Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2)

by Caitlin Taylor

  "Your Majesty, if I may?"

  Akoni gave a wave of his hand, bidding him continue.

  "I know Lord Ignacio is an avid reader. He knows the palace library well. He may know something. I'd like to ask his help with my research, if it's okay."

  "Yes, it's absolutely fine. Tell him whatever you wish to aid you. He..." Akoni chuckled. "I tend to tell him everything anyway."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. We may yet find something more helpful."

  Akoni nodded and sat again. "You know, I think I'm beginning to understand my father in ways I never did in the past. What I felt after...events in council. If there's anything to ease the pain, I can see the appeal. As much as I don't want to be hurting others and cannot justify his actions, I'm coming to understand them. He became such a different man after his ascension. It terrified me then. And now, well, it looks like I'm going through much the same thing. I feel myself changing, and there seems little I can do about it." With his elbows on his knees, he linked his hands behind his neck, staring at the floor. His magic was swirling inside him, restless and vengeful. "I'm sorry, Toby. I think we'll need to finish for the day." He looked up again, certain his eyes conveyed his inner turmoil.

  "Of course, Your Majesty. Is there anything...?"

  "It's all right, Toby. Leave now."

  ***

  Akoni wished he could send everyone away as easily as he had done with Toby. If everyone left him alone, he wouldn't need to try so hard to restrain his magic. If he was by himself, he couldn't harm anyone. But the empire was still in poor condition and could not be ignored.

  "Your Majesty, what do you want to do about it?"

  Akoni was brought back to the men sitting around the table. His inner council. Men who seemed to spend most of their time squabbling. What did he need them for again? His gaze moved to the map on the table. Rebels. They'd been speaking about rebel attacks. There weren't enough soldiers to cover every front.

  Fort Cambrofa, in Ascoia to the south, had been doing well since his intervention several months earlier. Forsavallum in the north was secured by the Clansmen, who worked best without intervention. The east needed to be secured in case the Livanorans returned and Calenatis in the west was now littered with pockets of rebel strongholds. Ravogenis, the central regions, were managing, just about. Their proximity to the capital allowed fast resupply when and where needed. The west...

  "There have been no Livs in a long while," Akoni said at length. "The bigger threat right now are the rebels. Take ten percent from every fort in the east and send them west. Consolidate them into two forces and make them attack from the north and south simultaneously. They will work their way through every town until they meet in the middle. By which point this should be done. Get them moving fast. They can camp in the fields around Corunia to resupply and join up with our forces here before marching on." He let his gaze travel across the men. They wanted to argue, it was written on their faces. He rose and left the room without another word, forestalling any further discussions.

  "For what it's worth, I think you made the right decision," Ignacio said as he joined Akoni in his study, sitting on the sofa across from him.

  "They didn't seem to think so."

  "They are afraid of the Livs, but if they return, we'll deal with it when it happens." Ignacio paused for a moment. "There was a letter from Fort Kesu."

  "Did Kieron and his charges get there?"

  "Yes, they reached the fort alive and well enough." Ignacio cleared his throat, an odd expression marring his features. "It appears Leandros became storm struck during his first night at the fort and perished. The investigation could determine no outside influence."

  Akoni sat up a little straighter, keeping his expression neutral. "Storm struck, huh." Either the goddess had truly exacted her own vengeance, or Kieron had been successful. It wasn't quite relief that washed through Akoni, but at least there was one small worry less on his plate. He would take what he could get.

  "Apparently it's common among newcomers. His son is raging, of course."

  "Of course. It changes nothing. Demyan will remain where he is regardless."

  Ignacio nodded.

  "Is there anything else? Did Kieron and his men go home?"

  "They did. Once the investigation was completed, the Clansmen left the fort with the payments you had readied for them. There is an addendum about a Clansman stationed at Fort Kesu. The only one of his kind. It appears Kieron has taken him into the mountains with him, in agreement with the fort commander. He says you had a conversation at Extraneo that made him certain you'd approve. The five of them are no longer part of the legion; they are free men now. The letter is many days old. They may well have reached their Clans already."

