Falling Kingdoms

The queen’s expression soured further. “Other than her obvious charms? He also saw her as a wise advisor. One who could help him get what he most wants in life. Power.”

“That’s why I was taken at the cost of my birth mother’s life.” Her throat closed. “Because he thought I could help him to become more powerful.”

“Your birth was heralded in the stars. Somehow, some way, Sabina found out where you were. At the time, I was trying to have another child but failing. My body had been devastated by miscarriages. So to be presented with a lovely little girl that I could raise as my own and no one would know the difference...well, I didn’t ask for details. I simply accepted everything.”

Lucia felt faint, but she forced herself to appear as strong as possible. “If you were so happy to get the chance to raise me, why is it that you can barely look at me? Why have you never said a kind word to me?”

“Of course I have.” But then her brows drew together as if she doubted her own words. “I don’t know. I never realized that I was hurting you. My own mother was a cruel and . . . cold woman. Perhaps I took after her more than I . . . more than I realized. But it wasn’t on purpose, Lucia. I love both you and your brother.”

“He’s not my brother,” Lucia said quietly. She’d tried not to think about what happened in Magnus’s chambers. The feel of his mouth on hers, demanding what she couldn’t give in return. The devastated look on his face when she’d pushed him away...

“Family is the most important thing in the world,” the queen said firmly. “It’s what you have left when everything else falls apart. And you do have a family. Your father is so very proud of you.”

“I don’t know how he can be proud of me. I killed Sabina.” Her gaze flicked to the queen. “Is that why you’re being so kind to me today? Are you afraid of what I can do?”

The queen’s pale bluish-gray eyes widened a fraction. “I could never fear you, daughter. I admire you. I see what a strong and beautiful woman you’re growing up to be. And I am awed by what you’re capable of now.”

Lucia’s stomach clenched. “I killed her, Mother. I crushed her against the wall and then I set her on fire.”

Something slid behind the queen’s gaze, something cold and dark. “I’m glad she’s dead. And I’m glad she suffered. I celebrate her death.”

Her words chilled Lucia. “Death is not something to celebrate.”

Queen Althea looked away and changed the subject.

“Your father wants to see you right now. I was on my way to your chambers to tell you. He has something very important to discuss with you. Go to him. Now.”

The queen left the alcove and continued on down the hallway without a backward glance. Lucia watched her walk away.

Then she went directly to her father’s meeting hall, where lately he spent most of his waking hours.

“Come in, Lucia,” her father called as she pushed open the large doors. She entered to find that her father wasn’t alone. Magnus was with him. Her chest tightened at the sight of him.

He wasn’t looking at her. He stood by the wall, his gaze fixed on the king. Magnus had spent a great deal of time with their father since the king arrived back from Auranos. She had no idea how he’d reacted to Magnus’s admitted failure during the trip leading to the deaths of two guards. She wished she knew the whole story. Magnus had been so upset when he returned.

“I know this has all been very difficult for you. Especially what Magnus told you about your birth.”

She tried not to look at her brother. Nevertheless, she now felt the chill of his gaze on her. “I’m trying to accept everything as best I can.”

“Know this, you are my daughter. I love you beyond any other I ever could have hoped to have. You are a part of this family today, tomorrow, and always. In every way. Do you believe me?”

His words felt solid and truthful. A small, tense piece of her finally relaxed. “I believe you.”

The king sat down in a tall-backed chair. She braved a look at Magnus, but he’d averted his gaze again. He had yet to even acknowledge her presence. It had been that way since the night she came to his room and tried to comfort his pain more than a week ago. At every meal since, he’d flatly ignored her. When she’d crossed his path, he sidestepped her. She’d become like a shadow to him.

She’d wounded him deeply. But she’d had no choice. What he wanted from her, she couldn’t give him.

“Do you know what my plans are when it comes to Auranos?” the king asked her.

She nodded. “You mean to conquer it alongside the chieftain of Paelsia.”

“Very good. And do you think this is a wise plan?”

Lucia squeezed her hands together on her lap. “It sounds very dangerous.”

“Yes, it will be dangerous. But it’s meant to be,” he said. “Magnus will be at my side. Together, we might have to give our lives in this siege to ensure the future strength and prosperity of Limeros.”

She looked at him with alarm. “Please don’t say that.”

“You care about us, don’t you, Lucia? Even now that you know of your true origins.”

She was an orphan who’d been taken in by this family, no matter how that situation had come about. Without her adoptive family, she had nothing. Without the Damora name, she was a Paelsian peasant. “I do.”