . . . it will torment me forever.

All went silent in the room as Cleo tried to process what he was telling her. This Ashur seemed more like the sincere man whod gifted her the night of her wedding with a Kraeshian bridal dagger meant to take either the unhappy brides life or the life of her new husband. This Ashur wasnt spilling out riddles as a way to divert attention from his grief.

But then something occurred to her.

This is why youve been so strange with Nic, she said. He doesnt understand, thinks youre different, that you feel differently toward him, toward everything. But hes wrong, isnt he?

Ashur didnt reply to this, but he looked down at his feet.

Youre afraid he might fall in love with you and that you might hurt him because of that love.

Jonas stayed silent, his brow furrowed. She hoped he wouldnt choose to say anything now that might distract the prince from speaking the truth.

I had other plans for visiting Auranos, Ashur finally said. I didnt mean for anything like this to happen. But something about Nicolo called to me, and I couldnt ignore it. I know I should have. All I managed to do was complicate his life and cause him unnecessary pain. But now, I wont let anything bad happen to him for his mistake of caring for me.

Nic deserves an explanation, Cleo said, her throat tight.

Its better that he thinks any feelings I might have had have changed. Ashur cleared his throat. If youll excuse me, I feel Ive already said far more than I planned to.

Cleo didnt say a word to stop him from leaving the room. Her thoughts spun, some connecting, but most just confusing her more.

Finally, she glanced at Jonas.

So, he said, still frowning. Nic and Ashur, huh?

She nodded slowly.

Strange . . . I thought Nic liked girls, and you in particular. Im not usually wrong about these sorts of things.

Youre not wrong. He does like girls.