  "I'm glad. At least they can find some peace and comfort in reuniting with their families."

  "Another achievement."

  Akoni smiled wryly and shook his head. These were not the achievements he wanted, not the ones that truly mattered. "Tell me there's news, Nace," he pleaded, looking at his friend in what he was certain would be a forlorn way. He had no energy left to care.

  "I can tell you there's news, but it isn't good. Some of our messengers have reported back; they didn't find him. There are still a few out there, though."

  "I'm becoming a danger to everyone. I can feel it growing, readying to strike again. The physicians' books are clear--every generation gets worse. My father wasn't capable. If I'm going to be worse, I don't think I want to be king." Akoni hid his face in his hands, fear reducing his already impaired abilities even further.

  "Don't say that, Ako. If you give up now, then what did you spend all these years fighting for? You need to stay strong and you will get through this."

  "I'm thankful for your faith in me. But I'm not convinced."

  "Xandra wanted me to tell you that she's grateful. Things have been becoming easier for her. And Lady Trevino has the same sentiments."

  Ignacio's attempt at changing the subject and cheering him were not lost on Akoni. He raised his head to give his friend a weak smile. "At least a small achievement before I lose myself to madness."

  "Two grateful nobles with a single action. You should take it for the good sign it is. You'll be a great king," Ignacio said with obvious conviction.

  Akoni shook his head. "We should be making plans. There's no heir. No one I could suitably proclaim as one. We'll have to leave power with the council. Though with the current members that seems like a disaster waiting to happen."

  "Akoni, I am not--"

  "Yes, Ignacio. You will," Akoni interrupted, glaring at his advisor. "If he isn't found and I get worse, there must be a plan in place. I will not become a mad king."

  "Ako," Ignacio said, his tone imploring.

  "I will not relent in this," Akoni snarled. "Tomorrow you'll give me a list of lords you think will make suitable members of a democratic council. We'll go through them to discuss pros and cons and make preparations. I'll have to nominate someone to lead without ruling. It must be someone I can trust so I can tell them my expectations."

  "As you wish, Your Majesty."

  "Leave me now," he snapped.

  Ignacio opened his mouth, but no words came. He rose to his feet, bowed, and left.

  Alone at last. It didn't bring the peace he wanted. Instead, he was filled with regret for the way he'd spoken to his only true friend.

  There was work to be done yet. He sank into his chair, took a letter off the ever-growing pile, and began to read. Sometimes he was interrupted by messengers or lords with urgent business. He tried his best to deal with each patiently, but his magic grew more and more restless, making him irritable.

  Sometime after the sun had set, he left his study and headed to his bedroom. At least he'd be undisturbed there. As he entered, the smell of flowers and cut grass filled his nostrils. The servants must have just closed the windows, kept open during the day to allow the summer breeze in. He took off his sword and lay it aside. These days he had more gu
ards than ever, but keeping his sword nearby eased his worries more than a whole squadron of guards. Maybe I have trust issues. He snorted at the thought. How unsurprising would that be, all things considered?

  Seeing his bed reinforced his tiredness. He sat on the edge to take off his boots. Then he flopped backwards and closed his eyes.

  Dreams taunted him. Things that had been, things that could have been, things that might be. His father in happier times, face twisting into a grim, monstrous visage, with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. Lux beside him, surrounded by Livanorans, both of them fighting for their lives. With their backs to each other they fought relentlessly. His visit to the city market, dressed as a peasant, ignored by the common folk, Jeffrey at his side. They were holding hands, kissing, laughing. Then they were in a field of flowers, lying naked in each other's arms. The handful of people he had cared for in his life, encircled by walls of fire moving ever closer, trapping them. He stood inside the flames, heat all around him, pressing down on him without causing him any harm. There was nothing he could do. He had to stand by and watch as everyone he loved was consumed, their screams echoing.

  He woke with a start, sitting up straight in bed. The scream was his own. His room stood in flames, oppressive heat enclosing him. A flash of memory when his father activated his magic...it was the same sensation.

