Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes Read Free Book Online Page B

burned from having to speak such lies, her heart was lightened to hear Lucia call her
sister
. The fact that Lucia was willing to come to her defense after all but ignoring her just minutes before proved that Princess Amara’s admitted lack of tact might have the power to make friends of enemies.
    â€œWhat a lovely sentiment, Lucia,” Amara said, her gaze moving down to Cleo’s hand. “What a lovely ring, Cleo. Wherever did you get it?”
    Cleo resisted the urge to cover up the amethyst. “Thank you. It belonged to my mother.”
    â€œIt’s very beautiful.” Amara’s accented voice was even. “It’s almost magical how beautiful it is, really. You’ve very lucky to have it.”
    Cleo’s stomach began to tie itself in knots.
    She’d been wearing the ring every day now, hidden in plain sight where it couldn’t be lost. It didn’t appear to be any more special than her turquoise necklace or golden bracelet, and yet Amara had noticed it specifically, calling it magical.
    Prince Ashur had questioned Cleo once before about the legend of the Kindred. And now Amara was here, telling her that this kingdom had more value than her father had ever believed . . .
    â€œIf you’ll excuse us, Princess Amara,” Lucia said, linking her arm with Cleo’s, “I’m afraid we’re rather late for our next class. Our tutor will be very upset with us.”
    â€œYou attend classes here together?” Amara said with raised brow.
    â€œOh, yes.” Cleo was quick to back up Lucia’s lie. “Today is embroidery. A very useful skill, but our tutor’s surprisingly strict.”
    Cleo hadn’t taken a class in any subject since before the palace was attacked. Back then, she thought her education nothing more than a waste of her time that could have been better spent with her friends, but now the thought of her old classes filled her with bittersweet memories of a happier time.
    When all of this was over, once she’d finally reclaimed her throne, she would take many classes and learn everything about every subject possible.
    Except, perhaps, embroidery.
    â€œThen you’d better hurry. Farewell,” Amara said. “I’ll see you again soon.”
    â€œYes. Very soon, I hope,” Cleo said and smiled sweetly.
    â€œI find her deeply unpleasant,” Lucia said once they were out of earshot. “She’s lucky I didn’t set her hair on fire.”
    â€œYou could do that?” Cleo said, alarmed and intrigued by Lucia’s frankness.
    â€œIf I wanted to.” Lucia glanced at her with the hint of a smile. “It’s so strange to me . . .”
    â€œWhat is?”
    â€œBeing near you is so calming. I thought it was only an illusion the other day, but now I know it’s real.”
    â€œDon’t you see?” Cleo squeezed Lucia’s arm. “We were meant to be friends. Despite the difficulties we’ve had, this is right. Trust in that. Trust in me. I can help you with your magic.”
    â€œPerhaps,” Lucia allowed, a light frown creasing her forehead.
    Cleo’s ring had taken on a slight glow from being so close to the sorceress. She repressed a smile.
    Perhaps
was a firm step in the right direction.

CHAPTER 5
    MAGNUS
    AURANOS
    A t the king’s request, Magnus and a select group of guards had set out to escort the prince and princess of Kraeshia to a large villa an hour’s journey northeast of the palace.
    Rather than argue, he had instead grasped hold of the chance to leave the city and clear his head. The trip had been uneventful, surrounded as they were by a swarm of guards both Kraeshian and Limerian, including Cronus, the captain of the palace guard, who rarely strayed far from the king’s side. That Cronus had been assigned to join the party today was proof that the king took at least some interest in Magnus’s safety when he traveled