Page 46 of Fated to the Wicked King

I had no sooner squeezed my eyes shut to brace for the impact of the falling rocks when a thunderous clatter burst overhead—before a fine mist of pulverized stone rained over us like sand.

I coughed amidst the dust.

That was close.

Still breathless, I pushed myself up from Gregory’s chest. My ears were still ringing as I met his slate-gray eyes—wide, stunned, awed. “Your Highness.” I tried to pull away, but his hand caught my arm, firm and instinctive.

Gregory’s attention was pinned on me. It was almost as if he were seeing me for the first time. Panting, he let his gaze rove over my face. His mouth opened as if he wanted to say something. No doubt, he couldn’t comprehend the Wicked King’s sorceress witch risking her life to save an enemy of the crown.

I couldn’t stop the heat rushing to my cheeks under the weight of his prolonged stare.

A fresh burst of familiar shadows coiled dense around my waist. I squeaked as my body was hauled upright, snapping me back and away from Gregory—tugging me over to stand stiffly beside the livid king, who was all but growling beneath his dark cloud aura.

I shot him a questioning look.

His jaw was visibly set, his expression hard, but he wouldn’t meet my gaze.

“Brother!”

We all turned toward the voice.

A blonde, young woman hurried toward the courtyard, moving with effortless grace. Her pale hair caught the light like spun gold, almost surreal. Under a thick cape, she wore a dress of white lace so fine it could have been woven from frost and air, shimmering faintly with tiny, near-invisible beadwork, with sleeves trailing like clouds at her wrists.

“Sophie.” Gregory’s hoarse sigh of relief was barely audible as he struggled to straighten up. “Get back inside.”

Ignoring his plea, Sophie hastened closer, dropping to his side. She braced her arm around his back to help him up. He, in turn, threw a protective arm around her shoulders.

My gaze darted all around, wary of whatever looming threats remained.

But everything had stopped. Every sound was extinguished, every movement stilled. The spheres had all disappeared. Somehow, the madness had stopped—for now.

The chaos that surrounded us mere moments ago only leaving behind a vast, unnatural silence, the raw evidence of the disaster, the ruined buildings, collapsed spires, stone, and debris that remained scattered around us. Across the way, soldiers were tending to the injured or fallen.

“You’re bleeding.” Sophie lifted a delicate hand and laid it on her brother’s temple. There was a brief, bright glow, and the wound on Gregory’s forehead stitched up, his injury all but erased.

My eyes widened.

The princess was a healer.

“Is it over?” Sophie’s gaze tracked upward. “Whatever in the world just happened?”

Gregory dusted off his clothes. “I don’t know.” He glanced up as if to confirm that the sky was no longer falling. With a wave of his hand, several valets hurried over to receive instructions. “We need a full report on the damage. Send some men to the steam generators. Make sure anyone who requires help has it. Inspect every landslip, every structure⁠—”

With her brother preoccupied, Sophie took a step closer to us, her hands linked behind her back. “I was told of your arrival last night. I’d been so hoping to meet you.” With a delicate smile, she lowered her head ever so slightly. “Welcome to Lucerne.”

Fifteen

NEGOTIATION

The princess’s friendly manner was immediate and disarming in its sincerity, and I found myself smiling without effort. I couldn’t sense any ill will in her whatsoever. Did she not know who we were?

The king’s gaze ran up and down the beautiful princess. His smooth voice interjected, “I don’t believe we have been formally introduced.”

Sophie took another step forward, but Gregory rushed to her side.

Huffing urgently, he tugged her behind him, as if to shield her. “Don’t get any closer to him.” His tense gaze slid toward us, but didn’t land on the king, almost as if he couldn’t stomach the sight of his face. “This is my sister, Princess Sophie.”

The Wicked King needed no introduction. He wasn’t in the least daunted by Gregory’s hostility. He gestured to me. “This is my witch, Allie.”