Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms 1)

Sabina’s expression hardened. “I suppose for someone already lusting after his own sister, I’m not all that surprised.”

The words were like a slap to his face and Magnus flinched. His father’s closest confidant would be told every secret. Or perhaps she’d guessed all on her own.

The cold smile returned to her lips. “I am curious how long you’ve felt such an unnatural and shameful desire for her. A year? More than that? Since she was only a child?”

“Shut your mouth.” He gritted the words out, his fists clenching at his sides.

“Such delicious pain I see on your face.” She grasped his chin before he pushed her away. “Does this torment you, Magnus? You wear such a sullen expression usually, so cold and uninvolved—like a wall of ice. I’ve found your true weakness.”

“You’ve found nothing of the sort.”

She laughed at this. “Haven’t I? Oh, Magnus, I know so much more than you do. Shall I tell you another secret about your beloved sister that your father keeps hidden from you?”

A storm of emotions swept through Magnus. He wanted to push the woman out of his room and slam the door in her face. But he couldn’t. If there was something else he needed to know about Lucia...

“Tell me,” he growled.

“Ask me nicely.”

He trembled from the effort it took not to reach out and crush the woman’s throat. “Please tell me.”

“So polite,” she hissed. “So not like your father in that way. He only says what he needs to when he needs to. That he didn’t tell you this make me curious why he’d keep such a secret, knowing how tortured you are over this.”

“And now you want to tell me. It shall be your revenge against him for not paying you enough attention lately. He deserves it. So go ahead.”

She was silent for so long he thought she might have changed her mind. “My younger sister Jana was gifted with sight—a rare thing for a common witch. Within herself, she held the ability to read the tales the stars can tell. She believed in the prophecy, passed down from generation to generation, that one day a child would be born who would hold elementia within her greater than anyone since the original sorceress, Eva—she whom my kind worship as you worship your goddess.” Her expression shadowed with the memories of long ago. “Sixteen years ago, Jana saw the birth heralded in the stars. Lucia’s birth. Together, my sister and I combined our magic to increase its power tenfold in order to locate her, knowing she would need our guidance one day when her magic finally awakened within her. My sister perished in the quest, but I brought Lucia here to Limeros to be raised as a princess...and as your sister.”

Magnus stared at her. He could barely breathe. “You speak nonsense.”

Her eyes sparkled. She took delight in his confusion. “Of course, you were never told anything about this. No one was, at Gaius’s insistence. After being unable to carry another child after you, Althea, too, agreed wholeheartedly to keep this secret. All for the chance to claim a beautiful child as her own daughter—even if that princess was delivered to her by someone she’s always loathed.”

“What you’re saying is impossible.”

“Not impossible.” Sabina grasped the back of his neck and brought their faces closer together so she could whisper. “Lucia is not your sister by blood, Magnus. Does this revelation fuel your passion, or does the thought that your heart’s desire is no longer forbidden make it less exciting?”

“You lie.” He grabbed the front of her dress. “You’re trying to play with my mind.”

“I’m not lying. She’s not your sister.” Her eyes narrowed. “However, she was raised as your sister and knows you only as a brother. She doesn’t feel the same toward you as you do toward her. So tragic.”

He let go of her and stared at her with shock and confusion. His entire world was in tumult, spinning.

“Maybe I’ll have a little talk with Lucia.” Sabina’s smile was unpleasant as she stroked away the crease he’d created in the front of her crimson dress. “Would you like her to learn your dark little secret and see what her reaction is? I’d be happy to tell her myself.”

“Secret?” The door squeaked open to reveal Lucia standing beneath its arch. Magnus froze. “What secret?”

• • •

When Magnus hadn’t joined the family for yet another dinner, Lucia began to worry. After studying for most of the evening, she was ready to do some more practicing. Magnus had served as an excellent tutor. Tonight she wanted to focus on her fire magic.

She left her room and wandered the halls until she came to her brother’s room. The door was mostly shut, but she heard raised voices inside.

And her name, and something about a secret.

She pushed the door open and was surprised to see Sabina standing only a foot away from Magnus. Both of their faces were flushed and they cast angry glares toward her as she entered.

Perhaps she should have knocked first. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Such a sweet girl,” Sabina purred. “Isn’t she, Magnus? So very sweet, your sister. Like honey melting on your tongue.”