Crown of Blood

by D G Swank

  “Are you more interested in my sister?” I asked demurely.

  His gaze lifted to mine, his hesitation evident. “Why do you ask?”

  “I know you wanted to marry Rowan.”

  He dropped my hand and sat up straighter. “Why would you think that?”

  I had to be careful. I didn’t want him to know the extent of my communication with the book. He still thought the book could be controlled, and it was best for him to fool himself into thinking so. “Rowan told me herself.”

  Cursing under his breath, he leaned forward with an earnest look. “No. Rowan is much too spirited for me.”

  “It doesn’t take a genius to realize that you want a powerful marriage. It makes sense to take a Whelan sister as a wife. Plus, if you unite with a Whelan, you’re more likely to control the book.”

  He picked up his wine glass, remaining silent. Thoughtful.

  “Rowan would sooner die than marry you. Phoebe is too taken with your brother to consider it. You could force either of them to marry you—you’ll soon possess the magical power to have whatever you want, but you’ll never be able to change their attitudes toward you. You need a wife who publicly and privately supports you.”

  “You’re suggesting you’re that sister.”

  “We want the same things,” I said.

  “Do we?” he asked, sounding amused.

  I shifted in my seat. “I have power, Donall. Great power. I just need to learn how to use it. You’ve acquired great power by taking it from mage and witch sacrifices.” A sardonic smile lifted the corners of my lips. “I’m not a fool, contrary to what you might think.”

  Something flashed in his eyes, but I’d expected him to react with defensiveness, and I was prepared for it.

  “How’d you know?” he said.

  Because of how his power felt. Because of his wide range of abilities. Because he was wicked to the core. Donall had been a weak mage, and the weak don’t just suddenly become strong. But he wouldn’t want to hear that. He’d want to believe I’d watched and admired from afar.

  “I heard of the deaths out east, and even though the Small Council couldn’t figure out what was going on, I was on to you, even if I didn’t know it was you.”

  His mouth parted in surprise.

  “I knew you would reach out to me, or at least I’d hoped so. You were acquiring power, and I was a loose cannon who guarded an ancient book of illegal spells. If you were worth your weight at all, you’d seek me out. You didn’t disappoint.”

  He looked impressed. “Go on.”

  “I let you think I was caught off guard when you contacted me, because I didn’t want to scare you off. If I’d told you I was eager and willing to help, you would have been suspicious, am I right?”

  Nodding, he appraised me with an expression of wonder. The arrogant and self-obsessed were inclined to believe whatever they heard so long as it fit their preconceptions of the world. Donall wanted me to be his queen, and he believed himself worthy of a throne—which was why he was lapping up every word I said. “Why would you want to align yourself with me?”

  “Both reasons that I’ve given you are true. I need help controlling my power, and I want to be on the winning side. But there’s one more consideration.” I paused to make sure I had his attention. “I don’t want to give up my power, and I can help you rule if you let me keep it.”

  Appreciation filled his eyes. “And how do I know you won’t try to take over?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Because I have no interest in ruling anything. I’d rather let you rule and be your helpmate,” I said, doing my best to look sincere. “You can be the brains of the partnership, and I can back you up with my power. Together, we’ll live in luxury.”

  “How do I know I can trust you?” he asked.

  “How do you know that you can’t?” I batted my eyelashes. “I suspect the more you get to know me, the real me, the sooner you’ll learn that I’m not a threat. Starting with no magic is a good first step. It puts us on a more level playing field.”

  The last part was a risk—he certainly didn’t see me or any woman as his equal—yet I wanted to convey the message that I wasn’t a threat.

  “An excellent idea,” he said, reaching for my hand.

  I slowly pulled it out of reach and picked up my fork. “While I realize our marriage will be a power play, I would also hope you desire me, Donall.”

  My response caught him off guard. “Of course I desire you, Celeste.”

  “Just as I’m sure you don’t want me lusting after other men, Donall, I need to know that you want me for me, not because my sisters don’t suit your purposes as well as I do.” I held up my hand when he started to protest. “Please. Don’t insult me by insisting you do. But we have time to work on it.”

  “The takeover will happen soon,” he said. “So perhaps not as much time as you think.”

  Which meant I had less time to learn to control my power than I had thought.

  Chapter Ten

  After dinner, Donall stayed and we played a game of chess on a board that had been in my father’s family for generations. Rowan had looked for it for about six months after his “death”, distraught and confused when she couldn’t find it. I counted it as one more betrayal of my sister. I’d known he’d taken it—I’d seen through his glamour when he’d shown up to his own wake at the house—tangible proof to confirm my suspicions, but obviously I’d kept it to myself. I’d watched as he soaked in the praise of the people around him, his chest puffing out as if he actually deserved it. I’d watched as he observed Rowan and Phoebe holding each other, crying. My power had almost exploded, then, but I’d run outside, into the woods, and let it release into the trees. One of them had exploded into a cloud of ash.

  Later, I’d seen my father slip the chess set out the back door along with the books and papers he needed to continue his work for the Dark Set.

  Peter Savage had been there to help with Father’s cover.

