Falling Kingdoms

His father had turned to him and put a hand on the trembling boy’s shoulder. “Remember this, Magnus. One day you too will have to decide the fate of those accused of such darkness.”

A shudder of fear and revulsion quaked through him. He pushed back from Lucia and went to the door to check if anyone lurked outside. Then he closed the door and locked it.

“It is elementia,” she said, a catch to her voice. “Specifically air magic, I think—the ability to move things. And fire, too. Cleiona was the goddess of fire and air. And she was evil!”

Magnus didn’t speak for a full minute, his eyes cast downward at the marble floor. Slowly, he raised his gaze to his sister’s. “Can you lift anything heavier than a flower?”

“I don’t know. Please, Magnus, tell me what to do. Don’t hate me for keeping this secret for so long. You can’t turn your back on me now.”

He frowned. “You think I’d do that?”

“If this magic is evil—”

“It’s not,” he said firmly.

She frowned. “Witches have been tortured and executed for what I can do.”

“If a witch could really do what you can, she would never let herself be executed.” As he said it, the certainly of his words rang true to him. “If anyone burned or beheaded had been capable of true magic, they would’ve been able to use that magic to save themselves.”

“You don’t think witches are evil?” Her blue eyes held deep uncertainty—and hope. She’d been tormented by this secret she had held inside her for so long without anyone to help her.

Magnus moved closer to her and cupped her face in his hands. “All I know is that you aren’t evil. You are wonderful in every possible way. And don’t you ever believe anything different from that or I’ll be very angry with you.”

She touched his hand, leaning into his touch. A sliver of relief slid through her blue eyes. “You mean it?”

“With all my heart.” He raised an eyebrow. “Would I give such a fine gift as that fluffy bunny to anyone I thought might be evil?”

She laughed softly, and the sound lightened his heart. “I named her Hana.”

“Lovely name. For a fluffy bunny.”

“What am I to do, Magnus?”

He moved away from her and toward her stack of books. He picked a few, placing them down on her table next to the vase of flowers.

“Lift these books.”

Lucia’s eyes widened and she looked down at the heavy stack. “I’ve never attempted anything more substantial than a flower.”

His jaw tightened. “You need to strengthen your skills. The stronger you are, the less I’ll have to worry about you. If you master what you can do, then you’ll be safe no matter what happens. And I’ll help you practice.”

He held his breath waiting for her answer. If Lucia really was a witch, with newly awakened elementia, there was no other choice. She had to practice. She had to strengthen her abilities. Because if anyone ever found out about this, especially the king, her very life would be in danger.

Magnus would never allow his sister to be executed for this. Lucia wasn’t evil. He had trouble believing in the religion that was forced upon all Limerians, but he didn’t have trouble believing in her.

Lucia’s brows drew together. “I don’t know if I can.”

“Then don’t do it for yourself. Do it for me.”

Her gaze snapped to his. “If I do agree to try this, will you do something for me?”

“What?”

“Tell me why Father would join forces with Chief Basilius to conquer Auranos. Will there be war?”

He’d seen Lucia on the stairway when the king had received the message from the Paelsian leader. It was dangerous information for a sixteen-year-old girl to know, but before long she would have learned anyway. It seemed as if Amia was not the only girl in this castle skilled at eavesdropping.

“Will there be war?” Magnus repeated. “That’s what Father wants. We’ll have to wait and see where all his planning and scheming with Chief Basilius will ultimately lead. But you don’t have to worry about that.” He stroked the long, silky dark hair off her face. “Let’s practice your magic now. You must master it so I know you’ll be safe.”

“Thank you, brother.” Lucia went up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips softly against his before she gave him another fierce hug. “What would I ever do without you?”

Magnus’s lips burned from her kiss and his heart felt as if it had been set ablaze—just like the witch once had been. “I hope we’ll never have to find out.”

Theon Ranus had experienced anger, grief, sadness, and desire many times. But not fear.

Theon Ranus had experienced anger, grief, sadness, and desire many times. But not fear.

Not until today.

“The princess isn’t in her room. She’s nowhere to be found!” The maid’s cry quickened his steps as he made his way down the hall, the maid who was supposed to be stationed outside Princess Cleo’s room during the hours that Theon slept and couldn’t keep watch over her.

Cold fear crashed over him.

He knew immediately where she’d gone. She’d done exactly what she’d threatened. She’s escaped the palace to go on her journey to Paelsia. Even after he’d refused to accompany her, she’d gone anyway.

Foolish girl. Strong-willed, foolish girl.