Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms 3)

“Because I hate him,” he replied simply and truthfully. “Because he killed my sister. Because he destroyed everything I love, and to this day controls the fate of my dearest friend. He is evil. And he needs to be defeated.”

Ashur watched him intently for another long moment, then nodded. “You made the right decision.”

“You need to flee immediately.”

“Kraeshians do not flee.” He fixed Nic with a slow smile. “Ever.”

“Pardon me for saying, but when his fleet of guards arrive here they will far outnumber yours—and you’ll be taken easily. The king will win.”

“You underestimate me. And you underestimate my sister. Much gratitude to you, Nic, for following us here with this warning.” He reached across the table and placed his hand on top of Nic’s. “I appreciate it more than you know.”

Nic studied Ashur’s hand: dark and flawless against his own pale, freckled skin. “You’re welcome.”

Ashur glanced toward the entryway as his servant returned with a tray bearing a pitcher of apple cider and two silver goblets. Nic yanked his hand away from Ashur’s as she set it down on the table between them. As the servant left, another figure brushed past her.

“We speak of her,” Ashur said, “and she appears as if by magic.”

As she emerged onto the patio, Amara’s gaze fell on Nic. “Has Princess Cleo decided to align with us?”

“That’s not why I’m here.”

“No, Amara, Nic is here to warn us of the king’s plans. They’re exactly what we expected. He means to capture us both tonight.”

She sighed with annoyance. “How deeply inconvenient.”

How could neither sibling seem frightened by the possibility of spending the rest of their life in the dungeon?

Ashur filled the goblets with cider and pushed one toward Nic. “I’d like to make a toast.”

“To what?” Nic asked. He raised his glass and found that his hand still shook with anxiety despite the unexpected atmosphere of absolute serenity at the villa.

“I have a suggestion,” Amara said. “Let’s drink to Princess Lucia, the sorceress reborn. The girl who will lead us to the Kindred.”

Nic’s stomach flipped upon hearing Amara repeat the same secrets Cleo had entrusted him with. “To Princess Lucia,” he whispered.

He took a quick sip of the sweet drink.

“Magnus has been of no use to me at all,” Amara said, crossly. “Pity. I had plans for him, but now they’ll have to change. He either knows nothing, or he’s unwilling to share even a sliver of information.”

squo;s mouth went dry, his heart pounding hard as a hammer. “I am busy, but I wanted—no, I needed—to see you.”

“How intriguing.” Ashur glanced at a servant waiting in the doorway. “Bring us something to drink.”

The servant bowed and departed.

“Please sit.” Ashur gestured toward the plush patio seating, the area lit by torches. “The guard told me you have a message from King Gaius?”

“Yes, that’s right . . .” But then his words faltered.

Treason against the crown. That was what he was about to commit.

A treasonous tongue would ensure his execution. Would coming here tonight put Cleo in jeopardy? Had he made a horrible mistake?

Ashur watched him carefully, his expression grave. “I sense being near me makes you uncomfortable, which is why I haven’t mentioned it since, but what happened between us that night in the alleyway . . . I know it was unwelcome. I want to apologize for being so bold.”

Nic didn’t want to talk about that now. He wasn’t sure if he ever wanted to talk about it. But still, questions rose inside of him, questions that had tormented him since that night that he couldn’t hold back now. There was no time for this, but he couldn’t help but ask it. “Why me? Why would you—I mean, other than to get me to reveal what I know about Cleo . . . I get that. It’s not uncommon around here for someone to do whatever it takes to get somebody to talk. But did I give you the impression that I wanted . . . ?” He winced and found he couldn’t continue.

This really wasn’t why Nic was there tonight.