  But if Donall knew the significance of the chessboard, he didn’t let on. It was just another chess set for him.

  Donall was good, but I suspected he was used to reading the minds of his opponents, something he couldn’t do with me. Or with anyone else in this room. He seemed to be enjoying this true battle of wits…until I put him into check with my queen. I was playing better than I’d ever played in my life, likely because my mind was utterly clear for the first time, but I had to admit that I wanted to defeat him. To teach him that he wasn’t the best of the best.

  My move caught him off guard, and he looked up at me with a dark expression.

  I let my mouth part in mock surprise, then gave him a coy smile.

  He gripped his bishop, about to put himself into checkmate, but instead he sacrificed his own queen to protect his king. He sat back and studied me with a challenging look.

  Instead of taking his queen, I took his bishop. “I can see how you might consider your queen expendable, but you’re not thinking far enough ahead, Master Donall.”

  His queen took mine as he gave me a malicious grin. “Perhaps I know what my queen is capable of.” He swept all the pieces from the board. Apparently, he didn’t want to risk making his near loss a decided defeat. He stood and waited.

  I rose and went to him, knowing it was what he expected. “Thank you for a lovely dinner and an entertaining evening.”

  “But of course.” He surprised me by leaning over and pressing his lips to mine. When I didn’t resist, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer, bringing my body flush with his. His mouth became bolder, and I realized I hadn’t reacted to his advances—either to participate or push him away. I might not have experience, but I knew enough to realize I was supposed to be doing something—although his chapped lips made me feel nothing but disgust.

  His free hand cupped my breast, and I jerked back before I could stop myself.

  I glanced up at his furious eyes and realized I needed to do some fast talking. “I’m sorry. It�
��s just…” I swallowed, then decided to admit my vulnerability. It had the benefit of being true, although no one knew. Even my sisters, although they might have suspected. “I’ve never kissed a man before, let alone…”

  Glee spread across his face. He looked like he’d just won the lottery. “Really?”

  “Yes,” I said, realizing this was actually an advantage. The Dark Set liked their women straight-laced and buttoned-up, and I was sure that included their vaginas. “I don’t leave my house much, and when I worked at the manufacturing plant, I tried to ignore most of the men around me.”

  A few of them had made suggestive comments, which had led to my…shall we say outburst at work. I was lucky he hadn’t died.

  He was lucky he hadn’t died.

  I didn’t trust myself or my magic, which had made it difficult to get close to anyone.

  He cupped my cheek, his eyes shining. “Not to worry, dear Celeste. I’ll treat you like the precious flower you are.” He placed a gentle kiss on my lips, then headed for the door. He started to walk out but stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “Zane will be here at eight to resume your training. Breakfast and fresh clothes will be brought to you at seven.” A smile spread across his face. “Sweet dreams, my Celeste.”

  The next morning, a guard brought me a breakfast of fresh fruit, toast, and eggs, along with a small stack of clothes. I took a shower in the attached bathroom and changed into a pair of jeans that was a size too big and a plain white V-neck T-shirt. My hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, and my face was free of makeup. I wore the shoes I’d had on when I’d shown up to retrieve the book and the orb from Radcliffe.

  Zane arrived at my door promptly at eight. He wore a pair of jeans that hung from his hips and a light gray T-shirt that clung to his muscled chest and arms. His ebony hair was damp, and his bangs were pushed to one side of his forehead.

  For an instant, I found myself wondering what it would be like if this man kissed me. Something told me his lips wouldn’t feel rough and unappealing. The crazy thought was there and then gone in an instant, especially when he cocked his head and shot me a dark glare. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Disappointment coursed through my veins. I had been hoping for the Zane from the previous afternoon, not the angry mage who’d called me “Princess.”

  I started to take a step out of the room, but he suddenly held up his hand and barked, “Wait.”

  I lifted my brow and waited for an explanation.

  “Your power…” He huffed out a breath. “When you cross the threshold, it’s going to come rushing back. After you spent nearly sixteen hours without it…it might be hard to handle.”

  His concern caught me off guard. “How do you suggest I do this?”

  “Maybe start small. Try putting your hand out and see what happens.”

  Taking a deep breath, I stuck my left hand through the threshold—and instantly fell to my knees as pain seared up my arm.

  Zane had obviously decided the Band-Aid approach was best, because he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the hall. I gritted my teeth, waiting for the pain to flood my body, only it didn’t. My power settled over me like a soothing blanket, while the orb thrummed to life in my right hand.

  Kneeling beside me, Zane continued to hold my wrist. “Are you okay?”

  I stared up at him in shock. I had no doubt his magic had tamed mine, the effect even more noticeable today, but did he realize it? The wavering in his eyes suggested he did. His next words confirmed it. “Tell me when you’re ready for me to let go.”

  I gave him a slow nod, which he took as permission to proceed.

  The warm blanket turned into a tsunami, knocking me flat on the floor. Raw power swirled in my head and ran hot in my blood, and my mind fought to regain control.

  I feared I was losing the battle, that I would drown in my own stew of power, when a wave of cool energy surrounded me, soothing the heat. The chaos. My power settled into place, leaving only the pounding of the orb in my hand.

