Chapter 149

  I took the wine goblet with me to Akyran's door and knocked. I heard him call out, so I opened it. He was standing, looking out the window at the darkening sky, whilst Ithyles finished buttoning his cufflinks.

  "My Prince," Ithyles murmured, seeing me.

  Akyran turned his head with a smile and looked surprised. For a long moment, he regarded me, the surprise fading into an expression I could not put a name to. "You were right about the dress not needing jewels," he said finally.

  "The locket is perfect, however," I agreed, reaching up to where it rested on my neck. "Here," I handed him the wine.

  He took it out of my hands and took a mouthful, without taking his eyes from me. He grimaced and looked into the cup. "What is in this?"

  "Oh, this and that. A precaution. Your mother has been a little… loose with her magic recently."

  He raised his eyebrows. "You think she'll spell me to think I have lost my magic, and send me out into the world with a Destiny spell?"