  "No," he screamed and threw his hands out.

  The fire continued to crackle around him. Despair filled him, and he thought of Jeffrey, all the things they wouldn't get to do. Smoke filled his nose, and he coughed hard. Fighting fear, he concentrated, thinking of the way his magic reacted around Jeffrey, and tried again.

  A strange, tingling sensation washed through him, and an eerie silence descended, broken only by his own heavy breathing. When he opened his eyes again, the flames were gone. But they had been real. The walls were black, the furniture seared, his clothes turned to ash. Smoke lingered, smothering him.

  He stumbled to his feet and opened a window, gulping in lungfuls of fresh air between coughs. Tears streamed down his face. How could he go on like this? What if he could not stop it next time? What if he burned down the palace?

  There was no energy left inside him, and he sank to his knees, leaning against the charred wall, wrapping his arms around himself, rocking his naked body. His skin was undamaged, he noted, in the back of his mind. Despair wrapped itself around him like a blanket as he choked on the sobs wracking his body.

  He would leave, he vowed. He would not let others be hurt because of him. It'd be better if he left. In the morning. When he didn't hurt so badly anymore.

  The next thing Akoni knew was a familiar voice cursing. He blinked. Had he fallen asleep again? His gaze swept the room, black, charred, full of ash. It had not been a dream then. Hendrick had arrived with his breakfast. His guards hadn't come. Maybe they hadn't heard anything through two sets of doors, or maybe they were asleep again. He missed Kieron, who had always been loyal, and with excellent senses, he'd have known and checked on Akoni.

  "Your Majesty, by the goddess, are you all right?"

  "Fine," Akoni croaked, his voice not his own. He coughed, his throat sore and dry.

  Hendrick found a blanket in a chest and wrapped it around him. "What happened?"

  "Don't tell anyone," Akoni implored, his gaze pinning Hendrick.

  "But--"

  "You cannot!"

  "As you command, Your Majesty. Should I get Lord Ignacio? Or the physician?"

  "Water."

  Hendrick hurried and brought a glass and pitcher, refilling every time Akoni drained it. The cool liquid soothed Akoni's raw throat.

  "Help me up please," Akoni said, his pharynx a little less sore, his voice more his own again.

  Hendrick did as asked, laying one of Akoni's arms across his shoulders to take some of his weight. They moved slowly and reached the bathroom, where Akoni gratefully entered the sunken basin. Even though he'd not burned, the water relieved him, taking away some of the aching. "Thank you, Hendrick. Could you see if you can find some clothes that aren't ruined?"

  "Of course, Your Majesty."

  For the longest time, Akoni lay soaking in the hot water. His magic was quiet again, its energy spent for now. It helped him think more clearly and confirm the decision he'd come to the previous day. He'd find a way to reinstate the kind of democratic council of ancient times. His bloodline could not continue to rule. Maybe he'd let it disappear with himself. It'd be better for the realm, for everyone, if he did not have an heir. For the safety of everyone else, he'd leave as soon as the foundations of change were laid.

  Hendrick had left him some clothes, and Akoni got dressed. When he returned to his bedroom, the worst of the ashes had been gathered in the remnants of his bedsheets. All the windows were open, and in time the smell of smoke may even disappear.

  In broad daylight, the room looked even worse than it had in darkness. How was he going to rationalise this to anyone? "Not sure a knocked over candle will explain this away," he joked half-heartedly.

  "I've done what I can for now, Your Majesty. It's..." Hendrick shrugged.

  "It'll need a lot of work, and I would not expect you to do it all. You've done well, Hendrick. I think I might need to talk to Ignacio now. But first, tell me, how is your mother?"

  Hendrick paused and smiled. "The medicine is working. The physician said she'll make a full recovery. Thank you for asking, Your Majesty, and for your help."

  "I'm glad to hear she's doing better. Anything you need, you tell me, right?"

  Hendrick nodded, his cheeks turning red. "I've left your breakfast in the reception room, Your Majesty. It might be more comfortable today."