  When my eyes could focus again, I saw Zane crouching beside me. Although he wasn’t touching me, he’d wrapped his power around me like a swaddling cloth.

  “Celeste?”

  I blinked and gave him a soft smile. “Thanks.” Pushing up with my hands, I sat still for a moment, regaining my equilibrium.

  He frowned. “I was afraid that would happen.”

  I nodded again, still trying to regain control. After a few seconds, I stood and grabbed onto the wall, the magic in me still settling back into co-existence with my mind. “Okay. Where to?”

  “Outside,” he said, standing up.

  I followed him down the hall and down the staircase, thankful he was moving slowly to accommodate my struggle for balance. When we got outside, I expected him to take me to the overgrown courtyard, but instead he led me out into the woods, down a well-worn path covered with fallen leaves.

  “Aren’t you worried I’ll run away?” I asked, still following him. The crunching of the leaves under our feet echoed through the bare trees around us.

  “I was under the impression you’re here of your own free will,” he said, still stomping down a path.

  “So was I until I was locked up in a null room,” I said, a little too shortly, but he neither responded nor turned around. We continued on like that in silence for another ten minutes until the path opened to a clearing next to a small lake surrounded entirely by the woods.

  The surface of the water was so flat it reflected the surrounding trees. The whole place radiated a serenity that took my breath away. I’d only felt this sense of peace on my own land.

  “I take it we’re out here because I’m dangerous.”

  “That and I wanted to be away from prying eyes and ears.” I started to ask him why he cared, but he added, “My magic is a mystery to most of the Dark Set. I prefer to keep it that way.”

  I stared at him in surprise. “You keep secrets from the Dark Set?”

  “The Dark Set isn’t the panacea it claims to be. They keep secrets of their own.” That subject was clearly at an end, however, because he launched into a lecture about the natural magic suffusing the world around us and how it affected magicals and non-magicals alike.

  “Expression magicals can work with the magic in the natural world, just like witches and mages who have that specialty. In fact, it’s recommended that’s where we start.”

  “My mother started me with telekinesis,” I said thoughtfully. “It was how my power first manifested.”

  “The Druids told me that’s common. Mine manifested with water, but I lived next to Lake Michigan, so they weren’t surprised.”

  “Where did you grow up?”

  “Northern Michigan. My parents have a house right on the water.”

  “Huh,” I said, thinking about where I’d been raised. “I grew up around trees. Why didn’t my power manifest with those?”

  “Perhaps because water is easier to manipulate than trees.”

  I gasped. “One of the first things I ever did was make an apple fall from a tree branch. Rowan told me it wasn’t ripe enough yet, but I still wanted it, so I made it come to me. My mother thought it was telekinesis, but maybe I was actually manipulating the tree.”

  “Perhaps,” he said. “How old were you?”

  “Three. Younger than most witches and mages when they first come into their magic. Which was why Mother figured out I was different.”

  “Not to mention Whelans often possess rarer magics than most. She was likely watching for something unusual.”

  I nodded. He was right, but she was also trying to protect us. She’d tried to pass me off as a telekinetic, but my father had put two and two together when I’d made waterfall from the ceiling like rain. He’d notified the Small Council, or at least that was what my mother had told me. I’d been too young to understand the implications.

  “Trees give off a magic of their own. They are sacred in Druid magic,” he said. “Perhaps you’ll have an easier t
ime connecting with them given your past experience.”

  “Can you feel their magic?” I asked.

  He nodded. “I can also see it. Tiny points of light covering their bark, but that’s another skill entirely. You need to focus on feeling their magic first. It will help soothe you.”

  Perhaps that was why I’d always loved working in my special spot in the woods. Because the magic of the trees had helped me control my own power. Except that didn’t feel quite right either. I was still unstable out in the woods.

  Maybe Zane was right, and I was learning to control my power too late.

  “What do I do?” I asked softly. I didn’t have to try to sound desperate.

  “Close your eyes,” he said. “Concentrate on your magic, then on mine. Let me know when you have mine clearly in focus.”

  I closed my eyes, but I could already sense he’d lifted part of the wall he maintained to hide his power, making himself more known to me. His power felt like a cool, inviting lake, just like the one in front of us. I wanted to dip inside of it.

  “Okay,” I said. “I can feel you.”

  He was silent for a moment, and I was about to open my eyes when he said, “You need to focus on the trees. Their energy will be much, much smaller than yours or mine. It blends in, like a mosquito landing on your arm. It’s there, but you need to concentrate to feel it.”

  I nodded, understanding the concept. I focused on the outer edges of the energy I released. But it was too erratic and unstable, too overwhelming, for me to notice any tiny pings of energy from the trees. My attention shifted back to Zane’s power, the smooth expanse of it. Although he’d revealed more of his ability to me, I felt certain this still wasn’t his full power. It was just a preview. I could understand why he could feel the power of the trees—it was easier to see a pebble enter a body of water if the surface was smooth versus white-capped waves. So instead of trying to feel the magic of the trees myself, I fixed my attention on Zane’s magic, narrowing my magical focus down until I felt tiny points of magic rolling across the surface of his “lake.”