  "Thank you, Hendrick."

  "I'll go get his lordship now." He bowed and left.

  Chapter 9

  Something touched the edges of Akoni's senses.

  It had been months since he'd last felt it, but he recognised it right away. It was what he had felt that first time. When he'd walked past the new recruits as they'd trained. The faintest whisper, so insubstantial he'd ignored it.

  Until the next day. When he'd been in the marshal's office, watching the recruits again. With time to observe and analyse, he'd understood what it was. To feel it again now...

  He rose from his chair, and his legs trembled. A knocking. It took time to understand it was the door and not his thumping heart.

  "Enter," he called, his voice carrying an odd pitch.

  The marshal entered and saluted. "Your Majesty--"

  "You've found him," Akoni said in a breathless whisper.

  "The mission has been completed. Do you want the soldier's report?" the marshal asked, unfazed.

  "Send him in." Akoni sank back into his chair, his legs not holding him.

  The marshal saluted again and left. The door remained ajar. Words were exchanged outside, too faint to hear.

  He entered.

  Dressed in the blue tunic of the imperial soldiers but without armour. More tanned, blond hair longer and messier. He took only a few steps into the room and sank to his knees, his head lowered the entire time.

  "Your Majesty."

  "Jeffrey," Akoni whispered. Stronger than ever, his magic stirred, overwhelming his senses. There was so much he wanted to say and yet he couldn't speak. Silence stretched on.

  "Your Majesty," Jeffrey repeated. "As your assigned personal guard, I abandoned my shift and put you in danger. I knew the marshal was with you and that you'd be safe with him but I still abandoned my post. I plead guilty to all charges and will accept whatever punishment is appropriate."

  "Punish you?" Akoni said, baffled. Shaking his head, he tried to get a hold of himself. "Rise," he said and stood as well, moving closer. His magic seemed to respond to the proximity, almost like it was dancing. "Oh, Jeffrey." He sighed as he stood in front of him. "Months I've spent imagining this moment, all the things I'd want to say. And now we're here, and I'm so relieved, I can't remember any of it."

  Jeffrey had risen
but kept his head lowered. He had an infuriating habit for that. Akoni reached out with one hand, hooking a finger under Jeffrey's chin to lift his head. For a moment Akoni feared he'd see the same look of judgement as that first day. But it was different today. Jeffrey's sea-green eyes were clouded in fear. It startled Akoni even more.

  "There'll be no punishment," Akoni said. "You were away on a mission assigned by me. No one will question it." He paused a moment, then added, "I've missed you."

  "Why would you cover for me?" Jeffrey asked, his eyebrows drawn together.

  "Have you still not understood?" Akoni shook his head. "I... I've met your sister," he said on a whim.

  Jeffrey's entire body tensed, almost like he was readying himself to fight.

  A hint of anger stirred within Akoni. How was it that they could never have a conversation without it escalating? "She's lovely and will be quite pleased to see you again."

  "Your Majesty..." Jeffrey spoke haltingly. "I do not have a sister."

  Akoni groaned in frustration. "Can we not get over this pretending? I know you were born a noble. Everything I've found out seems to confirm you're Corvin Trevino. Why will you keep denying it?"

  "Because it's better for everyone that Corvin remains...disappeared," Jeffrey said, his eyes flashing.

  "Your sister disagrees. As do I. By the goddess, Jeffrey. What could possibly make you continue this charade?"

  "Have I not made myself clear yet? I do not wish to live as a noble. I am content as a soldier. Your Majesty."

  "Stop calling me that." Akoni sighed and turned away to pace. This he had not missed. Why could they not have a conversation like normal people? "You've no idea what the last few months have been like for me. I..." He broke off. There was so much to say but no words to convey it all.

  "Your Majesty, your father is no longer a danger to you, surely. I see you have a full complement of your own guards now. You don't need me anymore. This is why I left. It's better I'm not here. Look at us, we're already fighting, and I've been here all of a few moments. I am no good for you. You must let me go."